What Do You Need To Know About Construction Accidents in NYC

By  //  January 13, 2020

Injury and damage can happen quite easily due to the dangerous environment and the tricky circumstances under which constructors have to work: unstable foundations, heavy machinery, difficult equipment. However, sometimes damage happens due to the worker’s own negligence.

Real estate is one of the most important and necessary industries, which contributes significantly to the country’s economy. Construction is continuous in the city that never sleeps. You can see it no matter where you look.

However, the construction industry is one of the most dangerous ones in the world. In fact, construction is considered to be the most dangerous and deadliest job in NYC.

Construction accidents have been happening for ages, and have been on the rise in the last couple of years. But, what exactly is a construction accident?

What You Need to Know About Construction Accidents

Specifically, a construction accident is an injury or damage that takes place when workers construct a certain facility. Construction accidents vary and can result in property damage, personal injury or even death.

In fact, statistics show that construction site deaths have been increased almost by 32% when compared to those rates of five years ago. As a matter of fact, 2018 proved to be the most hazardous year for construction employees.

Types of construction site accidents injuries are more than you imagine. These accidents, of course, can be prevented with the right measures.

Causes

Injury and damage can happen quite easily due to the dangerous environment and the tricky circumstances under which constructors have to work: unstable foundations, heavy machinery, difficult equipment. However, sometimes damage happens due to the worker’s own negligence.

For example, some workers are not properly trained or they consciously do not follow the safety regulations such as wearing protective gear. In addition to that, accidents can happen to civilians too: for instance, when they unlawfully enter a construction zone although they know it is dangerous and they are not allowed to, without permission.

Types of construction site accidents

Falls from big heights, such as ladders, scaffolding and roofs. Construction falls atone for more than 40% of construction site accidents.

Toxic chemical exposure, gas leak, toxic spills.

Real estate is one of the most important and necessary industries, which contributes significantly to the country’s economy. Construction is continuous in the city that never sleeps. You can see it no matter where you look.

Electrocution, which is usually caused by unsafe wiring. Since most construction sites need electricity,in order for the work to be completed, there is always a risk for a worker to be electrocuted, resulting in awful injuries and can even cause death.

Fires or explosions

Getting struck by a falling object

Broken bones from “caught-in-between” dangers. This type of accident mostly includes a worker getting trapped between two heavy objects.

Malfunctioning power tool injuries

Hearing damage and eye injury. These usually take place when a worker doesn’t wear protective gear, such as goggles, earplugs or headphones.

The cost of construction injuries

The cost of construction injuries is higher than expected and it affects both the worker and the constructor company. Some of the most significant costs are the following:

  • medical expenses, which are required for the injury’s treatment;
  • lost income due to the fact that workers are obligated to be off the job for a certain period of time. Some workers may even suffer an injury that takes them permanently off the job;
  • delayed projects. After an injury occurs, a company may suffer an important delay regarding her project since she loses a working man and even worse, a specialist;
  • financial hit for the construction company due to filed compensations.

Solutions

More responsibility on the part of the constructors, mostly following the safety regulations and guidelines. One of the most important precautions taken by construction site companies in order to reduce the possibility of accidents is for their employees to use protective headwear, such as helmets and goggles.

Hiring properly trained and certified individuals. It has been proved that workers were killed on sites where they did not participate in state-approved training and apprenticeship programs. Job safety training has been determined to reduce construction industry damages and injuries.

Providing constructors with high-quality equipment.

Alerting civilians that they are about to enter a construction zone, by utilizing signs, fences and clear documentation.

The constructor company is obligated by law to provide a safe constructor site. Most of the construction site accidents are a result of violations or negligence by contractors and building owners.

Construction Site Accident Attorneys

The constructor company is obligated by law to provide a safe constructor site. Most of the construction site accidents are a result of violations or negligence by contractors and building owners.

If you personally or a member of your family or loved ones have suffered a serious construction site accident, you probably are entitled to compensation and whatever the case is, you have the right to justice.

Don’t hesitate to contact a NY attorney, who will examine the details of your situation and advise you on how to further your case. Know your rights.