Construction sites can be dangerous places, filled with unstable structures, powerful tools, and toxic chemicals that can cause harm to those who come in contact with them. Despite the implementation of safety protocols, thousands of accidents occur on construction sites across the United States every year. They can occur for a variety of reasons, including distraction, poor signage, unsafe working conditions, and lapses in judgment.
If you are facing injuries from a construction accident, you may be able to hold the construction company accountable. Whether you are a construction worker or were just passing through the site, an Englewood construction accident lawyer may be able to help you build a personal injury case. Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. offers free consultations for accidents like yours.
Common Types of Accidents that Occur on Construction Sites
Based on records from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the most common New Jersey construction accidents involved vehicle crashes and falls from a height. Other types of accidents that often contribute to construction injuries include:
- Slip and falls.
- Trip and falls.
- Electrocution.
- Falling objects.
- Exposure to harmful chemicals and substances.
Accidents like these can lead to a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. For example, construction site accidents may lead to concussions, traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, loss of limb, partial or full paralysis, and loss of hearing or sight. If you believe another party’s negligence or oversight caused your injuries, some of the damages you seek can cover the cost of treatment, as well as doctor or hospital visits and other medical necessities.
Many workplace injuries require missed time from work for recovery. Some can permanently reduce your capacity to work. In these cases, you may also pursue damages to cover any wages you missed out on or will continue to miss out on due to your construction accident injury. The most severe cases can even result in death.
Labor Laws and What You Need to Know
Wrongful Death from Construction Injuries
While many victims of construction accidents are able to recover from their injuries, some do not survive. BLS reports that in 2018, 23 workplace fatalities occurred in New Jersey’s private construction sector. This is an increase from 2017, which only saw 14 construction fatalities among workers. In accidents that involve a fatality, the victim’s family members may be able to pursue compensation in a wrongful death case if they believe someone else is at fault.
Wrongful death cases are similar to personal injury cases, in that they involve many of the same damages. If your loved one received any medical treatment, you may be able to receive compensation for these costs, as well as damages for:
- Loss of financial support and consortium
- Funeral expenses
- Burial expenses
Whether you are looking to file a personal injury case for your injuries, or a wrongful death case on behalf of a loved one, you may want to seek out an Englewood construction accident lawyer. The team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. fights for each of our clients every step of the way. Call (201) 585-9111 today for a free consultation.
Verdicts and Settlements
$101,000,000 - Construction Accident
To 20 injured workers and the families of four workers who were killed in the collapse of a parking garage at the Tropicana Casino Resort in 2003. The case involved multiple defendants, including Tropicana and a number of construction contractors. The parking garage collapsed while it was under construction because rebar was not properly installed, leaving the floors disconnected from the walls. As part of the trial…
$2,325,000 - Work Site Accident
To an HVAC worker who fell through an opening in a roof. The defense argued the opening was obvious and he should have watched where he was going. We proved that the unprotected opening was an OSHA violation and the worker was entitled to a reasonable cover to protect him from an inadvertent slip and fall as required by Federal regulations.
$3,200,000 - Construction Accident
To a 35 year old iron worker who fell from a steel frame building under construction due to the failure of the general contractor to provide a safe workplace which included supervision for the use of safety equipment and guide wires.
Pursuing Liability in Construction Accidents
In order to receive compensation in a personal injury case, you and your construction accident attorney will need to identify the liable party. Unlike other types of personal injury cases, construction accidents tend to fall under the responsibility of a company. For example, construction companies must provide safe working conditions for their employees by providing:
- Protective gear
- Clear signage
- Safety protocols
- Extensive training and employment requirements
Companies that fail to take these safety measures can be liable for exposing their employees to unreasonable harm. In order to prove this liability, an attorney for construction accidents will investigate the circumstances of your accident. This may involve visiting the worksite, interviewing your employer and coworkers, and collecting evidence of safety precautions—or lack thereof.
If you or your lawyer find evidence that the construction company did not take the necessary precautions, it can serve as proof of liability in your case. You will also need proof that your injuries resulted from the accident, through medical documentation from your doctor.
New Jersey Laws That Could Affect Your Construction Accident Case
There are a few different laws that may pertain to construction accident cases involving injuries in New Jersey. Some of the most important laws to remember are the statutes of limitations regarding various civil actions in the state. For example, NJ Rev Stat § 2A:14-2 states that victims must file personal injury lawsuits within two years from the date of the incident. Likewise, NJ Rev Stat § 2A:31-3 outlines a two-year limit for filing a wrongful death action.
Laws like these are important to keep in mind, as they affect your ability to seek compensation through a lawsuit. If you wait to file and this deadline passes, the court may dismiss your case and prevent you from collecting any damages for which you may have been eligible.
When you hire a personal injury lawyer for a construction accident case, part of the job involves making sure you stay within these deadlines. The sooner you contact us, the sooner an attorney from our law firm can go to work on your behalf.
Learn How an Englewood Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help You During a Free Consultation Today
Due to the high-risk environment that they occur in, construction injuries can cause you significant pain and financial suffering. Rather than shouldering these burdens alone, you may be able to build a case against your employer or another responsible party and recover damages.
Construction accidents are one of many areas of personal injury that the team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. can assist with. Call (201) 585-9111 to tell us about your case and learn about the legal options that may be available to you.
