Staten Island Construction Accident Lawyers

Types of Staten Island Construction Accidents

Construction sites are inherently dangerous environments, filled with hazards that can lead to serious injuries. Our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience with all types of construction accidents, including:

Falls from Heights

Working at heights is an inherent part of construction, and Staten Island’s aging infrastructure and growing skyline mean that falls from scaffolds, roofs, and ladders are a constant concern. These falls can result in devastating injuries if proper safety measures are not strictly adhered to.

Scaffolding Accidents

Improperly erected or maintained scaffolding is a major contributing factor to construction accidents. The consequences of these deficiencies can be severe, leaving workers with debilitating injuries and long-term disabilities.

Crane Accidents

Cranes are essential for lifting heavy materials on construction sites, but they can be dangerous if not operated correctly or maintained properly. Accidents can occur due to mechanical failure, operator error, or improper load handling.

Electrical Accidents

Whether due to faulty wiring, damaged equipment, or improper grounding, exposure to live wires and electrical equipment can cause severe burns, shocks, and even death. These accidents are a significant concern for construction workers in Staten Island, where older buildings often have outdated electrical systems.

Struck-By Accidents

Workers can be struck by falling objects, tools, or building materials, causing serious injuries. This can happen due to unsafe work practices, improperly secured loads, or faulty equipment. In densely populated areas like Staten Island, these accidents pose a risk not only to workers but also to pedestrians and nearby residents.

Trench Collapses

Trench collapses are a particularly dangerous type of accident. Failure to properly shore up trench walls, inadequate inspection, or unsafe excavation practices can result in deadly collapses.

Hazardous Materials Exposure

Construction sites often involve the handling of hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead paint, and other toxic substances. Exposure to these materials can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues, cancer, and birth defects.

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Construction Accident Support: How We Can Help

After a construction accident, it’s necessary to take immediate action to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Here’s how we can help you throughout the process:

• Free Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.
• Comprehensive Investigation: We conduct a thorough investigation into your accident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts.
• Determining Liability: We identify all liable parties, including general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers.
• Calculating Damages: We assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: We handle all communication with insurance companies, protecting you and ensuring you receive a fair settlement offer.
• Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury.

Our team of dedicated construction accident lawyers is here to guide you every step of the way. We’re committed to fighting for justice, even if it means going to trial.

Recovery First: Our Contingency Fee Agreement

We understand that a construction accident can be financially devastating, but we believe that you should be able to focus on your recovery rather than on legal bills. That’s why we offer a contingency fee arrangement, making quality legal representation accessible to everyone.

This means you don’t have to pay anything to retain our services. We only receive a fee if we successfully secure compensation for you, and if we don’t win your case, you pay nothing. Furthermore, our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. This ensures that we are invested in achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

Our contingency fee arrangement removes financial barriers and allows you to focus on what matters most: recovering from your injuries and getting the justice you deserve. We’re confident in our ability to fight for your rights and achieve a successful outcome for your case.

We Stand by You, No Matter Your Injury or Circumstance

Construction accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic, life-altering injuries.

Our team has extensive experience representing clients who have suffered from a variety of construction-related injuries, including:

Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from falls and sudden impacts, leading to cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments. We understand the complex challenges associated with TBIs and are dedicated to advocating for our clients’ needs.

Paralysis Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord or nervous system can result in partial or complete paralysis, drastically impacting mobility and independence. We work tirelessly to make sure individuals with paralysis injuries receive the resources and support they need to navigate their new reality.

Burn Injuries

Fires, explosions, chemical spills, and electrical accidents can cause severe burns, often requiring extensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation. Our team is skilled in handling burn injury cases and will fight for your right to compensation for your pain, suffering, and future care.

Amputations

Accidents involving heavy machinery, power tools, or falling objects can lead to amputations. We understand the unique challenges faced by amputees and will defend their right to compensation, as well as their access to necessary prosthetic devices and rehabilitation services.

Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can cause permanent disability, disfigurement, or significant bodily impairment, drastically impacting an individual’s quality of life. We have a proven track record of representing clients with catastrophic injuries and ensuring they receive the financial support and legal advocacy they need.

Eye Injuries

Dust, debris, welding sparks, and chemical exposure can lead to a range of eye injuries, from minor abrasions to permanent vision loss. Our team will work to ensure you receive the medical care and compensation needed to recover from eye injuries.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries often lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, and chronic pain. We are committed to advocating for the rights of individuals with spinal cord injuries and ensuring they receive the necessary treatment, therapies, and support services.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Incidents such as falls and crushing injuries can lead to broken bones and fractures. We handle these cases with care, ensuring that our clients receive proper medical attention and fair compensation for their injuries.

