At Gorayeb & Associates, our Staten Island construction accident lawyers are dedicated to helping workers who have been injured on the job. We fight to ensure that victims receive the total compensation they deserve under the law.
You must know that all workers in New York City have the right to fair compensation if they suffer an accident. Suppose you've been injured in a workplace accident. In that case, you may be entitled to various benefits, including coverage for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and compensation for emotional or psychological distress.
Unfortunately, many workers don't receive fair compensation because insurance companies often try to pay them as little as possible. That's where we come in. Our Staten Island building site injury law firm works tirelessly to protect Staten Island workers' rights and ensure they receive the maximum compensation owed by law.
We have over 35 years of experience and a proven track record of winning cases like yours. We understand the challenges our community faces in New York, so we actively engage with the people in NYC and support our city.
If you've been injured in a workplace accident, don't hesitate to contact us at Gorayeb & Associates. Schedule your free and confidential consultation today.
How Can Staten Island Construction Injury Attorneys Assist You?
A construction accident caused by negligence happens when someone gets hurt because another person wasn't careful or acted recklessly. Negligence can manifest in different ways, such as ignoring safety rules, using faulty equipment, needing more proper training, or not supervising well enough.
To get compensation for a negligence-based construction accident, the victim must prove that someone else's negligence directly caused their injuries. That can be tough since the responsible party might try to deny their fault.
At Gorayeb & Associates, our expert Staten Island workplace injury lawyers help victims gather evidence to support their cases. With over 35 years of experience, we're skilled at investigating construction accidents and preparing court cases.
Evidence needed to prove a negligence-based construction accident may include:
- On-site inspections
- Witness testimonies
- Medical and police reports
- Photos and videos
- Background checks on the responsible party
Steps our construction site accident lawyers in Staten Island can take to help victims of negligence-based construction accidents include:
- Conducting a thorough accident investigation
- Gathering the necessary evidence
- Calculating the compensation amount
- Negotiating with the insurance company
- Representing the victim in court if needed
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Construction is one of the most dangerous sectors in the labor industry. That's why construction companies must always adhere to strict safety protocols. The employer's responsibility is to provide a safe workplace for their employees and supply them with the necessary protective gear free of charge to carry out their duties without risk.
Unfortunately, workplace injuries are common, and each one requires specialized legal attention tailored to the specific nature of the accident. At Gorayeb & Associates, we excel in assisting workers who suffer construction accidents. Some of our primary areas of practice include:
- Scaffolding Accidents
- Ladder Accidents
- Roofing Accidents
- Roof Collapse Accidents
- Building Demolition Accidents
- Accidents of Falling Cargo, Materials or Objects
- Construction Slip and Fall Accidents
- Power Saw Accidents
- Construction Eye Injury Accidents
- Machinery Accidents
- Window Cleaning Accidents
- Construction Elevator Accidents
- Crane Accidents
- Excavation Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Bus Accidents
- 18-Wheeler Accidents
- Forklift Accidents
Common Injuries Among Accident Victims
Construction accidents can result in a myriad of personal injuries, ranging from minor discomfort to severe debilitation. Among the most prevalent injuries suffered by individuals involved in construction mishaps are:
- Fractured Bones and Ribs. These injuries stem from the force of impact during accidents, often causing pain, swelling, and potential impairment of mobility.
- Brain Trauma. From mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries, such incidents can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, cognitive impairment, memory loss, and coordination issues.
- Back Injuries. These can occur due to sudden jolts, improper posture, or direct trauma, can cause persistent pain, limited mobility, and, in severe instances, paralysis.
- Spinal Cord Damage. This type of injury can result in paralysis, sensory loss, and other neurological deficits, typically arising from abrupt impacts or severe spine twisting.
- Amputation. In severe cases, limbs may need to be surgically removed to save lives or mitigate ongoing pain and disability following extensive injury.
- Crushing Injuries. Often inflicted by heavy machinery or falling objects, these can lead to severe fractures, internal trauma, and, tragically, fatalities.
- Eye Trauma. Impact, foreign objects, or exposure to chemicals can cause eye injuries ranging from pain and blurred vision to partial or complete blindness.
- Burns. Heat, cold, electricity, or chemical exposure can result in burns ranging from mild discomfort to extensive tissue damage and potential fatality.
- Poisoning. Exposure to hazardous substances such as contaminated food, chemicals, medications, or drugs can induce symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to seizures and death.
- Joint and Abdominal Injuries. Often causing persistent pain and restricted movement, these injuries can significantly impair daily function and quality of life.
- Neck Trauma (e.g., Whiplash). Rapid acceleration and deceleration can cause neck injuries, leading to stiffness, pain, and potential long-term complications.
- Internal Organ Damage (e.g., Internal Bleeding). Impact trauma or forceful compression can result in internal injuries requiring urgent medical attention.
- Lacerations and Contusions. Superficial wounds resulting from cuts or blunt force trauma can cause pain, bleeding, and infection if not properly treated.
Given the complexity and severity of these injuries, individuals involved in construction accidents must seek prompt medical attention and legal assistance to ensure they receive the appropriate care and compensation they deserve.
What Happens When a Workplace Accident Victim Passes Away?
When a worker dies due to a workplace accident, it's considered a case of wrongful death. In these instances, the family members have the right to seek compensation to help them cope financially during the grieving process.
The family members who typically have the right to seek compensation for wrongful death include:
- Spouse or domestic partner of the victim.
