If you work in the construction trades, you know that your job is dangerous. The construction industry consistently ranks among the leading segments of the economy for work-related injuries and fatalities. This trend is even more disturbing given recently released data indicating that injuries and fatalities involving construction workers have risen sharply in New York City during the last few years. While construction activity has risen in NYC, on-the-job fatalities in the building trades also increased from 17 in 2011 to 25 in 2015. Statewide the number of construction industry deaths rose from 33 to 55 based on data from the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health. When non-fatal injuries are included in these statistics, the numbers jump from 128 to 435 during the same period. The construction accident attorneys at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP discuss the benefits our can provide if you are injured at one of the many construction sites around the city.
Higher Risk of Injury and Fatalities on Construction Sites
Although some of this increase might be attributable to a more robust economy, there is a more ominous contributing factor. The increase in construction accidents has occurred during a period when the number of safety inspections by federal and state safety regulators declined from 2,722 to 1,966. The 27 percent decline in safety inspections was primarily linked to the reduction of federal OSHA inspectors statewide from 82 to 66 during the same period.
While the City Council for NYC is currently considering some safety measures to increase fatality tracking, stiffen penalties for contractors who are repeat safety offenders, and heighten fall safety protections, safety will continue to be a serious issue on construction sites. Our experienced Long Island construction accident attorneys offer an array of benefits to injured construction workers.
How the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP Can Help
Investigation: Our law firm carefully analyzes construction accidents to determine all of the contributing factors and potentially responsible parties. Our law firm might pursue a worker’s compensation claim against your employer while also pursuing a Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer against responsible third parties who might include landowners, developers, general contractors, sub-contractors, equipment suppliers, heavy machinery operators, and others. Since a personal injury award can include damages not available in a worker’s compensation claim, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages, this dual approach can generate greater total compensation to our clients.
Retention of Experts: Because our construction accident attorneys have represented many people injured on construction sites, we have established experts in the building trades and industry safety practices. Our law firm works closely with individuals with expertise in the relevant issues and practices to develop a compelling case on behalf of our client when seeking personal injury damages against third parties.
Navigating Procedural Requirements & Deadlines: Whether you are pursuing a worker’s compensation claim against your employer or a personal injury lawsuit against a third party, there are important procedural requirements and deadlines that must be satisfied. Our Long Island construction injury lawyers can guide you through the complexities of the worker’s compensation and civil litigation processes. Failure to comply with a critical deadline can result in loss of your right to pursue a claim or reduce the amount of compensation you receive. Our lawyers can prevent construction accident victims from missing critical deadlines that compromise their personal injury and/or worker’s compensation claims.
Contact a Construction Accident Lawyer at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP
If you have been injured on a construction project, you may be able to file a claim for worker’s compensation benefits against your employer and personal injury against responsible third parties. Contact an experienced Long Island construction injury attorney as soon as possible to have your claim reviewed. Be aware that there is a statue of limitations for filing a claim, so it is recommended you act quickly. Contact the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP today for a free consultation at 516-358-6900.
For a free legal consultation, call 516-358-6900
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