In the last several years, construction in New Jersey has been at an all-time high. Unfortunately, construction sites are inherently dangerous for those persons working there and -- quite possibly -- for persons who live or work in and around the sites. As a result, construction is listed by OSHA as one of the most dangerous sites and/or jobs in the United States. New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development regularly posts updated statistics of nonfatal and fatal work-related accidents, and indeed construction is identified as an industry that produces a significant number of cases each year.
You can take all the necessary precautions but still experience an accident that has life-altering effects. Other times, someone's negligence can cause an accident. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to file a claim for worker's compensation or one for personal injuries. Identifying which applies can be stressful, and an employer or its insurer may not always be helpful or have your best interests in mind. You may need legal counsel to -- at a minimum -- help you know your rights and your options.
At Kim and Feliz Attorneys at Law, our personal injury lawyers know the law and the industry. We will help you navigate the system. Contact us today to learn more.
What are the most common causes of construction site accidents?
Construction sites by their very nature are dangerous. The industry and your employer must adhere to strict guidelines and regulations on safety. If they are negligent in any way, they likely are responsible for your injuries. If, however, all precautions were properly taken, then it may be a case of worker's compensation. Below are the most common types of accidents that lead to personal injuries and -- in worse case scenarios -- fatal deaths.
Common Construction Site Accidents in New Jersey
- Burns
- Falls from a height (e.g., scaffolding falls)
- Slip or trip and falls
- Electric shocks
- Explosions
- Crane accidents
- Chemical spills
- Defective equipment
- Auto accidents
- Falling objects (e.g., bricks)
- Backovers
These types of accidents can produce a range of injuries. Some injuries may require a little rest while other injuries may require long-term care and treatment.
Common Injuries Related to Construction Site Accidents
- Cuts or lacerations
- Eye injuries or vision loss
- Broken bones
- Crushed injuries
- Amputation
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Muscle or joint damage
- Head or brain injuries
- Spinal or back injuries
- Paralysis
- Toxic exposure
What should a construction worker do after an accident on the job?
To ensure you do everything right on your side so that the employer or employer's insurer cannot argue you were somehow at fault for the injury, you should follow a few simple steps:
- First, always be sure to wear safety gear and follow safety procedures.
- Second, if you identify equipment that is not working properly, be sure to report it.
- Third, if you are injured, you should advise your supervisor or employer as soon as possible. In some cases that may not mean until after you have received immediate medical attention. In other cases, you may have had an accident but get back up on your feet and assume you are ok -- in this case, it is still important to advise your supervisor in case symptoms appear later.
- Fourth, keep all records of the accident, including any reports to the employer and all medical records. If there are any eyewitness accounts, photos of the accident scene, or other documentation, be sure to keep those as well.
- Fifth, you may want to seek legal counsel to ensure any potential recovery is just and fair given the nature, facts, and circumstances of your accident and subsequent injuries.
What should you know if your construction site injury entitles you to a personal injury claim in New Jersey?
If you construction site accident was the result of someone else's negligence, whether your employer's or a co-worker's, then you may prefer to file a personal injury claim -- workers' compensation can be limited and may not reimburse fairly for any non-economic damages -- like pain and suffering -- you experience.
A skilled personal injury lawyer can review your case, identify your options, and thoroughly explain them to you so you make an informed decision. If you suffered a personal injury, you want to recover the best possible amount in compensatory damages, including compensation for:
- Medical bills,
- Costs of prescription medicine,
- Lost wages,
- Pain and suffering, and
- Other eligible expenses stemming from the construction site accident.
Contact Experienced Construction Site Personal Injury Lawyers in Fort Lee, NJ
If you have suffered a personal injury while working on a construction site, identifying the cause of the accident is important to understanding the best means of recovering monetary damages. At Kim & Feliz Attorneys at Law, we have the knowledge and the resources to ensure you understand your rights, you are informed of your options, and you get the best compensation package available to you. Contact us today online or at (201) 585-2250 to learn more about how we approach these types of cases and how we may best serve you.