This is not an exhaustive list. If you’ve suffered a construction site accident not mentioned here, please contact our team.

Determining Liability in Construction Accidents

Construction accidents often involve multiple parties, making determining liability a complex process. Our team will meticulously investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident to identify all potentially liable parties, including:

Property Owners

Job site owners have a legal duty to provide a safe work environment for all workers, including identifying and addressing known hazards and ensuring compliance with building codes. We will investigate whether the property owner failed to uphold this duty and, in doing so, contributed to your injuries.

General Contractors

General contractors also have a responsibility to ensure site safety, including overseeing the work of subcontractors and making sure safety regulations are followed. We will examine whether a general contractor’s actions or inaction contributed to your accident.

Subcontractors

Subcontractors are responsible for their own work, their employees, and the provision of proper training and safety equipment. If a subcontractor’s negligence or failure to meet these standards contributed to your accident, they could be held liable.

Architects and Engineers

Design flaws, inadequate safety specifications, or errors in blueprints can lead to accidents. We’ll investigate whether any design flaws or errors in the project plans contributed to your injuries.

Equipment Manufacturers

Manufacturers are responsible for producing safe and reliable equipment. If a defective tool or machine contributed to your accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.

We understand the intricacies of construction liability and will work diligently to make sure all responsible parties are held accountable.

Building Your Construction Accident Case

To win your construction accident case and recover the compensation you deserve, we need to prove that someone was negligent and caused your injuries.

This involves establishing four key elements:

• Duty of Care: The responsible party (contractor, property owner, etc.) had a legal obligation to ensure a safe work environment.
• Breach of Duty: The responsible party failed in their duty by acting negligently or recklessly, such as ignoring safety regulations, failing to provide proper training, or neglecting to maintain equipment.
• Causation: The responsible party's negligence directly caused your injuries
• Damages: You suffered actual losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

To build a strong case, we will gather and present compelling evidence, which may include:

• Accident Reports: Police reports, OSHA investigation reports, and internal company incident reports can provide valuable documentation of the accident.
• Witness Testimony: Statements from coworkers, supervisors, or bystanders who witnessed the accident or unsafe conditions can corroborate your account of events.
• Medical Records: Your medical records establish the severity of your injuries and the impact they have on your life.
• Photographs and Videos: Photos of the accident scene, hazardous conditions, or defective equipment can provide compelling visual documentation of the circumstances surrounding your accident.
• Expert Testimony: Construction safety specialists and other professionals can provide expert opinions on the cause of your accident, the extent of your injuries, and the impact they will have on your future.

While gathering and presenting this evidence can be a daunting task, our team of experienced Staten Island construction accident lawyers will guide you through the process and help you build a strong case.

Evaluating Your Construction Accident Claim

Every construction accident is unique, and the potential value of your claim will vary depending on several factors, including:

• The Severity of Your Injuries: More serious injuries, such as those resulting in long-term disability or permanent impairment, typically lead to higher compensation.
• Their Impact on Your Ability to Work: If your injuries prevent you from working or returning to your previous job, your claim can include compensation for lost wages.
• The Defendant’s Insurance Coverage: The amount and types of insurance policies held by the liable parties can affect the potential settlement or judgment you receive.
• The Strength of Evidence: A strong case with clear evidence of negligence and compelling documentation of your damages will generally result in a higher award.

You may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Medical costs like hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy are essential components of your claim.
• Lost Wages: You're entitled to compensation for income lost due to your injuries, including both past earnings and future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: You can receive compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you have experienced as a result of the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have negatively affected your relationship with your spouse, they may be able to seek compensation for their loss of companionship, intimacy, and support.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If your loved one died as a result of a construction accident, you might be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Our team will carefully evaluate all aspects of your case, considering every relevant factor to make sure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses.

Shared Fault in Construction Accidents

Even if you were partially responsible for your construction accident, you might still be eligible for compensation. However, your award would be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were eligible for a $100,000 award but found to be 20% at fault for the incident, you would instead receive $80,000.

As a result, insurance companies often try to shift blame to you, minimizing their own financial responsibility. Our team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident to protect your rights and make sure your fault isn’t unfairly exaggerated.

Acting Quickly Is Key: Filing Deadlines

New York’s statute of limitations for construction accidents requires you to file a claim within three years from the date of the accident. If your injuries weren’t immediately apparent, the three-year clock might start from the date you discovered the injury (or should have reasonably discovered it).

Don’t risk losing your right to compensation. Contact us as soon as possible to discuss your case and ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.