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We absolutely can’t thank you enough.

Powers & Santola was so knowledgeable and caring. I was so very fortunate to find such a great law firm.

- John

Construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Heavy equipment, machinery, heights, and busy worksites often create a dangerous environment.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, approximately one in five workplace fatalities occur in the construction industry. Furthermore, falls are a leading cause of workplace deaths and serious injuries on construction job sites. New York construction workers must often work at heights, which includes climbing ladders and standing on unstable scaffolding. When construction workers fall from heights, the results can be catastrophic.

If you fell at a construction job site due to dangerous conditions, you may have legal options to recover compensation. The experienced construction accident attorneys at Powers & Santola, LLP can demand the compensation and justice you are due.

If you were injured on your construction job, you might be confused about your legal rights and options. You may be intimidated by the prospect of filing a legal claim against your employer. An experienced personal injury lawyer from Powers & Santola, LLP can answer your questions and provide legal advice based on your particular situation.

Our law firm has successfully recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. One of our founding attorneys, Daniel R. Santola, wrote New York’s leading legal treatise on construction accident claims. We intentionally limit our caseload so we can provide every client with the personalized attention they deserve. If we decide to accept your claim, we do the following:

Explain New York’s construction laws and how they apply to your case
Investigate the accident and all parties responsible for your injuries
Identify, gather, and preserve valuable evidence
Determine the short- and long-term impact of your construction site injuries
Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
Manage your legal claims and claim paperwork
Handle communications with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf
Take your case to trial if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached

Our personal injury law firm proudly represents construction accident victims injured on the job due to slips, trips, and falls. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Read our Construction Accident Blogs

Who Is Liable in a Construction Site Accident in New York?

Posted: January 11, 2025

According to the New York City Department of Buildings, 841 building construction-related workplace accidents occurred in 2023 throughout the city’s five boroughs, which resulted in 692 worker injuries and seven worker deaths. This represents a 25% increase in construction worker injuries in the city. If you or a loved one was injured at a construction …

Continue reading “Who Is Liable in a Construction Site Accident in New York?”

How Weather Conditions Contribute to Construction Accidents in New York

Posted: September 17, 2024

According to the National Safety Council, construction is the most dangerous industry to work in because it has the highest number of worker fatalities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction accidents cause 1,000 deaths and 200,000 injuries yearly. Weather-related problems make this already dangerous occupation even more so. Construction workers face additional risks …

Continue reading “How Weather Conditions Contribute to Construction Accidents in New York”

Construction Site Fall Accidents in New York: Causes and Prevention Tips

Posted:

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in which to work. However, this does not excuse an employer’s responsibility to provide a safe working environment. The potential dangers underscore the importance of providing workers with the proper equipment, training, and protection. Falls are a prevalent type of construction accident, so employers as …

Continue reading “Construction Site Fall Accidents in New York: Causes and Prevention Tips”

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Types of Construction Site Trips and Falls

Construction site accidents related to falls generally take one of two forms. The first is falls from heights. In these construction accidents, construction workers fall from an elevated position, such as a ladder, scaffold or upper floor levels. Construction workers commonly work on roofs, balconies, and other elevated positions. When they fall from a height, they can suffer serious injuries.

The second type of fall accident at construction sites is trips and falls. In these types of accidents, workers trip over something that causes them to fall on the same level. For example, a construction worker may trip over a power tool, electric cord, or building supplies and/or debris. In some of these falls, tripping over a hazard can also occur at a height, increasing the likelihood of a severe injury or workplace fatality.

Risk Factors for Slips and Falls at Construction Sites

Any workplace can be the site of a slip-and-fall accident. However, construction site workers are at an increased risk of slips and falls due to:

Exposure to weather conditions, including wind, rain, snow, and ice
Dangerous walking surfaces, which may include defective walkways, cracks in flooring, changing elevations, and uneven surfaces
Lack of communication between various parties in the construction industry
Visual obstructions caused by unfinished projects and construction materials
Communication issues when multiple parties are working on the construction site or fail to communicate about hazards

An experienced construction accident lawyer can help prepare legal claims if you were injured on the job.

Common Causes of Construction Site Slips and Falls

Slip and fall accidents on construction sites can occur for various reasons, including:

Dangerous or Damaged Ladders

Construction workers must rely on ladders to complete various aspects of their jobs. However, if ladders are not safe, they can tip over, collapse, or otherwise harm construction workers. Construction site accidents related to ladders can happen when construction workers:

Use the wrong type of ladder
Use a damaged or worn-out ladder
Use an unsecured ladder
Use ladders placed on uneven or slippery surfaces
Do not have a reliable spotter to hold the ladder
Are on a ladder when a forklift or other vehicle bumps into the ladder

Dangerous Scaffolding

New York has specific laws regarding the use and construction of scaffolding. If scaffolding is not properly constructed, it can collapse, injuring or killing construction workers.

Lack of Fall Protection

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, lack of fall protection is the most frequently cited OSHA standards violation.

Construction companies are required to provide workers with proper fall protection equipment, such as harnesses and ropes. Nonetheless, some companies fail to provide adequate fall protection on active construction sites.

Damaged Floors or Surfaces

Construction workers may be removing or renovating floors or in buildings that need repair. Falls can occur when they work on damaged roofs or floors. Construction site managers may fail to communicate these hazards to workers, leading to injuries when workers trip over or fall through loose or uneven floors.

