New buildings, road work, and other construction is common throughout Forest Hills and across New York City. Increased construction also means the increased risks of accidents that can affect workers, pedestrians, and others near a job site. If you have been injured as a result of one of these accidents, Forest Hills construction accident attorney Michael J. Redenburg can help you determine your legal options. Workers injured on the job may be limited to only recovering workers’ compensation benefits from their employer. However, a third-party may also be liable in your claim. Additionally, if you are a pedestrian injured passing by or a visitor who has been injured on a construction site, you may be entitled to damages in a personal injury claim. Mr. Redenburg will determine all parties responsible for causing a construction accident to make sure you receive the compensation you need, and are entitled to, for your harm. If you’ve been injured, or a loved one has died in a devastating construction accident, and you have questions about your legal rights, call our office today at (212) 240-9465 or contact us online to speak with an attorney.
Construction Accidents in Forest Hills
In 2022, over 750 construction accidents were reported across New York City. In Forest Hills, ongoing road construction for bike connection projects as well as other maintenance or improvements, leave residents at risk for harm. New residential and mixed-use buildings are constantly being approved and construction sites are always present throughout the area. If you’ve been injured at or near a Forest Hills construction site, an experienced injury attorney can help you explore your legal options.
Thousands of workers are involved in the NYC construction sector. Most of these workers are trained to do, and perform their jobs safely. However, that is not always the case. Construction areas contain various hazards that can make them particularly dangerous to those on site as well as nearby. Factors that contribute to construction accidents include:
- Falling objects
- Unsafe chemicals
- Scaffolding and ladder falls
- Defective safety equipment
- Electrical accidents
- PPE violations
- Crane and other heavy machinery accidents
Victims of these accidents can also include not only construction workers, but also pedestrians and motorists. Construction zones can be the site for slip, or trip, and fall accidents, chemical spills, or burn and shock injuries. Many, if not most, of these incidents and resulting injuries could be avoidable if reasonable care was taken. When such care is not exercised, victims of construction accidents may hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence.
Liability for Construction Accident Injuries
Under Section 200 of the New York Labor Law property owners and general contractors are required to “provide reasonable and adequate protection to the lives, health and safety of all persons employed therein or lawfully frequenting such places.” This means they must keep construction sites reasonably safe for workers, as well as those who visit. If an accident occurs on a construction site that violates the Labor Law, or is otherwise unreasonably dangerous, those injured have legal recourse. Construction workers can seek workers’ compensation benefits, which typically waives their right to file a personal injury lawsuit against an employer. However, workers still may have the right to file suit against another party liable for an unsafe working condition or dangerous equipment. A pedestrian or motorist injured due to an unsafe worksite can file an injury lawsuit against the party who has acted negligently in causing their harm, including a property owner or a construction company.
Construction accidents can lead to significant injuries such as amputation, back injury, burns, crushing injuries, head and neck injury, as well as paralysis. Victims of these injuries caused by negligence are entitled to compensation for ongoing medical bills, loss of income, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering. If a fatality occurs due to negligent acts, family members may also pursue a wrongful death action in order to recover burial and funeral costs, loss of support, and outstanding medical expenses on behalf of their lost loved one. For workers’ compensation claims in New York, employers must be notified within 30 days of an incident for benefits to be awarded. Personal injury claims must be filed within three years from the date of injury.
Forest Hills Construction Accident Attorney
The aftermath of a construction accident can be an overwhelming time. Victims are rightfully focused on their recovery and often do not know what legal options they have. Forest Hills construction accident lawyer Michael J. Redenburg is dedicated to making sure these victims know their rights and works tirelessly to make sure they are properly advocated for. Mr. Redenburg offers comprehensive and compassionate legal representation to clients throughout New York City, including Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. If you or a loved one have been injured due to a dangerous construction site, call our office at (212) 240-9465 or contact us online today to find out more about how we can help.