Construction accidents are unfortunately common in New York City’s fast-paced industry. In fact, New York state had over 12 construction-related deaths and more than 2,000 injuries in 2020 alone according to the NY Committee for Occupational Safety and Health.
If you have suffered an injury on a New York construction site, you need an experienced construction accident lawyer to help recover the compensation you deserve.
Selecting the right attorney can make all the difference in these complex cases involving contractors, property owners, insurance companies and more.
Understanding Construction Accident Claims in New York
New York has stringent constructions safety regulations and negligence laws designed to protect workers. Here are key things to understand:
- Common causes of accidents include falls from heights, electrocutions, struck by falling objects, unguarded machinery, lack of safety equipment, unsafe trenches and more.
- Common injuries sustained include spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, burns, amputations or death.
- Multiple parties can share fault in construction accidents like property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers and so on. An experienced lawyer can help determine liability.
Thorough investigation and evidence is crucial in proving these accident claims.
Proving Fault and Liability in Your Case
To receive compensation after a construction accident, your attorney must prove:
- Negligence that led to the accident and injuries
- Which parties share liability based on safety violations, failure to provide safety equipment, inadequate training or supervision etc.
Your lawyer will work with experts to gather evidence like:
- Photographs and video of the accident scene
- Police reports
- Medical records detailing injuries
- Statements from witnesses
- Building codes, safety standards and regulations for the industry
This can determine fault and liability in your case.
Finding the Right New York Construction Accident Law Firm
It’s critical to choose an accomplished NY construction accident law firm with specific experience handling these claims in court when necessary. Warning signs of an inexperienced lawyer include:
✘ Focusing solely on a quick settlement
✘ Struggling to prove complex liability aspects
✘ Lacking resources to handle large insurance companies
The ideal attorney has:
✔ 10+ years handling construction injury cases with proven results
✔ In-depth knowledge of NY negligence laws and building codes ✔ Willingness to take your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered
Some of the top construction accident firms in New York include:
- The Perecman Firm – With over 25 years of experience and over $500 million recovered.
- The Platta Law Firm – Exclusively dedicated to construction injury cases for 20+ years with landmark verdicts.
- Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum – Renowned for record-setting verdicts and settlements exceeding $1 billion total.
Thoroughly research any firm you consider and ask key questions about their experience with cases similar to yours. Meet with multiple lawyers before deciding who to hire.
Settling Your New York Construction Accident Case
Once your attorney has built leverage through evidence establishing liability, they will negotiate the best possible settlement or take the case to trial if needed. Compensation can include:
- Reimbursement for all medical expenses from the accident
- Lost income and future lost earning capacity
- Damages for pain and suffering based on injury severity
Settlements often reach millions of dollars for the most catastrophic construction injuries in NY. It’s critical to have an attorney fiercely protect your best interests when dealing with insurance companies.
While most cases settle before trial, an accomplished construction accident lawyer won’t hesitate to take your case to court if the defense refuses to offer fair compensation. This refusal often occurs if the injured plaintiff isn’t properly represented.
Next Steps After Your Construction Site Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a NY construction accident:
- Seek medical care immediately – this documents the extent of injuries should compensation be later required.
- Preserve evidence from the scene – take photos/video, save equipment manuals or building plans, get witness statements etc.
- Consult an experienced NY construction accident attorney – they can handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery. Highly rated law firms offer free consultations and don’t get paid unless you do.
Don’t leave compensation to chance or try handling construction companies and insurers alone. New York accident law is complex. The right lawyer makes all the difference.