Brooklyn Construction Accident Attorneys

Common Types of Brooklyn Construction Accidents We Deal With

Brooklyn construction sites can pose a variety of dangers that lead to different types of accidents. It’s important to understand these accidents to recognize the potential risks and ensure you receive the appropriate legal representation.

Here are some of the most common types of construction accidents we deal with:

Scaffolding Accidents

• ‍The Risk: Scaffolding, a vital tool in Brooklyn construction, can be dangerous if not properly erected, maintained, or inspected. Accidents can occur due to scaffolding collapse, improper securing, or inadequate fall protection.
• ‍The Impact: Scaffolding accidents can result in falls, crushing injuries, and severe trauma.

Crane Accidents

• The Risk: Cranes are essential for lifting heavy materials in Brooklyn construction projects, but they can also pose significant risks. Accidents can occur due to mechanical failure, operator error, improper load handling, or the failure to properly secure the crane.
• The Impact: Crane accidents can cause severe injuries, including crushing injuries, falls, and electrocutions.

Falls from Heights

• The Risk: Working at heights is a common practice in Brooklyn construction, particularly on scaffolds, roofs, and elevated platforms. Inadequate safety measures like missing or faulty guardrails, unsecured scaffolding, or slippery surfaces can lead to devastating falls.
• The Impact: Falls from heights can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even death.

Excavation and Trenching Accidents

• The Risk: Excavation and trenching are frequent in Brooklyn construction, and these activities can be extremely dangerous. Improper shoring, inadequate inspections, and unstable soil conditions can lead to trench collapses.
• The Impact: Trench collapses can trap workers, causing crushing injuries, suffocation, and even death.

Struck-by Accidents

• The Risk: Construction sites are littered with heavy, moving objects, and workers are constantly at risk of being struck by falling objects, debris, or moving equipment. This can happen due to unsafe work practices, improper securing of loads, or inadequate safety equipment.
• The Impact: Struck-by accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to serious head injuries, broken bones, and even death.

Electrical Accidents

• The Risk: Construction sites often involve electrical wiring, equipment, and tools. Accidents can occur due to faulty wiring, damaged equipment, or exposure to live electrical wires.
• The Impact: Electrical accidents can cause severe burns, electrical shock, and even death.

Hazardous Materials Exposure

• The Risk: Construction sites can expose workers to asbestos, lead paint, and other hazardous materials. Improper handling, inadequate safety precautions, and exposure over time can lead to serious health problems.
• The Impact: Exposure to hazardous materials can cause a wide range of health issues, including lung diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders.

If you have been injured in a construction accident, seeking legal advice from an experienced attorney is essential.

See More Accidents

Building a Strong Case: How Our Construction Accident Attorneys Can Help

At a time when you need support the most, our Brooklyn construction accident lawyers are here to be your dedicated advocate. We understand the complex challenges you face, and we are committed to providing the legal guidance and support you need to move forward.

1. Offering a Free Consultation

• We're Here to Listen: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. We'll carefully listen to your story, understand the details of your accident, and explain your legal options.
• Your First Step: This is the first step toward getting the justice you deserve.

2. Thorough Investigating and Evidence Gathering

• Building a Strong Case: We believe in leaving no stone unturned. We'll conduct a comprehensive investigation of your accident, meticulously gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts.
• Uncovering the Truth: We’ll uncover the truth about what happened and build a compelling case on your behalf.

3. Identifying All Responsible Parties

• Identifying Liable Parties: Construction accidents often involve multiple parties who could be responsible for your injuries. We’ll identify all potentially liable parties, including:
  • Property owners
  • General contractors
  • Subcontractors
  • Architects and engineers
  • Equipment manufacturers
  • Other parties
• Holding Them Accountable: We'll hold all parties accountable for their negligence.

4. Calculating the Full Value of Your Losses

• More Than Just Medical Bills: We understand that construction accidents can have a profound impact on your life, affecting not just your physical well-being but also your financial security and future. We'll carefully assess the full extent of your damages, including:
  • Medical Expenses: Past and future costs for treatment, hospitalization, medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
  • Lost Wages: Income lost due to your inability to work, both past and future earning potential.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and the impact of your injuries on your quality of life.
  • Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have affected your relationship, your spouse may be able to recover compensation for the loss of companionship, intimacy, and support.
• Fighting for Fair Compensation: We'll fight to make sure you receive the maximum compensation possible.

5. Negotiating with Insurance Companies

• Your Advocate: We'll handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. We understand their tactics and will stand firm to protect your rights.
• Protecting Your Interests: We'll negotiate effectively, seeking a settlement that fully reflects your losses.

6. Litigating

• Prepared to Fight: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights before a judge and jury.
• Dedicated Legal Team: We have extensive experience in construction accident litigation and are committed to achieving justice for our clients.

Focus on Recovery, Not Costs: Our Fee Structure Explained

You might be wondering about the cost of hiring a construction accident lawyer in Brooklyn.

We understand that financial concerns are top of mind after an accident. But the good news is that we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront to hire us, and we only get paid if we are successful in recovering compensation for you.

Furthermore, our fee will only be a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. We work hard to maximize your settlement or verdict so that you receive the highest possible amount.

