Suffolk County Construction Accident Lawyer
Because of the nature of construction work, there are many potential hazards on and around every worksite. If owners or contractors fail to take the proper precautions to make this work environment reasonably safe, they could be held liable for any damages sustained by a visitor or worker on-the-job.
If you were injured in an accident on a construction site due to another person’s negligence, you may benefit from consulting with a Suffolk County construction accident lawyer. It could be important to consider all the legal options a dedicated workers’ compensation attorney could help you take advantage of, as well as the various time limits on when a claim may be made.
Safety Violations on Construction Sites
Various labor laws and regulations address safety measures that may prevent construction accidents. Specifically, New York Labor Law outlines how owners and contractors might be liable for any injuries which result from their failure to protect workers and lawful visitors on their property. If owners or contractors fail to provide adequate equipment or devices on construction sites, for example, they might play a significant role in serious accidents occurring.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is an agency which performs inspections of work sites, including construction sites. These sites commonly receive citations for OSHA violations which pose a threat to workers, which most typically involve scaffolding, forklift operation, ladders, and electricity usage.
Evidence that owners or contractors were aware of unsafe work conditions prior to an accident could be significant evidence to support an injury claim. A Suffolk County construction accident attorney could help an injured individual investigate the factors leading up their injury and determine if their employer is at fault.
Deadline for Filing a Claim in Suffolk County
It is important for claimants to understand the statute of limitations in New York regarding personal injury claims. The statute of limitations outlines the amount of time that an injured individual has to file a lawsuit. In the case of a personal injury stemming from a construction accident, an injured individual has three years from the date of the accident in which to take legal action.
While exceptions may exist for this statute, it is advisable for any person seeking compensation to file a claim that meets this timeframe in order to avoid dismissal. A proactive lawyer could help gather evidence following an accident, locate witnesses from the construction site, and start building a case to satisfy the statute of limitations.
Potential Damages for an Injured Construction Worker
After a construction site accident, an injured individual may be able to recover for past and future medical expenses stemming from their damages. For example, a person injured at a construction site may need immediate medical care, as well as potentially extended treatment periods and physical therapy for severe injuries.
In the same vein, a claimant may request compensation for lost income due to missed time at work following an injury, or for a decreased earning capacity. As such, a claim for compensation could request recovery for these pecuniary losses. Beyond this, a Suffolk County construction accident attorney could request non-economic damages to cover emotional trauma– such as the loss of enjoyment of life– and general pain and suffering.
Contact a Suffolk County Construction Accident Attorney
If you were recently injured in a construction accident, you might have a litany of questions and concerns. The idea of seeking compensation through the legal system could be overwhelming and stressful, but fortunately, you do not have to make all the decisions regarding your next steps alone.
If the negligence of another person or company caused your injury, you have a legal right to seek recovery for your damages. A Suffolk County construction accident lawyer could guide you through the legal process and work tirelessly to help you pursue the compensation that you deserve. For more information about how an injury attorney could help, reach out today.