A lawsuit may be the last thing on survivors’ minds after the sudden death of a loved one. After all, a lawsuit won’t be able to bring their family member back, and fighting a battle in court could add to the overwhelming grief and stress they are under. But by the time family members begin looking into a legal remedy for their losses, they may have fewer options and be unable to claim all they are entitled to under the law.
Construction workers are protected by many different safety and liability laws when performing work in New York City, and even have the right to sue their employers when grave injuries occur. To find out what you may be owed, simply fill out our quick contact form or call (800) 362-9329 to speak with a lawyer at Hofmann & Schweitzer today.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in the Construction Industry
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 18.5% of all fatal workplace injuries nationwide occur in the construction industry—more than in any other workplace. The most common causes of death in construction work are:
- Falls. Falls from roofs, ladders, scaffolding, and partially-built structures are a leading cause of death in the construction industry.
- Crane accidents. Workers can be killed in crane collapses, by swinging cargo, or by objects or personnel falling from the crane.
- Electrocution. Employees regularly work near power lines, fuse boxes, and electrical systems that can all result in shocks or sparks.
- Fires and explosions. Combustible liquids, gases, or fumes can cause third-degree burns or deadly explosions.
- Struck-by injuries. Tools, lumber, bricks, or other objects dropped from a higher level can fatally strike workers below.
- Machinery accidents. Defective or unguarded heavy machinery can cause the loss of a limb, impalement and projectile injuries, and other devastating accidents.
- Crush injuries. Collapsing walls or trenches are a common cause of compression injuries, while caught in-between accidents occur when workers are crushed between two objects, such as a vehicle and loading dock.
- Occupational illness. Exposure to dangerous substances on the job can cause cancer, mesothelioma, and other fatal conditions.
Always Seek an Attorney’s Advice After a Fatal Construction Accident
While you and your family are likely owed payment for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, funeral expenses, and lost income, it is important not to try to recover these damages on your own. Our experienced New York and New Jersey construction accident attorneys can prevent you from being taken advantage of in your time of need.
If you speak to a construction injury lawyer, you have a much better chance of:
- Accurately calculating your losses. Survivors are entitled to a wide range of damages in a construction injury claim, including income that the family member would have earned throughout their lifetime. It may take the help of an economist or financial planner to calculate the loss of your family member’s contributions.
- Finding immediate sources of relief. You and your family are entitled to death benefits under workers’ compensation law regardless of whether you pursue an injury lawsuit. We begin the benefits process and handle all correspondence with the employer and insurer to ease your financial burden.
- Getting to the root cause of the accident. Your claim will rest on your ability to prove negligence, but gathering evidence on your own may be far too painful. We investigate on your behalf and ensure that every responsible party is held accountable.
- Coping with the tragedy. Our attorneys will fight hard for the full and complete financial recovery that you deserve, while you take the necessary steps to put your life back together. We handle all the paperwork, phone calls, deadlines, and filing requirements, taking care of your case while you take time to grieve.
- Getting a fair settlement. Your employer and your employer's insurance company are motivated to provide you with the lowest possible damage award. Our experienced attorneys know the tactics insurers use, and can negotiate an amount of compensation that will allow you to move on after the death of a loved one.
Our attorneys will work to get you the compensation you are owed, and we do not collect any fees until after your case is won. Simply fill out our quick online contact form or call (800) 362-9329 to speak with a lawyer at Hofmann & Schweitzer today, or learn more about your rights in our FREE brochure, Hurt in a Construction Accident? You’re Not Alone.
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