Types of Construction Accident Injuries

Brooklyn construction accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, some minor and some life-altering. Here are some of the most common types of construction accident injuries:

Head Injuries

• The Risk: Tripping and falling, being struck by objects, and getting into an accident with heavy equipment can cause head injuries. These injuries can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries.
• The Impact: Head injuries require immediate medical attention and can have lasting consequences, affecting your ability to work, learn, and live independently.

Burn Injuries

• The Risk: Construction site burns can occur due to fires, explosions, contact with chemicals, or electrical accidents.
• The Impact: Burn injuries can require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and long-term rehabilitation, and can have a profound impact on a person's appearance and quality of life.

Amputations

• The Risk: Severe accidents involving machinery or heavy equipment can lead to amputations.
• The Impact: Amputations are life-altering injuries that require extensive physical and emotional rehabilitation, and they can significantly impact a person's ability to work, live independently, and participate in daily activities.

Eye Injuries

• The Risk: Construction sites involve many potential hazards for eye injuries, including flying debris, welding sparks, and exposure to chemicals.
• The Impact: Eye injuries can range from minor irritations to permanent vision loss, requiring extensive medical care and potentially impacting a person's ability to work and live independently.

Catastrophic Injuries

• The Risk: Some construction accidents result in devastating injuries that have a profound and lasting impact on a person's life. These catastrophic injuries can include severe and permanent disabilities, disfigurement, or significant impairments to major bodily functions.
• The Impact: Catastrophic injuries usually require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and lifelong support. They can significantly impact a person's ability to work, live independently, and participate in activities they once enjoyed. Furthermore, they often lead to significant financial burdens and emotional distress, making it essential to have strong legal representation to navigate the complexities of a claim and secure necessary compensation.

Spinal Cord Injuries

• The Risk: Falling, being struck by objects, or being caught in machinery can lead to spinal cord injuries.
• The Impact: Spinal cord injuries can have a devastating impact on a person's life, potentially leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, and chronic pain. As a result, they can require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and adjustments to daily living.

Broken Bones and Fractures

• The Risk: Broken bones and fractures are a significant risk in every area of construction, especially when heavy machinery is involved.
• The Impact: The severity of a broken bone and the location of the fracture can significantly affect a person's ability to work and perform daily tasks.

Soft Tissue Injuries

• The Risk: Often caused by falls, overexertion, or repetitive motions, these injuries can include sprains, strains, muscle tears, and ligament damage.
• The Impact: Soft tissue injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility, impacting a person's ability to work and engage in daily activities.

Remember, every construction accident injury is unique. Our construction accident attorneys can help you understand the full extent of your injuries and navigate the legal system to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Building Your Case: Proving Negligence After a Brooklyn Construction Accident

After a Brooklyn construction accident, it’s crucial to understand how to prove negligence in order to hold responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.

Here’s how we establish negligence in a construction accident case:

Duty of Care

The responsible party had a legal obligation to ensure a safe work environment for construction workers.

Breach of Duty

The responsible party failed to meet their duty of care by acting negligently or recklessly. This could involve inadequate training, ignoring safety regulations, failing to provide proper safety equipment, creating hazardous working conditions, or not maintaining equipment properly.

Causation

We must show that the responsible party’s negligence directly caused your injuries. This means proving a clear link between their actions (or inactions) and the accident that caused your injuries.

Valuing Your Case: What Is Your Brooklyn Construction Accident Claim Worth?

Every construction accident case is unique, and the value of your claim depends on a variety of factors. Here are some key factors that determine the potential value of your Brooklyn construction accident case:

Severity of Your Injuries

Severe injuries typically lead to higher medical expenses, longer recovery periods, and a greater impact on your ability to work. This generally results in higher compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and potential future care costs.

Impact on Your Ability to Work

If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job, your claim may include compensation for lost future earnings.

Available Insurance Coverage

The amount and types of insurance policies held by the liable parties will significantly impact the potential settlement or judgment you can obtain.

Strength of Evidence

A strong case with compelling evidence of negligence and thorough documentation of your injuries and losses will generally lead to a higher settlement value. This includes accident reports, witness statements, medical records, photographs, videos, and expert testimony.

Don’t Let Blame Limit Your Recovery: Construction Accidents and Shared Responsibility

Thanks to New York’s comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages even if you’re partially responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.

For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault for the accident and your total damages are $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, leaving you with $80,000.

As you might imagine, insurance companies and opposing parties often try to mitigate their losses by shifting blame to you. Therefore, it’s essential to have a skilled attorney on your side who can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident and challenge any unfair attempts to shift blame. We will fight to ensure that your fault is not unfairly exaggerated and you receive the maximum compensation possible.

Protecting Your Rights: Deadlines for Construction Accident Lawsuits in New York

In New York, you generally have three years from the date of a construction accident to file a lawsuit.

However, if your injuries were not immediately apparent but developed later, the three-year period may begin from the date you discovered your injury. For example, if you develop a condition like carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive motions at work, the statute of limitations might not begin until you are diagnosed.

If your loved one died as a result of a construction accident and you wish to file a wrongful death claim, you must do so within two years of the date of death.

Failing to file your claim within the statute of limitations could mean losing your right to seek compensation altogether. Therefore, you must contact an attorney as soon as possible to make sure you understand the applicable deadlines and take the necessary steps to protect your rights.