If you are a worker injured at a construction site, you are probably eligible for Workers' Compensation. Unfortunately, Workers' Compensation rarely provides enough money for all the damages sustained due to the accident, including pain, suffering, lost wages and lost work opportunities. There are also specific time limits on how long you are eligible to collect benefits that you must be aware of.
What options do you have besides Workers' Compensation? You and your spouse may be able to sue. In New York State, employees generally cannot sue their employer for damages and compensation as a result of a workplace accident.
However, parties other than your actual employer may bear some responsibility for the injury-causing accident. These third parties can include the owner of the building or structure, the general or prime contractor, a project or construction manager, architect and even equipment manufacturers. These parties may be at least partially responsible for your accident even if they did not personally give you directions. Examples of additional damages that can be recovered through legal actions include:
- Current and future pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost wages and work opportunities
- Loss of pension, health insurance and medical benefits
- Loss of household services
You do not need to be a union member to pursue a construction-site accident claim. In certain circumstances, you can bring a Workers' Compensation claim and a lawsuit against the third parties that may be responsible for your injuries.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a construction accident, please call us at 1.800.966.4999 or fill out the form to the right of the page for a free case evaluation.
