NY / NJ Construction Site Fall Injuries
Falls on the same level — like slips and trips — are the top cause of construction site injuries, according to OSHA. Workers are entitled to a safe jobsite. That means that the site should be free of the clutter that can cause slips and trips. Walkways must be safe and not slick. If contractors, property owners or others don’t meet this duty, they must pay for your fall injuries.
The NY / NJ construction injury lawyers at the Ginarte law firm can help you get the money you deserve for your fall injuries. Talk to us about your claim today. Call 1-888-GINARTE now for a free consultation. Or you can fill out our online contact form. We collect fees only if you win your case.
As one of the largest firms handling construction accident cases in the NY / NJ metro area, we have the resources needed for success. Ginarte O’Dwyer Gonzalez Gallardo & Winograd, LLP, has 28 lawyers and seven nearby offices: Newark, New York City, Union City, Elizabeth, Clifton and Perth Amboy.
How Fall Injuries Happen At NJ / NY Construction Sites
Some of the worst fall injuries at NY / NJ construction sites involve these situations:
- Falls from roofs;
- Falls through unguarded openings;
- Falls from mobile scaffolds, mobile cranes and cherry pickers;
- Falls from concrete construction forms;
- Falls from scaffolds; and
- Falls from ladders.
Click on the links to find out more about those types of falls.
The most common type of workplace fall is where a worker slips or trips and falls onto the floor. That is what OSHA calls a “fall to the same level.” One of the main causes of this type of fall is an untidy jobsite. Scrap lumber, tools, packing materials and other objects pose a tripping hazard if not cleaned up.
Workers are usually focused on doing their job. They might not see an object in their way. The worker can trip over the item and fall down. Some walking surfaces at a worksite might be too slick. Workers can fall if steps aren’t taken to fix the slippery surface.
Types of Fall Injuries
Falls at construction sites can result in many different types of injuries. A lot depends on how the fall happens and what surface the worker falls onto. Some falls can cause disabilities or require long recovery periods.
If you had a fall at an NY / NJ construction site, your injuries could include:
- Back injuries;
- Broken bones;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Bruises;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI);
- Deep cuts;
- Sprains;
- Knee and ankle injuries;
- Paralysis, including paraplegia and quadriplegia;
- Hairline and compound fractures;
- Tendon and ligament injuries, and others.
It is important to seek medical help if you suffer a fall injury. There could be injuries that you are not aware of at first.
NY / NJ Construction Workers At Risk For Falls
Anyone at a construction site runs the risk of a fall. Slip and trip hazards affect everyone on the job, regardless of your trade or position. Workers visiting a messy, unfamiliar jobsite are at particular risk.
Here are some of the construction workers who face fall injuries:
- General laborers & helpers;
- Carpenters;
- Electricians;
- Framers;
- Plumbers;
- Masons;
- Drywall hangers;
- Plasterers;
- Window installers;
- HVAC installers;
- Painters;
- Demolition workers;
- Welders;
- Decorators;
- Flooring and carpet installers;
- Site supervisors;
- Ironworkers;
- Elevator specialists;
- Insulation installers;
- Roofers;
- Tile setters.
Expenses Related To NJ / NY Fall Injuries
Depending on how bad your fall injuries are, the costs can vary widely. Some fall injuries can result in very high medical bills, not to mention lost pay if you can’t work. The costs grow even more if you become disabled. You might need expensive rehab programs or special equipment to help with your daily tasks.
Because falls on the same level happen so often, their total cost is very high. Falls on the same level were the second most expensive workplace accidents in 2009, according to the 2011 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index. All together these falls cost $7.94 billion that year.
Your New York Construction Accident Claim
There are special laws in New York designed to protect workers from unsafe jobsites. If you fell because your workplace was left in an unsafe condition, you could be entitled to money damages under these laws. The lawyers at the Ginarte law firm know how to bring a successful claim against liable third parties. These parties can include property owners, subcontractors, site developers, general contractors, vendors and others. If they fail to meet their duty of providing a safe workplace, they can be made to pay under New York law.
New Jersey Construction Injury Lawsuits
New Jersey doesn’t have the same workplace safety laws as New York, but the construction accident attorneys at the Ginarte law firm know other ways to help you get the money you deserve. Many jobsite falls happen when OSHA rules are broken. For example, OSHA requires jobsites to be kept clean and free of trip and slip hazards. If you fell because a rule like that wasn’t met, our lawyers can work with experts to show the cause. That can be grounds for a New Jersey construction injury claim.
Contact The Ginarte Law Firm About Your Fall Injury Claim Now!
Protect your rights to the money you deserve. Discuss your NY / NJ fall injury claim with a lawyer at the Ginarte law firm today. It doesn’t cost anything. We collect fees only if you win your case. Dial 1-888-GINARTE now. Or fill out our online contact form. Our experienced construction accident attorneys are ready to start on your case now.