New York employees are protected by state workers’ compensation laws, giving them no-fault access to payment for medical bills and lost income after a work injury. Although these benefits are invaluable to people who are struggling after an accident, the amount may not be enough to compensate for the full effects of a construction accident. For this reason, it is important to determine who was responsible for the injury and whether the potential exists for a third-party injury claim.
Parties That May Share Liability for a Construction Accident Injury
There are many benefits to investigating the true cause of a construction injury. First, it allows the dangerous condition on the site to be corrected, preventing future injuries. Second, it can determine whether multiple parties share blame for the accident. Third, it can form the basis of a third-party injury claim, which can provide payment for pain and suffering that is not available through workers’ compensation benefits
Our attorneys can perform a thorough investigation to identify all potentially liable parties in your construction accident case, including:
- At-fault drivers. Many construction workers are hurt every year in car accidents as they travel between job sites or run errands for their employers. Victims can file an injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver even when these crashes qualify an employee for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Contractors and subcontractors. Construction sites are often staffed by management or personnel companies who are not directly associated with an employer. A general contractor, subcontractor, or manager can be named in a lawsuit if he or she did not enforce safety regulations or follow proper procedures for injury prevention.
- Property owners. Property owners can bear responsibility for an accident if they had control over the site or the work being performed, if they failed to disclose a hazardous condition on the site, or if their negligence led to the employee’s injury.
- Equipment providers. The manufacturer of construction equipment and materials can be held liable for an injury if the product was poorly-designed, assembled incorrectly, or was not labeled with proper instructions or warnings.
- Employers and coworkers. Although employees are usually prohibited from suing an employer for a work injury, New York laws do allow a coworker or employer to be named in a work injury lawsuit (along with a third-party) if the construction worker suffered a grave injury.
If you have been injured in a construction accident, our experienced construction injury attorneys can advise you on your legal options—and we do not charge for our services until after we secure payment for you. We encourage you to contact us directly at 1-800-362-9329 and to read a FREE copy of our pamphlet, Hurt in a Construction Accident? You’re Not Alone.
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