Construction sites are inherently dangerous environments.
Workers face numerous hazards daily, from heavy machinery to falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, and structural collapses.
Despite efforts to enforce safety standards, accidents are still common in the construction industry.
When a construction accident occurs, the consequences can be devastating, often leading to serious injuries or even death.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction accident, it’s essential to understand the importance of legal representation.
Navigating the aftermath of an accident, including dealing with medical expenses, insurance claims, and legal battles, can be overwhelming.
That’s where an experienced construction accident lawyer comes in.
Below, we’ll discuss why hiring a lawyer is crucial after a construction accident and how they can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Construction Accidents
Construction accidents can vary widely in nature.
Some of the most common types of accidents on construction sites include:
- Falls from Heights: Construction workers who work on scaffolding, ladders, or roofs are at risk of falling. Even a fall from a relatively low height can cause serious injuries.
- Falling Objects: Construction sites are filled with heavy materials, tools, and equipment that are often hoisted or moved around. A worker can be injured if something falls from above.
- Machinery and Equipment Accidents: Construction workers operate heavy machinery like cranes, bulldozers, and forklifts. If these machines malfunction or are operated incorrectly, they can cause serious injuries.
- Electrocution: Electrical hazards are common on construction sites, especially when workers come into contact with live wires or faulty electrical systems.
- Trenching and Excavation Accidents: Workers who dig trenches or work in deep holes are at risk of being buried if the walls of the trench collapse.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer After a Construction Accident
After a construction accident, one of the first things you should do is contact an experienced lawyer who specializes in construction accidents.
Here are several reasons why legal representation is crucial:
1. Navigating Complex Legal Issues
Construction accident claims can be more complicated than typical workplace injuries.
In many cases, multiple parties could be at fault, including the employer, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or even property owners.
Determining who is liable for the accident can require extensive investigation and expert testimony.
A skilled lawyer can help identify all potentially liable parties and hold them accountable for the injuries sustained.
Additionally, construction sites are often governed by a complex web of local, state, and federal regulations.
These regulations dictate everything from safety standards to insurance requirements.
A construction accident lawyer will have the knowledge and experience to navigate these laws and ensure your case is handled correctly.
2. Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Lawsuits
Many construction workers who are injured on the job are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance program designed to provide benefits for medical treatment, lost wages, and disability benefits for injured workers.
However, there are some limitations to workers’ compensation claims.
For example, workers cannot sue their employers for pain and suffering under workers’ compensation laws.
However, if a third party (such as a contractor, subcontractor, or equipment manufacturer) is responsible for the accident, a lawyer may be able to help you file a personal injury lawsuit against that party.
Personal injury lawsuits can seek compensation for damages not covered by workers’ compensation, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
A lawyer with experience in construction accidents can help you understand your rights and determine whether you should pursue a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or both.
3. Maximizing Your Compensation
One of the key roles of a construction accident lawyer is to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
In many cases, insurance companies or employers may try to settle quickly, offering you less than you deserve.
An attorney can help you assess the full extent of your injuries and calculate all the damages you’re entitled to, including:
- Medical Costs: Current and future medical expenses related to the injury.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for any income lost due to the injury, including long-term disability if the injury prevents you from returning to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress, physical pain, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Permanent Disability: If the injury leads to permanent disability, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
With a lawyer by your side, you can ensure that all of these factors are considered and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
4. Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Construction accidents often require an extensive investigation to determine the cause of the accident and who was at fault.
A lawyer can help collect critical evidence, such as:
- Witness Testimonies: Statements from other workers or witnesses who saw the accident.
- Photographs and Videos: Visual evidence of the accident scene, hazardous conditions, or faulty equipment.
- Expert Analysis: Expert testimony on the cause of the accident, such as mechanical failures, poor construction practices, or lack of safety protocols.
An attorney will ensure that this evidence is properly collected and preserved, which is crucial for building a strong case.
5. Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts.
After a construction accident, the insurance company representing your employer or a third party may offer you a settlement that is far less than what you deserve.
A lawyer will act as your advocate, negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf and ensuring that they don’t take advantage of your situation.
How Goidel & Seigel Can Help
If you or someone you love has been injured in a construction accident, it’s important to have the right legal team by your side.
At Goidel & Seigel, our experienced attorneys have helped numerous clients in New York and beyond secure the compensation they deserve after construction accidents.
We specialize in personal injury law, including construction accident cases, and have the expertise to navigate the complexities of these types of claims.
Our team will work tirelessly to investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight for your rights.
Whether you’re dealing with a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit, we have the skills and resources to get the best possible outcome for you.
To learn more about how we can help, Visit Here and schedule a consultation.
Let us guide you through this difficult time and ensure that you receive the justice you deserve.
Conclusion
A construction accident can have life-altering consequences, and securing legal representation is vital for protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
By hiring a skilled attorney from Goidel & Seigel, you can navigate the complexities of the legal system and focus on your recovery.
Don’t let the aftermath of a construction accident add unnecessary stress to your life—reach out to a lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
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