Our Lawyers Help People Who Suffer Injuries in Coney Island Construction Accidents
Our Brooklyn injury lawyers at the Law Office of Irene H. Gabo, P.C., know how a construction accident can devastate a family.
Construction site accidents are common across America, and they also occur right here in Coney Island, Brooklyn. Often, they result in severe injuries or fatalities. A recent study from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reveals that one (1) in five (5) deaths among American workers occur in the construction industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also shows that out of one hundred (100,000) thousand construction workers, almost ten (10) percent suffer a debilitating injury.
Were you seriously injured in a Coney Island construction accident? Did someone in your family get injured or die on a construction site in Coney Island? If so, chances are you’re worried about the extensive medical bills and lost income you are facing. It may become impossible to support a family when the person injured is the breadwinner.
Focusing on the physical recovery can make it difficult to address the financial implications of your construction accident. Our Coney Island construction accident lawyers at the Law Office of Irene H. Gabo, P.C., understand your pain and what you and your family are dealing with. We are here to listen and help.
We advocate on your behalf and protect your legal rights to collect fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Together, we can determine the course of action that can help you and your family recover from all of your injuries.
“Fatal Four”: Common Fatal Construction Accidents
Construction work is one of the most hazardous jobs in the United States, including Coney Island, Brooklyn. It is why there are so many safety regulations in the construction industry. When proper safety precautions are not followed, the most severe injuries, including fatal ones, often occur. According to OSHA, some of the most common fatal construction accidents fit into one of the following categories:
Construction Accidents Involving Falls
OSHA reported that falls account for about 33.5% (338 out of 1,008) of construction deaths. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the most common falls are falls from scaffolds, resulting in almost 60 deaths and 4,500 injuries per year.
Struck by Equipment on a Construction Site
Struck by injuries occur when there is a forcible impact between a construction worker and a piece of equipment, a falling object, a swinging object, a slipping object, a flying, or a rolling object. According to OSHA, struck by hazards account for approximately 11% of construction fatalities.
Caught In/Between Accidents
Caught in/between accidents happen when construction workers are crushed or compressed by two objects or equipment. These accidents also occur when workers get trapped by collapsing objects or structures. According to OSHA, 5.5% of construction deaths are due to caught-in/between accidents.
Electrocutions on Construction Sites
Electrocution is often caused by faulty wiring, improperly used equipment, and improper grounding. According to OSHA, 8.5% of construction-related deaths are caused by electrocutions.
When considered together, the “fatal four” account for 60% of construction-related injuries.
Can I Collect Compensation for My Coney Island Construction Injury?
When a worker suffers injuries on a construction site in Coney Island, the laws provide different ways to recover compensation. The mode of recovery usually depends on the circumstances of the accident. Typically, injured workers file a workers’ compensation claim and possibly a personal injury claim.
You should discuss your possible legal remedies with our trusted construction accident lawyers. We can review your case’s facts, evaluate your options, and choose a course of action that can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault type of insurance that many employers must provide for their employees. It guarantees payment for on-the-job injuries, regardless of who is at fault. Workers’ compensation is the only means of collecting money from your employer when you suffer on-the-job injuries.
For a workers’ compensation claim, there is no burden of proving your employer’s negligence. Regardless of fault, benefits are usually paid as long as you file a timely claim, can prove you’re the extent of your injuries, and show that they occurred on the job. Workers’ compensation benefits, however, are limited. Workers comp can cover:
- weekly compensation benefits
- medical treatment coverage
- vocational rehabilitation benefits
- disability benefits and death benefits
Again, you may not file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer if you have workers’ compensation coverage.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Sometimes, workers’ compensation benefits are insufficient to cover all your financial needs. In some situations, you might be able to pursue other legal remedies.
Most injured workers think they are barred from filing ALL lawsuits if they collect workers’ compensation benefits. This is incorrect.
