Struck-By And Crush Construction Accidents In New York
Struck-by and crush accidents are among the most serious construction injuries. A worker can be hit by a backing truck, forklift, swinging load, tool, or debris, or pinned between equipment and a fixed object. These incidents often cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, fractures, internal injuries, and permanent disability.
If you were hurt on a construction site, workers’ compensation may cover some medical care and lost wages, but it often does not cover the full harm. In many cases, a separate claim may be possible against an owner, general contractor, subcontractor, equipment company, or other third party. The best next steps are to document what happened, get medical care, and speak with a lawyer promptly.
Common Construction Impact And Crush Cases We Handle
What Counts As A Struck-By Or Crush Construction Accident
Struck-by incidents involve being hit by an object or equipment, including tools, debris, materials, or a load. Crush and caught-in/between incidents often involve pinning, entrapment, or compression forces from equipment movement, shifting materials, or machinery.
Common Struck-By Hazards On Construction Sites
- Backing trucks, forklifts, and site vehicles
- Falling or dropped materials and tools
- Swinging loads and rigging failures
- Debris from overhead work or demolition activity
Common Crush And Caught-In/Between Hazards
- Pinned between equipment and a wall, column, or barrier
- Caught in pinch points on machinery
- Crushed by shifting materials or unsecured loads
- Compressed during equipment movement or site congestion
Injuries We See In Impact And Crush Cases
Struck-by and crush incidents frequently involve head trauma, orthopedic injuries, spine injuries, internal bleeding, nerve damage, and severe soft-tissue injuries.
Who May Be Liable Beyond Workers’ Compensation
Depending on what happened, liability may involve the property owner, general contractor, subcontractors, equipment operators, maintenance vendors, delivery companies, and manufacturers of defective equipment.
How New York Labor Law May Apply
New York Labor Law protections can apply on construction sites, including sections often invoked in job site injury cases. The applicability depends on the work, the hazard, and the parties responsible for site safety.
Evidence That Can Strengthen A Struck-By Or Crush Claim
- Photos and video of the area, equipment, and hazards
- Names of witnesses and supervisors
- Incident reports and site logs
- Medical records and follow-up care documentation
- Any available maintenance, inspection, or service history for equipment
What To Do After A Job Site Impact Or Crush Injury
Get medical care, document what happened, report the incident, preserve photos and clothing/equipment if relevant, and speak with a lawyer before giving recorded statements.
How A Lawyer Can Help With A Construction Injury Case
A lawyer can identify third parties, preserve evidence, obtain records, and pursue compensation beyond workers’ comp where the facts support it.
Damages And Compensation In Third-Party Construction Claims
Potential damages may include full lost earnings, pain and suffering, future medical costs, disability impacts, and other losses depending on the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Sue If I Am Receiving Workers’ Compensation
In many situations, yes. Workers’ comp and third-party claims can exist at the same time, depending on who caused the hazard.
Who Can Be Sued After A Struck-By Construction Accident
Often the responsible party is a third party such as an owner, general contractor, subcontractor, equipment company, or operator, depending on the facts.
What If I Was Hit By A Backing Truck Or Forklift
These cases often involve questions about site traffic control, training, supervision, and who controlled the work area.
What Evidence Matters Most
Photos, witness names, incident reports, and medical documentation are often key. Equipment logs and site safety records can also matter.
Talk With A Construction Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a struck-by or crush incident on a construction site, we can evaluate whether a third-party claim may be available in addition to workers’ compensation.