There are various hazards workers can face year-round. However, there may be an increased risk of certain types of accidents during the summer months for those who work in outdoor industries. Sometimes, summer workplace injuries can be prevented by taking regular breaks and keeping hydrated. Unfortunately, there are also many types of summer workplace accidents that can be caused by another’s negligence. In these cases, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Types of Summer Accidents in the Workplace
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more work injuries occur during the summer months than at any other time of year. High temperatures, long hours, and outdoor working environments can all be factors that contribute to workplace injuries. But summer work accidents are not only related to heat and sun exposure — they may also be the result of someone else’s carelessness or recklessness.
Workers who can be affected by summer workplace accidents commonly include:
- Construction workers — Often, construction workers are forced to work in extreme temperatures during the summer, which can increase the risk of fatigue and dehydration, leading to accidents if proper safety precautions aren’t taken.
- Landscapers — If machinery is not maintained during the months it is not in use or adequate tools are not provided, accidents can arise, causing a landscaper to suffer serious injuries.
- Event organizers and workers — More outdoor events are held during the summer, leading to accidents related to the construction of stages and platforms, burn injuries due to fireworks, or head injuries resulting from falling objects.
- Seasonal employees — Many outdoor facilities hire employees for just a season. If these workers are not properly trained to carry out their tasks, they may be at risk of various injuries.
- Agricultural workers — If a manufacturer fails to warn about the hazards of certain equipment, or machinery is defective, serious injuries can be sustained.
Injuries resulting from summer workplace accidents can be severe. In some cases, they may even be debilitating or cause permanent disability. But regardless of the type of accident or the injuries you may have suffered, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Critically, certain injuries may not become apparent until days or weeks later. Seeking immediate medical attention is vital to obtaining the care you need — it is also essential to building any personal injury case you may pursue.
Compensation for Summer Workplace Accidents
Workers’ Compensation is not always the only recourse available to employees for workplace accidents. While an employee cannot sue their employer due to New York’s Workers’ Compensation laws, they may still be able to pursue a personal injury action against a third party. For example, you might be able to bring a claim against a subcontractor on a construction site, a property owner, an equipment manufacturer, or another responsible party.
Even if you are eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits, it will only cover a portion of your medical expenses and lost wages. You may be entitled to recover damages for your unreimbursed medical costs, lost income, and out-of-pocket expenses by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Additionally, you may be eligible to recover for the pain and suffering you experienced due to your work-related injuries.
Contact a Knowledgeable New York Personal Injury Attorney
Summer workplace injuries can significantly impact every aspect of your life, including your ability to earn a living and spend time doing the things you once enjoyed. If you were hurt in a workplace accident due to the negligence of a third party, an experienced personal injury attorney can work to secure the monetary compensation you deserve. Providing high-quality legal services and diligent representation, The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has been fighting for the rights of injured workers for more than three decades — and achieving favorable results in their cases.
The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has convenient office locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, as well as mobile locations serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Rockland County, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Contact us today for a consultation.