The law firm of Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman is dedicated to protecting the rights of those injured in serious construction accidents. We are passionate about pursuing justice and fair compensation for victims who have suffered needlessly. Our veteran attorneys are well-versed in New York State Labor Laws and have decades of experience handling construction accident cases in Rockland County.
When The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines are ignored, and employers prioritize speed over safety, catastrophic injuries often result. If you need an experienced construction accident attorney in Rockland County, our firm is poised to help. Contact our office today to find out if you or a loved one are eligible to seek compensation outside of workers’ compensation benefits.
Common Construction Accidents
The construction industry is dangerous, with high rates of workplace injuries and fatalities. Recent data from the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) shows that 282 construction workers were seriously hurt in 2022. The majority of these injuries were attributed to falls and impact with objects. Our skilled lawyers have the knowledge and resources to litigate any construction injury case, including:
- Scaffolding collapse
- Ladder or roof falls
- Forklift accidents
- Electrocutions
- Fallen object injuries
- Caught between objects
- Toxic exposure
- Machinery and equipment malfunction
- Building collapse
- Excavator accidents
- Elevator accidents
- Workplace slip and falls
- Welding accidents
Can I file a Rockland County construction accident lawsuit?
If investigations show that New York labor laws have been violated and that this negligence caused your injuries, you may be eligible to bring a civil suit for damages. To prevail in a lawsuit, your injury lawyers must demonstrate that a negligent party did not comply with any of the tenets outlined in the following legislation:
- New York Labor 200: This law outlines the general duty to protect the health and safety of employees –and visitors–at construction sites. Machinery and equipment must be correctly secured according to industry guidelines, and workers must be properly trained and informed of safety protocols.
- New York Labor Law 240 – Also known as the Scaffolding Law, this legislation provides strict safety guidelines for the erection and use of scaffolds on job sites. Workers who suffer bodily injuries because of breaches of this law may be eligible to sue for damages.
- New York Labor Law 241– This law protects workers who are engaged in building, demolition, and excavation work. Contractors and owners must ensure that work sites have adequate safety protection for all workers and visitors.
It’s important to note that all construction workers have rights, even those who are undocumented and working in Rockland County. Filing a lawsuit under NY Labor Laws 200, 240, or 241 won’t impact your eligibility to seek workers’ compensation benefits. For expert legal advice about your injury case, reach out for a confidential and no-obligation consultation.
Who are potential defendants?
Workers’ compensation benefits provide limited reimbursements from an employer. However, if the negligence of a third party contributed to your construction accident and resulting injuries, you may be able to sue for additional damages. The following parties may be named defendants in a personal injury lawsuit:
- Property owners
- Equipment manufacturers
- Contractors
- Engineers
- Building or project designer
- Maintenance companies
- Architects
- Subcontractors
- Drivers of motor vehicles
Construction site injuries
Inadequate fall protection, defective machinery, and unsafe equipment are some of the leading causes of construction accident injuries and fatalities. Our legal team will advocate on your behalf and strive to help you recover both physically and financially from life-altering injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord damage
- Burns
- Back and neck injuries
- Crush injuries
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Paralysis
- Loss of limb
Statute of limitations
If the negligence of a third party caused or contributed to your construction site injury, you generally have three years from the date of injury to bring a lawsuit. Not sure if you have a legal claim or if the deadline has expired? Get the advice you need from attorneys who consistently secure outstanding results.
Pursue Maximum Compensation
Workers’ compensation only covers partial wage replacement and reimbursements for medical care. In contrast, a personal injury lawsuit can demand monetary damages for other losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, long-term care, loss of enjoyment in life, as well as lost earning capacity.
The lifetime cost of a serious construction accident injury can reach millions of dollars. Don’t settle for less than you deserve when negligence is at play. The sooner we are retained after your injury, the better the chances we can collect the evidence necessary for a strong case.
Speak to a Rockland County Construction Accidents Lawyer
Construction accident cases are seldom cut and dry and require meticulous investigations and a solid understanding of State Labor Laws and the legal system. At Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, our attorneys represent injured construction workers throughout Rockland County. Ensure your rights are protected. Call now to arrange a free consultation.