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.
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
$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.
$2,600,000 - Construction Accident
To widow and child of a deceased dock builder injured during a pile driving operation. Defendant Developer and General Contractor placed blame on employer of deceased worker who could not be sued because of the Worker Compensation Statute that says you can not sue your employer. We proved that even though the employer was negligence, the Developer and GC had to primary duty of safety on the…
$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.
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
It was a pleasure having Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi take on my case. After a car accident left me jobless for several months, they helped get me back on my feet. They went above and beyond the call of duty!
Choosing Michael Maggiano and his firm was the best decision my husband and I made at a most horrific time in our lives. Multiple doctors, with whom we had trusting relationships, were confidently telling me that nothing was wrong when, in fact, that was not the case; allowing a cancer to grow over several years to an advanced stage.
Michael Maggiano and his incredible colleagues took our case, even though extremely complex. They patiently answered our endless questions, diligently pursued every aspect of our case, handled our anxieties; especially during trial preparation and settlement discussions. Due to their experience and skill, the final outcome was a sizable settlement.
We hope that this message helps you make the right decision during what is probably a difficult and trying time by speaking with Mike Maggiano.
Nothing but praise for Maggiano, DiGirolamo, and Lizzi. I have never seen such a fantastic display of teamwork at all levels of the firm. (As an aisde, everyone one who works at the firm was extremely courteous and kind – character traits that one would not typically associate with a law firm. )
Furthermore, the legal results brought about by Mr. Maggiano’s tireless litigation efforts on our behalf were very fair and just. If you ever find yourself in a car accident, be sure to consult Maggiano, DiGirolamo, and Lizzi.
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.