If circumstances warrant, you can file a personal injury claim if there are third parties, other than your employer, who might have acted negligently and caused your Coney Island construction accident and injuries.
In a personal injury lawsuit, you need to show that the third party’s conduct was negligent or reckless and caused your accident and injuries. A successful personal injury lawsuit can result in compensation for things workers comp does not cover, such as:
- All expenses for medical treatment (including present and future medical expenses)
- Payment of lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Expenses for treatment of injuries, including physical therapy, in-home care, and medical equipment
- Emotional trauma
- Compensation for scarring and disfigurement
Who Might be Liable for the Injuries I Sustained in a Coney Island Construction Accident?
As a rule, workers’ compensation laws bar the commencement of suit against employers. This notwithstanding, when an accident occurs at a construction site, several parties may be held responsible if they fail to observe due diligence or maintain safe work environments for the employees.
The following are some parties that may bear total or partial liability in a construction injury lawsuit:
Site Owners
Site owner liability depends on the extent of their control over the construction site. Often, they are liable for injuries or deaths sustained because of a hazardous condition of the property, which should not have existed.
General Contractors
General contractors may be held liable if they fail to warn others of work hazards, fail to provide safe work environments or expose people to unsafe work conditions.
Architects or Engineers
Architects and engineers need to employ safety precautions consistent with their design contracts. They are mandated to adhere to building and safety code regulations. If a project involves designs that are dangerous or not to code, and that led to your injuries, then the architects or engineers may be held liable for these injuries.
Machine or Equipment Manufacturers
If an employee’s injury or death occurs because of faulty equipment or machinery, liability might rest with the manufacturer of the defective construction machinery or equipment.
Our Coney Island construction accident lawyers can determine who caused your accident and injuries and ensure you collect compensation from those responsible.
Our Construction Accident Lawyers Can Help Build Your Case
There are complex liability issues that arise in construction accident lawsuits. Without competent legal representation, filing a workers’ compensation claim or personal injury/wrongful death claim can be an uphill battle.
Pursuing a claim on your own can be overwhelming. There will likely be roadblocks along the way. You might need to fight with insurance companies or other parties-at-fault who may deny liability or try to take advantage of you. The truth is, many people will try to avoid responsibility and pay as little as possible.
Proving Liability in a Construction Accident Case
Evidence-gathering is not easy. You need to prove crucial points to support your claim – the cause of the accident, the negligence of a third party, or the extent of the injuries suffered.
For these reasons and more, it can help to have experienced personal injury lawyers to walk you through the intricate maze of legal procedures.
Our attorneys who handle Coney Island construction accident claims can help navigate your case by:
- Answering your questions
- Investigating the facts of your case and organizing evidence
- Coordinating with medical professionals so that all medical damages are properly documented;
- Taking measures to hold negligent parties liable
- Conducting negotiations with insurance companies and defendants
- Proceeding to trial if necessary
If you were injured or lost a family member in a construction accident in Coney Island, don’t be afraid to ask questions. We can tell you what you need to know, so you understand your rights and legal options.
Our Coney Island Lawyers Work on a Contingency Basis
You don’t need to worry about fees. Our construction injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. You don’t have to pay us until we arrive at a negotiated settlement or we’ve recovered compensation for your injuries and damages at trial.
Call Our Construction Injury Attorneys Now
At the Law Office of Irene H. Gabo, P.C., our Brooklyn lawyers can pursue justice on your behalf and look after your interests. We have a proven track record of successfully handling various types of workplace injury claims.
You can rely on our legal team to hold the responsible party accountable for your injury. We work extra hard to recover the maximum financial compensation you deserve. This way, you can move forward with your life and heal with peace of mind.
At the Law Office of Irene H. Gabo, P.C., we have a team of compassionate and competent lawyers who work hard to champion justice for every client injured in a construction accident in Coney Island. Call our Brooklyn construction accident lawyers today at 800-560-0214 to schedule a free case evaluation.
