Our New York slip and fall lawyers represent victims of construction-related slip and fall accidents. Although numerous codes are in place to govern workplace safety at construction sites, accidents still occur. These incidents may be caused by an unsafe working environment, violations of safety codes or even another’s negligence. Slip and fall hazards can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, head injuries and concussions.
Victims of slip and fall accidents may be forced to miss work, face costly medical bills not covered by insurance and suffer unimaginable pain and suffering as a result of their injuries. At Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool And The Law Office Of William A. Gallina, LLP, our slip and fall lawyers hold property owners and contractors accountable for their negligence. We offer the guidance needed to help clients build a successful claim for compensation, allowing you to focus on what matters most: recovery.
Slip And Fall Hazards At Construction Sites
Slip and fall accidents occur both in and at construction sites due to debris left on sidewalks, streets and other areas where construction is taking place. We have handled accidents involving falls caused by slipping (or tripping) over almost every conceivable type of construction material. Employees working at sites, as well as the general public, are at risk of such accidents. Construction employees should not be deterred by workers’ compensation laws and automatically think they are barred from a recovery caused by a trip and fall at a construction site. Someone other than one’s employer or co-employee may be responsible for the accident. There are also special “Labor Laws” in New York State that may permit recovery even if it seems that only your own employer or co-employee is responsible. Such cases need to be reviewed by an experienced slip and fall lawyer so that the proper options can be assessed and explored.
Construction-Related Slip And Falls
Construction workers who suffered an injury after slipping and falling from an elevated area may also be able to file a lawsuit under New York Labor Law 240(1). This law places absolute liability on the property owner and general contractor in instances where a construction worker is injured.
Both general contractors and property owners are responsible for upholding all specific safety rules under Section 23 of the Industrial Code. If a violation of Section 23 of the Industrial Code results in an injury, then vicarious liability is placed on the property owner and general contractor. In order for general contractors and property owners to be liable, the Section 23 violation must have occurred during excavation work or during the construction or demolition of a building. Negligence is not a requirement for general contractors and property owners to be found liable under Labor Law 240(1).
The Industrial Code contains certain safety rules meant to protect workers; if these rules are violated, they can cause a slip and fall injury. For example, Industrial Code Rule 23-1.22 (2) states that ramps constructed for the use of people must be at least 18 inches wide and consist of planking at least 2 inches thick or be made of metal of equivalent strength. If a ramp fails to meet these mandatory width and length requirements, workers may be at risk of slipping or falling off the ramp. If a worker suffers an injury from falling off an improperly sized ramp during the construction or demolition of a building, they may be able to file a lawsuit under New York Labor Law 241(6).
Contact Our New York Slip And Fall Lawyers If You Have Suffered A Hazardous Construction Accident
Due to the complexities of a construction accident lawsuit, workers who have suffered an injury due to a slip and fall hazard should seek the counsel of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Construction accident law in New York can be complex due to the fact that injured workers cannot file a claim against their co-workers or employers. The only parties that an injured construction worker can file a negligence lawsuit against are the property owner, general contractors of other companies or other individuals whose negligence caused the injury. As a result, it is important for individuals who have suffered an injury on the worksite to hire a skilled slip and fall lawyer with a proven track record for successfully winning third-party construction accident claims.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations?
The statute of limitations is a law that specifies the amount of time a victim has to file a claim following an injury. If a victim fails to file a lawsuit before the statute expires, he or she may be forever barred from receiving compensation. Our slip and fall lawyers understand the time constraints imposed by the statute of limitations. As a result, we use our vast resources to ensure all of our clients’ claims get filed in a timely manner.