Construction Site Excavation and Trench Collapse Injuries In New York & New Jersey

Excavations and trench collapses can be very dangerous places to work if responsible parties don’t follow safety rules. OSHA says that workers in excavated areas have a death rate over twice that of workers in other places. Cave-ins are one of the most obvious threats at New York and New Jersey excavation sites, but other dangers are present too. Underground utilities can cause explosions or electrical shock. Suffocation and drowning are other risks. Things can also fall into dug-out areas and hurt workers.

All of these construction accidents could be prevented if contractors, property owners and others met their duty to provide a safe worksite. If you were hurt, you could be entitled to money for your injuries from the at-fault party. Talk to the NY / NJ construction accident lawyers at the Ginarte firm today. Dial 1-888-GINARTE now. You can also fill out our online contact form. Call today for a free consultation. We receive compensation only if your case is won.

The Ginarte law firm has 28 lawyers ready to help with your construction accident claim. We know how to help people hurt at construction sites. Ask us how we can help you get the all the cash you deserve.

Causes Of NY / NJ Excavation Accidents and Trench Collapses

Excavation and trenching are some of the most dangerous construction activities, according to OSHA. Here are some of the hazards workers face in excavations and trenches:

• Cave-ins;
• Falls;
• Falling objects;
• Drowning;
• Utility lines (gas, electricity);
• Explosions;
• Fires;
• Low oxygen; and
• Heavy equipment accidents.

OSHA has created lots of rules to make excavation safer. The NY Labor Law and the NY Industrial Code also have various safety provisions.The slopes of dug-out areas can only be so steep. Trench walls must be supported. Dirt, gravel and debris must be piled at least 2 feet from the edge of the excavation or trench. Utility lines must be marked and avoided. Equipment must be kept away from the edge of the dug-out area. There must be easy ways for workers to get out of the hole. Fresh air must be supplied. Water levels and weather must be monitored. Safety equipment must be used. The site must be inspected at least daily.

Excavation accidents happen when the rules aren’t followed.

Injuries Resulting From Excavation Accidents

Injuries from an NY / NJ excavation accident depend on what happens. Cave-ins are the most deadly type of excavation accident. These can cause workers to be buried alive, resulting in suffocation and crushing injuries. Suffocation can also result if oxygen levels drop too low because of bad ventilation.

Falls are also serious problems in excavations. They can result in a wide variety of injuries, like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), broken bones, sprains, knee and foot injuries, and more. Being hit by a falling object can also cause TBI, as well as broken bones, bleeding and eye injuries. Severe burns can result from an explosion due to a broken gas line.

Workers At Risk of Excavation Injuries

Anyone who works in or around an NY / NJ excavation or trench could get hurt if safety rules are violated. Many different types of construction workers must go into excavations and trenches at different stages of the building process. Some trades and workers who might suffer an excavation injury include:

• General laborers and helpers;
• Heavy equipment operators;
• Electricians;
• Plumbers;
• Masons;
• HVAC installers;
• Ironworkers;
• Carpenters;
• Demolition workers;
• Site supervisors; and
• Elevator specialists.

Costs Due To NY / NJ Excavation Accidents

If you suffer severe injuries in an excavation accident, you run the risk of incurring large medical bills and years of lost wages. Depending on the type of injury, medical bills and rehab costs could cost tens of thousands of dollars. If you are left with a permanent disability, you might not be able to work again or you might have to take a job that pays less.

Workers’ comp might cover some of your losses, but it is not enough for many injured workers. That’s why you need to talk to the New York / New Jersey construction accident lawyers at the Ginarte law firm. We know how to go after other financial resources so you can get all of the money you need and deserve.

New York Excavation Injury Lawsuits

Injured construction workers have very strong protections under New York law. Labor statutes require a safe workplace. If safety standards go unmet, injured workers can sue third parties such as property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, vendors and others. An NY construction accident lawsuit could result in an award that will help you pay your doctor’s bills and make up for your lost wages.

The Ginarte law firm has handled these types of cases for years. We work with experts to find out what rules were broken. Then we prove what sort of losses you suffered and what future costs you face. We are always prepared to take your construction accident case to court. In the alternative, we can use the evidence surrounding your case to get you a good settlement.

Construction Accident Claims In NJ

Because New Jersey does not have the same labor laws as New York, you have to show that the third party did something wrong that resulted in your injury. OSHA safety rules are usually a good way of proving that someone was negligent. That could be a site developer, property owner, a contractor or someone else besides your direct employer.

OSHA has lots of rules for making excavations and trenches safer. Most accidents happen because at least one of those rules was broken. The lawyers at the Ginarte law firm know how to prepare an NJ construction injury lawsuit. Our attorneys have been successful with these cases for decades.

Hurt In An Excavation Accident? You’ve Found The Right Firm!

NY and NJ construction accident claims have strict deadlines. Your claim could be barred if you wait too long. To avoid that, call the Ginarte law firm today. Dial 1-888-GINARTE now. If you prefer, fill out our online contact form. It costs nothing to talk to our lawyers about your claim. We collect fees only if you win your case.

Ginarte Gonzalez & Winograd, LLP, has seven offices in the NY / NJ metro area: Newark, New York City, Union City, Elizabeth, Clifton and Perth Amboy.