Construction is a fundamental element of New Jersey’s economy, and the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development reports that 101,230 New Jersey residents were employed in a sector categorized as or directly linked to construction in 2018. Hoboken’s proximity to New York City means that many of the people of Hoboken may play a vital role in the Big Apple’s ever-present construction as well. This puts many Hobokeners, possibly including yourself or your loved one, at risk of suffering a construction-related injury or death.

construction accident lawyer

If you or your family member have been injured or killed in a construction accident and you believe or suspect that one or more forms of negligence could have contributed to the accident, call the construction accident lawyers at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. today at (201) 585-9111 to speak for free about your eligibility for a lawsuit.

Labor Laws and What You Need to Know

Construction Is Dangerous by Nature

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, private construction led all industries in New Jersey occupational deaths in 2018, with 23 construction workers dying on the job or from injuries sustained while working construction. Falls were the leading cause of death among construction workers, but falling from significant heights is not the only possible danger facing construction workers.

Other hazards common to the construction industry, reported by the United States Department of Labor, include:

  • The prevalence of incomplete or exposed electrical grids, which can cause potentially lethal shocks.
  • An abundance of heavy materials, such as beams and pipes, that can cause severe injury if they are to fall on or otherwise collide with you.
  • Unstable trenches that may trap workers if they collapse.
  • Scaffolding that is unstable because it was constructed improperly or with shoddy materials. This can cause falls and heavy scaffolding materials to fall on you.
  • The presence of heavy machinery, which can cause serious injury if not operated with caution and care.

Those who work in construction are generally aware of these dangers and accept some level of risk. For those who work construction, there are two broad categories of risk:

  • Risks that are unavoidable
  • Risks that are preventable

Generally speaking, construction workers can live with the unavoidable risks of the job, but not the preventable risks. If you or a loved one were exposed to avoidable risk and were injured or killed as a result, then you have a right to pursue justice in the form of compensation.

Verdicts and Settlements

$800,000 - Workplace Safety

To an electrician who suffered flash burns when he plugged in a meter to read the electric usage of a shopping mall tenant.

$300,000 - Fall From Elevated Planking

Settlement in the case of a 62 year old electrician’s helper who died after falling from loose planking at a height of 22 feet in a boiler room at an apartment complex.

$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…

Forms of Negligence on a Construction Site

When a construction accident occurs, there may be several parties responsible, especially if negligence is deemed to be the cause of the accident. Some of the possible defendants in any construction accident lawsuit that you bring include:

  • Any individual workers who caused the accident or directly contributed to conditions that led to the accident.
  • A foreman responsible for the general safety of a construction site or operation.
  • The owner of the construction company, who may be responsible for the actions of their employees.
  • A government which failed to properly regulate unsafe behavior or hold accountable individuals or businesses that they knew were operating in one or more unsafe ways.

There is a nearly endless array of behaviors that can put construction workers at risk and ultimately qualify as negligence. Some of these include:

  • Instilling a general culture of carelessness or speed-over-safety within a company or specific worksite.
  • Hiring employees who are not physically capable of doing their job, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not licensed as they should be, or otherwise unfit to be working.
  • Failing to conduct routine drug testing of all employees, and especially those who are directly accountable for the safety of others.
  • Failing to purchase and install anti-fall equipment for employees who work at dangerous heights.
  • Failing to purchase, keep on hand, and require safety equipment such as hard hats for every employee and visitor on a construction site.
  • Failing to maintain and implement a robust safety training program for all employees.

Those who own, manage, and regulate a construction operation generally know the dangers of the construction industry. They accept the responsibility of preventing risks from translating into tangible harm to whatever extent they can control. When those in charge of safety—from local regulators, to owners, all the way down to individual employees—fail to promote safety, they may become liable for any injuries or deaths that occur.

If you suspect that negligence played a role in your or your loved one’s construction accident, call our team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. today at (201) 585-9111 for a free consultation.

Injured Construction Workers Deserve Representation

Whether you were injured as a construction worker, a visitor on a construction site, or your family member was the victim of a construction accident, you deserve representation. Construction accident lawyers exist to serve, and may be able to take on your case for awards if negligence caused harm to you or your family member.

A law firm will conduct a free consultation as part of their effort to:

  • Obtain a complete picture of how you or your loved one were injured
  • Determine who all is responsible for the accident
  • Decide which legal course of action could potentially result in your collecting compensation for your losses

Your construction accident attorney will then draft and file the paperwork to begin your negligence lawsuit. From there, they can:

  • Collect evidence that is relevant to your case
  • Conduct investigations that may unearth additional evidence
  • Retain experts whose testimony may strengthen your case for awards
  • Represent you in settlement negotiations or at trial
  • Ensure that your rights are protected throughout the entirety of your legal case

Your lawyer’s mission will be to obtain coverage for your accident-related losses, which may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Permanent or long-term disability
  • Diminished earning power
  • Pain and suffering
Client Success Story
stars

We hired Chris DiGirolamo as our attorney after Mike suffered a life changing injury at work. From the time we met Chris we felt we can trust him to work in the best interest for Mike’s needs. Chris is very down to earth and we felt comfortable whenever we met with him. He spoke to us so we always understood what was going on. He never threw around legal jargon that we would not be able to understand. He was always willing to ensure we knew exactly how our case was proceeding. Chris showed humanity in dealing with Mike’s Injuries and understanding of Mike’s unwillingness to accept some of the changes in his life.

Chris’s high level of energy and desire to bring a case to the best possible results were evident from day one. Our case was settled but of court with the help of a mediator and Chris was by our side explaining what was going on every step of the way. His preparation throughout the case was evident as he spoke before the mediator. It was a pleasure to watch. Chris at work and know he was working for us. He is tough and stubborn when necessary. We were also impressed by the respect shown to Chris by the retired judge we worked with as well as other lawyers. Chris was only happy with this case when he knew we had a settlement that we were very impressed with.

- Michael and Donna Secol

Client Success Story
stars

In my Book Chris gets 10+ stars. An Incredibly Talented Attorney. I cannot begin to express my sincere appreciation for all that Chris DiGirolamo has done for me. He took on a most challenging Title59 Immunity Case, against all odds. He always leveled with me as to the complex nature of the case, but with a positive and professional attitude. He was aided in this case, by a fantastic Paralegal, Marisol Suarez. Marisol made a difficult time much easier with her courtesy, humor, and always being responsive. Chris made you feel at all times that he was fighting for you as he would fight for a member of his family. It would not be a trite statement to say that watching him prepare my case was like watching a Maestro conduct a Philharmonic Orchestra. He always kept you informed as to the latest developments in a case that took 3 1/2 years to settle. Chris was able to achieve a settlement that both of us were happy with especially considering the very complex set of circumstances. Simply put, Chris is an Incredible Attorney who is empathetic yet tough and most important ” A Good Guy.”

- Bob

Client Success Story
stars

I have been a practicing personal injury lawyer in New Jersey for over twenty years. I knew Michael Maggiano by reputation and when I was involved in an automobile myself I went to him to handle my case. I learned that the reputation was well founded and he has an outstanding law firm, very efficient and professional. He and his staff were always available and helpful during every step of the process and the resultant settlement was excellent. I could not recommend Mr. Maggiano and his firm more highly. Thank you to all at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi .

- Kevin Decie

Call the Hoboken Construction Accident Lawyers at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. Today

If you are considering bringing legal action because of a construction accident or have questions about negligence as it pertains to your accident, we may be able to help. Call our team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. today at (201) 585-9111 to speak about your accident and possible case for awards at no cost to you.