Long Island Construction Site Slip and Fall Accidents

workers and truck at construction siteSlip and fall accidents are one of the most common sources of construction site injuries. Even if you are not covered by workers’ compensation, you may still be able to pursue compensation for your damages after such an incident based on legal negligence.

After a Long Island construction site slip and fall accident, your first priority should be contacting an experienced construction site lawyer to discuss your legal options. Guidance from a legal professional could be essential to ensure that you receive appropriate compensation for the harm someone else’s negligence caused you while on the job.

What Contributes to Slip and Falls on Construction Sites?

A variety of different hazards could lead to a trip and fall on a construction site. For example, uneven floors, wet or icy conditions stemming from inclement weather, poor lighting, and failure to carry loads safely can be just as dangerous as loose cords, unaddressed debris, and a negligent failure to provide safety railings and other equipment.

Unfortunately, slip and falls tend to be particularly dangerous when they occur on construction sites, since many involve the victim falling over a ledge, off a ladder, or down a steep incline. In addition to ligament damage, bone fractures, and concussions, non-fatal trip and fall accidents on Long Island construction sites have the potential to result in permanent damage if a worker lands on their back or head. In these cases, it may be especially important to seek assistance from a skilled attorney.

Holding Negligent Parties Accountable for Damages

If someone is hurt while working as an employee in the state of New York, they are likely covered by some form of workers’ compensation. As a tradeoff for employers automatically assuming liability for workplace accidents, employees covered by workers’ comp cannot file suit against their employers for negligence. However, non-covered employees can file suit if their employer negligently failed to keep them reasonably safe on the job.

Among many other safety rules and regulations, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires construction employers and supervisors to ensure worksites have minimal slipping and tripping hazards. In practice, this entails ensuring that railings and ladders are secure, enforcing regulations regarding proper footwear and safety equipment usage, and adhering to safety requirements for the installation of scaffolding.

If a trip and fall accident on a Long Island construction site occurs as a direct result of unreasonably unsafe conditions, the injured party may be able to pursue restitution for medical expenses, lost work wages, lost capacity to earn income in the future, physical pain and suffering, and various other damages through a civil lawsuit. In particularly egregious cases, a court may decide to assign punitive damages to a company that engaged in grossly negligent behavior. A lawyer in the area could guide the injured party through this process.

A Long Island Attorney Could Help with a Construction Site Slip and Fall Accident

If you recently slipped or tripped and fell while working construction, it could be important to quantify exactly what forms of harm you suffered. A dedicated attorney may be able to help you pursue financial restitution for all of them.

In the aftermath of a Long Island construction site slip and fall accident, civil litigation may be your best chance at recovering comprehensive damages for both your economic and non-economic losses. Schedule a consultation with a dedicated construction accident lawyer today.

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