Catastrophic Results of Construction Site Accidents in New York

New York City is an ever-growing and ever-evolving steel jungle that is seemingly filled with endless infrastructure and buildings. Because of that, there is also always some sort of construction project going on, which employs thousands of workers every day. Unfortunately, construction sites are known for being one of the most dangerous places to work, resulting in 1 in 10 workers reported being injured on the job. Catastrophic injuries that can be extremely debilitating are sadly a common occurrence.

Understanding the Classification of Catastrophic Injuries

Unfortunately, many injuries can have a negative impact on a person’s finances, wellbeing, and overall life. However, for an injury to be classified as “catastrophic”, the consequences are typically much more severe and have a much more debilitating effect on one’s wellbeing and future. Often catastrophic injuries will include those types that are more scarring, that leave permanent pain or disability or force someone to live differently than they did before.

Commonly seen injuries that are classified as catastrophic include:

• Amputations
• Organ damage
• Neurological Disorders such as PTSD
• Severe or Multiple Bone Fractures
• Serious Head Trauma
• Brain Damage
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Severe Burns
• Central Nervous System Damage
• Severe Scarring, Deformation, or Mutilation to the Face or Head

Common Construction Site Hazards That Cause Catastrophic Injuries

There are many dangers that a worker can come across on a designated construction site. It is very common for workers and employers alike to disregard important safety rules and regulations. Because of this and the nature of the industry, there are many hazards that can cause severe injuries. Many of the hazards that cause catastrophic injuries are also just as likely to result in coma or even death.

Common construction site hazards that can result in catastrophic injuries include:

• Chemical Exposure
• Equipment Failure
• Slip and Fall
• Welding
• Negligent Operation or Maintenance of Machinery
• Electrocution
• Falling Objects
• Unstable Scaffolding

Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Disability

If you end up seriously injured in a New York construction site accident, there are special insurance policies in place to protect you. As long as you are timely in reporting your accidents and file the workers’ comp request within the statute of limitations, you can take time to find a quality lawyer to help you with your case. New York workers’ comp pays based on a variety of factors including what you were paid before the accident, the level of disability that you have from the injuries, and when/if you can return to work.

NY Workers’ Comp Weekly Benefit = 2/3 x average weekly wage x % of disability

It is important to understand that if you only lose partial functionality of a body part, you will only get a percentage of workers’ comp payments based on the level of loss that you have. Disability levels are decided upon once your medical professional announces that you are the best possible medical level of wellness that you can be. In a sense, this occurs when the doctor’s treatments can not improve your condition any further.

The Importance of Finding a Skilled New York Construction Accident Attorney

Workers’ compensation can, at times, be a challenging legal situation to handle. You will be asked to give a deposition (answering questions under oath) and to prove your disability levels. Insurance companies love to find loopholes out of giving you the money you deserve. Having an attorney like Proner & Proner, who has been helping clients for over 50 years, will help you substantially in a case like this. Attorneys can often get you easily another 20-33% more than you could have for your settlement by handling your case alone. They also know the ins and outs of the legal system and know how to deal with sneaky insurance companies. Make sure to find the best lawyer you can to help you get back on your feet.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Have you or a loved one sustained serious injuries due to a construction site accident in New York? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for your workers’ compensation or for a negligent party to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you deserve. The skilled attorneys at Proner & Proner represent clients injured because of construction site incidents in Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and throughout New York. Contact us using our online form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 60 E 42nd St Suite 1448, New York, NY 10165, as well as offices in Forest Hills, Brooklyn, Bronx, Bethel, CT.

Frequently Asked Questions