- Children.
- Mother and father.
- Siblings.
These individuals are entitled to pursue compensation to alleviate the financial burden caused by the loss of their loved one and to help them navigate through the aftermath of the tragedy with some degree of economic stability.
Statistics on Construction Accidents
According to a report from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry is the most dangerous in the country, with an average of 1,100 fatal workplace accidents reported annually. This represents nearly 10 % of all work-related deaths.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies four leading causes behind construction accidents, which account for 60 % of incidents:
- Slips and falls
- Electrocution
- Struck by objects or materials
- Caught in or between objects (crushing)
In New York City, statistics from this studio reveal:
- An average of 20 people die each year in construction accidents.
- The construction industry reports five times more annual deaths than any other industry in New York.
- On average, 33 % of those who die in construction accidents in New York City are of Hispanic/Latino descent.
These figures highlight construction workers' significant risks and emphasize the need for stringent safety measures and regulations to prevent further tragedies.
Steps to Take if You’ve Been in an Accident in Staten Island
If you've experienced a workplace accident in Staten Island, it's crucial to take the following steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Your health is a top priority, so make sure your injuries are adequately addressed. If necessary, call for an ambulance. Be sure to request a copy of your medical diagnosis.
- Notify your employer immediately and keep a record of this notification.
- Contact a construction injury lawyer from Gorayeb & Associates in Staten Island. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Additional steps to streamline the compensation claim process:
- Take photographs and videos of the accident scene and your injuries. This evidence can assist your lawyer in building a solid case.
- If the accident involved a vehicle, request a copy of the police report. This report may contain vital information about the circumstances of the accident.
- Obtain contact information from potential eyewitnesses. Witnesses can provide valuable insights into the accident.
- Refrain from posting about the accident on your social media profiles. The responsible party could use any posts you make against you.
By following these steps, you can protect your rights and improve your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve for your workplace injury.
What to Do if an Insurer Offers Compensation After an Accident?
Accidents can lead to severe injuries and financial losses. Victims have the right to receive fair compensation. Unfortunately, they often forfeit this right by accepting the initial offer from an insurance company.
Insurance companies typically offer low amounts of money to accident victims because they aim to pay as little as possible for claims. Suppose a victim accepts the initial offer from an insurance company. In that case, they're missing out on the opportunity to obtain the compensation they deserve.
Follow these steps if an insurance representative contacts you:
- Refuse to engage with the insurance company representative.
- Avoid making any statements.
- Do not sign any documents.
- Immediately contact a Gorayeb & Associates accident lawyer.
- Notify the insurance company that your lawyer will conduct negotiations.
By taking these steps, you can protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you're entitled to for your injuries and losses. With our Staten Island contractor injury attorneys, you will get the help you need to seek justice.
How Much Money Do I Get if I Win a Personal Injury Case?
Negligence-based accident cases vary from one to another, so it's not possible to establish a standard compensation amount. However, the final compensation amount our Staten Island building construction lawyers will seek is determined by the following:
- The severity of the injuries.
- The estimated time for recovery.
This calculation is done by adding up benefits from two categories:
These expenses and losses related to injuries include:
- Medications. This includes the cost of any prescribed medicines needed to treat injuries sustained in the accident.
- Hospitalization costs. These are the expenses incurred for staying in the hospital due to injuries.
- Clinical studies. In some cases, clinical studies or tests may be required to diagnose or monitor the injuries.
- Intensive therapy. This refers to specialized therapy sessions required for rehabilitation after severe injuries.
- Doctor fees. This encompasses the fees charged by medical professionals involved in the treatment and care of the injured person, including surgeons, specialists, physicians, and any other healthcare providers consulted for the injuries.
- Ambulance services. The cost of emergency transportation via ambulance to the hospital or medical facility immediately following the accident is covered under ambulance services.
- Rehabilitation equipment. This includes the cost of any specialized equipment or devices needed for rehabilitation, such as crutches, wheelchairs, braces, or prosthetic limbs.
- Funeral expenses- In cases where the accident results in death, funeral expenses are covered, including costs associated with burial or cremation, funeral services, caskets or urns, and related costs.
- Reimbursement for lost wages. This refers to compensation for any wages or income lost as a direct result of the injuries, including time off work for medical treatment, recovery, or disability resulting from the accident.
These are all the financial burdens and costs directly associated with the injuries sustained, which must be accounted for when seeking compensation for damages in a negligence-based accident case.
These are the psychological and emotional injuries that the victim may experience as a result of their physical injuries.
Emotional pain and suffering refer to the psychological effects of the accident, such as depression, anxiety, fear, insomnia, mood swings, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These emotional injuries can significantly affect a person's quality of life, relationships, and ability to function normally on a day-to-day basis.
Construction Accident Lawyers in Staten Island from Gorayeb & Associates
At Gorayeb & Associates, we specialize in advocating for workers injured in construction accidents. With over 35 years of experience, we have successfully recovered more than one billion dollars for our clients. We are deeply involved with our community in New York, actively partnering with them and taking action to defend their rights.
If you've been injured in a workplace accident, Staten Island construction accident lawyers from Gorayeb & Associates are here to assist you. Contact us today for your free and confidential consultation.
Staten Island Construction Accident Case Results
If you have been injured in a construction accident in Staten Island, our construction accident attorneys will ensure that you receive fair compensation for your case.
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