When they do, the results can be devastating, leading to serious injuries, time off work, and mounting medical bills. Fortunately, there are laws in place to protect workers and their families.
If you’ve been hurt on a construction site, speaking with an experienced East Meadow construction accident lawyer is crucial. An attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we have years of experience representing construction accident victims. We are dedicated to helping you throughout the legal process to recover the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
What is a Construction Accident?
A construction accident is any injury while working on or visiting a construction site. Construction sites are filled with potential hazards, such as heavy machinery, dangerous equipment, and uneven ground. Accidents can occur because of faulty equipment, unsafe working conditions, or poor safety procedures.
Construction companies must have safety plans and ensure their staff is properly trained to avoid these dangers. Unfortunately, when these safety standards aren’t met, accidents happen.
If you’re injured on a construction site, getting medical attention right away is important. You must also report the accident to your employer and contact a construction accident attorney in East Meadow, NY, to discuss your legal options.
Call us today at 516-221-7900 or contact us online using our free and secure submission form. We are available 24/7 to assist you and offer FREE initial consultations.
Causes of Construction Accidents
Construction accidents can happen for many reasons, but some of the most common causes include:
Falls from Height
Falls are among the most dangerous accidents in the construction industry. They happen when workers fall from ladders, scaffolding, or roofs. These falls can cause broken bones, head injuries, or even death if the height is significant.
For example, if a worker isn’t wearing proper safety gear or if the equipment isn’t secure, they could easily slip and fall. Guardrails or harnesses can often prevent these accidents, but serious injuries can happen when safety rules aren’t followed.
Getting Struck by an Object
Construction sites are full of tools, materials, and equipment; sometimes, things fall from high places or get knocked over. If a worker is hit by something like a tool, brick, or even a piece of machinery, it can lead to head injuries, broken bones, or worse.
Imagine working below scaffolding and a hammer falling from above—you can see how that could cause a lot of damage. This is why workers are supposed to wear hard hats and why it’s important to secure tools and materials properly.
Electrocution
There are often exposed wires, power tools, and electrical equipment on a construction site. If workers come into contact with live wires or faulty equipment, they could get electrocuted, which can cause burns, heart problems, or even death.
Electrocutions can happen when workers aren’t aware of a live wire or if safety precautions aren’t in place to shut off electricity. Proper training and safety inspections are crucial to avoid these dangerous situations.
Burns
Burns are another serious risk on construction sites, and they can happen differently. Workers can get burned by touching hot surfaces like pipes or machinery, exposure to chemicals, or an explosion.
Burns can range from minor to life-threatening, depending on their severity. Workers should wear protective gear like gloves and safety suits, but accidents can still occur if the site isn’t managed properly or safety protocols aren’t followed.
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, it’s essential to contact an East Meadow injury lawyer for construction accidents, who can help you file a claim and protect your rights.
What to Do if You’re Injured in a Construction Accident
Act quickly to protect your health if you’ve been hurt in a construction accident. Your legal rights are important, and this will help protect them. Here’s what you should do:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel like your injuries aren’t that bad, it’s really important to see a doctor. The doctor will ensure you get proper treatment and find out if there’s anything serious you might not notice immediately.
Plus, it’s a good idea to have your injuries written down by a medical professional so there’s proof in case you need it later, like if you have to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
Contact the Authorities
Tell your employer about the accident immediately and get it officially documented in a report. This is important because it ensures there’s a record of what happened, which can help prove that safety rules might not have been followed on the job site. Having an official report also protects you in case your injuries get worse later on.
Reach Out to a Lawyer
After receiving treatment, it’s crucial to contact a construction accident attorney near me to help you understand your legal rights and begin filing a claim for compensation.
Who is Liable for Your Injuries?
Determining liability in construction accidents can be quite challenging. The general contractor or construction company is often responsible for ensuring the site’s safety. They may be liable for your injuries if they fail to follow safety regulations, provide proper equipment, or ensure workers are adequately trained.
After getting medical treatment, contacting a workers’ compensation accident attorney near me is important. They can help you understand your rights and determine what to do next. A lawyer will also guide you through filing a claim to get compensation for your injuries and any costs related to the accident.
Third-Party Liability in Construction Site Accidents
In some construction accidents, liability might fall on a third party, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or another company involved on-site. For example, the manufacturer could be held responsible if faulty machinery or defective equipment caused your accident.
In these cases, a top-rated construction accident lawyer in East Meadow can investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, and ensure they are held accountable for their negligence.
Construction companies may try to shift blame to avoid paying damages. An experienced attorney like those at The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrin, i, III will help build a strong case and ensure the responsible parties don’t get away with their negligence.
Questions to Ask a Construction Accident Lawyer
Before hiring a no-win, no-fee construction accident lawyer in East Meadow, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure your case is well. Here are some questions you should ask:
- How much experience do you have with construction accident cases?
- What are your fees, and do you work on a contingency basis (only getting paid if you win)?
- Will it handle my case personally or be passed on to another attorney?
- How available will you be for updates and questions?
Choosing the right lawyer is crucial to ensuring you have the best chance of recovering the compensation you deserve.
Compensations Available to Construction Accident Victims in East Meadow
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Bills: This includes coverage for past and future medical expenses related to your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional and physical trauma you’ve endured as a result of the accident.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for time you’ve had to take off work and any lost earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where extreme negligence led to the accident, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.
How to Choose the Right Construction Accident Lawyer for You
Experience in Construction Law
Construction accidents involve specific laws and regulations. Be sure to find a lawyer with experience in construction accident cases.
Reputation
Look for a lawyer with a strong track record of success and positive client reviews.
Affordability
Consider a lawyer who works on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. This is crucial for those dealing with the financial burden of an injury.
What to Expect During the Legal Process
The legal process for a construction accident case typically follows these steps:
- Free Consultation: During the consultation, your lawyer will evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.
- Building a Case: Your lawyer will gather evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, to strengthen your case.
- Negotiation or Court: In many cases, your lawyer will negotiate with the responsible parties or insurance companies for a fair settlement. If a settlement can’t be reached, your case may go to court to seek full compensation.
Call us today at 516-221-7900 or contact us online using our free and secure submission form. We are available 24/7 to assist you and offer FREE initial consultations.
Speak to Our East Meadow Construction Accident Lawyer
If you were hurt in a construction accident, speaking with an experienced East Meadow construction accident lawyer is crucial. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we are committed to helping victims get the compensation they need for their losses and damages. We understand the challenges you’re facing and will work hard to ensure your rights are protected.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward recovering from your accident. With our no-win, no-fee construction accident lawyer in East Meadow, you can focus on healing while we handle the legal process.
“Joseph J Perrini, esquire and his staff were top-notch and extremely caring and professional from the inception to the conclusion of my case. They got me so much more money than I expected and I strongly recommend anyone injured in an accident to use their”
- Margaret H.