Construction sites are frequently littered with a wide range of debris. From metal fragments to wood, garbage, paper, tools, and dangerous materials, debris can present significant hazards on job sites. Whether it is on the ground or falls from above, debris can cause serious injuries to workers. If you’re a construction worker who tripped and fell on debris on the ground — or was struck by debris that fell from above — you may be entitled to compensation by filing a personal injury action against a negligent third party.
When Can You Sue for a Construction Accident Caused by Debris?
Due to New York’s Workers’ Compensation laws, injured construction workers cannot sue their employers. However, there are often multiple parties present on construction sites, and a victim may be able to bring a lawsuit against a third party who was responsible for their injuries. For example, when a property owner, general contractor, or subcontractor fails to follow safety guidelines or reasonably maintain the site in a safe condition, they may be held accountable for injuries that arise as a result.
Injuries that can be caused by tripping and falling on debris, or being struck by debris, can include the following:
- Brain injury
- Musculoskeletal injury
- Paralysis
- Nerve damage
- Disfigurement
- Lacerations
- Back injuries
- Fatality
It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately following a construction site accident caused by debris. Some injuries may not become apparent until days or weeks later. By seeking medical help promptly, your doctor can rule out certain serious internal injuries that might not be noticeable at first. In addition, your medical documentation is essential to any personal injury lawsuit you may file.
Even small pieces of debris can be dangerous on construction sites. This is why it’s crucial for tools and equipment to be adequately secured, and proper safety equipment such as hard hats should be used. Warning signs and barricades should be placed close to dangerous areas to ensure workers are made aware of any hazards. A construction site should also have proper safety protocols in place to help reduce the chance an accident caused by debris will occur. In the event a third party was negligent in preventing a hazardous condition, created it, or failed to issue a warning, that party may be held liable.
Compensation for Injuries Caused by Construction Site Debris
Anyone who works on a construction site may be at risk of being hurt by falling debris if appropriate safety measures are not taken. If you work on a construction site and suffered injuries in an accident caused by debris, Workers’ Compensation will likely cover your medical expenses and a certain amount of your lost wages. However, it usually doesn’t provide enough to cover the full extent of your damages — it also doesn’t cover the pain and suffering you may have endured. In such cases, it may be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Construction site injuries often require extensive medical treatment, surgery, and ongoing medical care. By pursuing a personal injury lawsuit for a construction site accident caused by debris, you may be able to recover your unreimbursed medical expenses, lost income beyond what was covered by Workers’ Compensation, and any out-of-pocket expenses. Significantly, you may also receive compensation for the non-economic damages you suffered — including for the physical pain and mental anguish you experienced due to your injuries.
Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney
If you’re a construction worker who was injured on a job site due to debris, you may be able to file a personal injury action against a liable third party. However, these lawsuits are complicated, so it’s important to have a knowledgeable personal injury attorney by your side who can help you obtain the monetary recovery you deserve. The attorneys at the Dearie Law Firm, P.C. are committed to fighting for the rights of injured construction workers — they aggressively pursue the maximum compensation workers deserve.
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 County, Rockland County, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Contact us today for a consultation.