Trip and Fall Hazards

Construction worksite falls can also occur when workers trip over power tools, electrical cords, wires or debris..

Unmarked Hazards

Construction workers may be harmed when they are not aware of hazards. Unmarked construction site hazards may include:

Openings in floors
Lack of guardrails
Live electrical wires
Unmarked trenches

Inadequate Training

Construction workers may lack proper training regarding how to use common safety features, tools, scaffolding, or machinery.

Structural Malfunctions

Slipping planks, collapsing supports, and other structural malfunctions are responsible for other construction site deaths and injuries.

Lack of Safety Devices

Falls can also occur when construction workers do not have safety lines, fall arrest devices, or guardrails.

Who Is Responsible for Construction Slips and Falls?

Your employer is the first party you may turn to for accountability following a construction site slip and fall. Generally, New York workers cannot sue their employers for work-related injuries. Instead, they file a workers’ compensation claim to secure medical benefits and partial wage replacement.

However, New York law has special provisions for construction workers and those who use scaffolding and ladders. Additionally, parties may violate OSHA regulations that expose them to legal liability. Our accident lawyers may bring claims against various negligent parties, such as:

Construction site owners
Construction site managers
General contractors and subcontractors
Engineers and architects
Manufacturers of defective equipment

Let us investigate your case and determine your path to compensation while you focus on your recovery.

What Types of Injuries Do Construction Site Slips and Falls Cause?

Because construction accidents can involve falls from heights, contact with electrical devices, and other dangers, they tend to result in serious injuries. Falls at construction worksites may cause:

Head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and concussions, which can result in memory loss and cognitive impairment
Neck and back injuries
Spinal cord injuries, including herniated or ruptured discs and paralysis
Fractured bones and soft tissue injuries

Some construction site falls lead to permanent disabilities. Tragically, many accidents can prove fatal.

What Financial Compensation Can I Recover After a Construction Site Slip and Fall?

Accidents in construction can result in severe injuries. Construction accident victims may require multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment. They may suffer permanent disabilities that prevent them from returning to work or force them out of the construction industry. These injuries can also cause significant pain and suffering that continues for years.

If you are limited to a workers’ compensation claim, you may not be able to secure adequate compensation for all the harm you’ve endured. However, you may be able to file a third-party claim to secure compensation for the full extent of the damages you’ve sustained, such as:

Payment for all medical expenses – You may be able to recover compensation to pay for all necessary surgeries, emergency treatment, hospital stays, prescription medication, and future medical expenses.
Lost income – You may be able to recover compensation for all of your lost wages, not just a portion as provided for by workers’ compensation benefits. Additionally, you can seek compensation for your reduced earning capacity.
Disability – You can seek compensation for any permanent disability, impairment, or disfigurement caused by the fall.
Pain and suffering – You can also seek compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you endured because of the accident.

An experienced personal injury lawyer from our firm can gather documentation and consult with expert witnesses to demonstrate the full extent of your injuries.

What Is My Rochester Construction Site Trip and Fall Case Worth?

You’re likely anxious to receive your settlement proceeds to make up for lost income and pay medical expenses. You might also be wondering how much your case is worth. Every case is different. Factors that can affect your claim value could include:

The nature and severity of your injuries
The type of medical treatment you required and its duration
The identity and number of parties responsible for your injuries
Whether your injuries caused permanent disabilities or impairments
How the injuries affect your ability to work
The circumstances surrounding your trip and fall
The extent of your pain and suffering
How the accident has affected your life
Your age

Our lawyers can give you a better idea about the value of your personal injury claim after a thorough investigation.

What Is the Deadline to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in New York?

Injured workers must notify their employers of work-related injuries within 30 days of the accident to preserve their right to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation claims and personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. If you do not take legal action within this timeframe, you can forfeit your right to recover compensation. Our experienced attorneys can ensure you take timely legal action to preserve your rights.

What Should I Do After a Construction Site Slip and Fall?

If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident on a construction site, you should take prompt action to protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Follow these steps after a workplace accident:

Seek medical attention – If your injury is serious, go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible or call an ambulance. For other injuries, ask your employer for an approved list of workers’ compensation doctors. A physician can assess your injuries, properly diagnose you, and document that the injury is related to a workplace accident.
Report the accident – Report the injury immediately to your employer. If your initial report was verbal, you will need to follow up with a written report within 30 days of the accident.
Document the accident – Write down details of the accident, including whatever you think may have contributed to your fall. Take photos and videos of the hazardous conditions that caused your injuries. Also, photograph your injuries as they progress. Write down the names of anyone else who observed the accident.
Follow your doctor’s orders – Follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Also, listen to any restrictions your doctor has put in place. If you disagree with your doctor’s recommendations or return-to-work status, seek a second opinion.
Contact a lawyer – You do not have to navigate the legal process alone. An experienced personal injury lawyer can investigate your case, gather critical evidence, and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Experienced Attorneys for a Free Case Review

Construction projects can be dangerous. Still, employers and property owners have a duty to keep construction sites safe. If your employer or another party breached their legal duty and caused your trip and fall, the construction accident lawyers at Powers & Santola, LLP can help. We can investigate your case, gather important evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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