Types of Construction Accidents

New York State has a statute that provides special legal protection for workers when types of risks cause your accident including electrical, trenching and excavation. Given the less than desirable safety conditions you are frequently compelled to work under, the owner or their agents (the general contractor, project manager, etc.) are held responsible for your injuries in these situations.

The statute is Labor Law §241(6). This law places responsibility for your accident on the third party (project owner, general contractor, etc.) if they have failed to furnish you with a proper device to protect you against the risks of performing your job.  Under this law any fault of yours that contributed to the incident's occurrence can be considered when determining responsibility.  However, this consideration will probably not prevent a monetary recovery, but only limit recovery to whatever percentage of responsibility that the third party is found to have.

These accidents can include:

• Electrical Accidents:  OSHA estimates that there are nearly 350 electrical-related construction deaths every year. The consequences of improper electrical contact can include electric shock and electrocution, as well as injury caused by fire and explosions.  Electrical incidents can be caused by a lack of proper grounding, improper use of extension cords, improper equipment use and contact with power lines.
• Trenching/Excavation Accidents:  According to OSHA, the excavation fatality rate is 112% higher than the rate for general construction.  The consequences of improper trenching and excavation can include being buried alive by a cave-in, asphyxiation from lack of oxygen and drowning.  Accidents can also occur from ruptures to undetected underground utilities.
• Crane Accidents
• Accidents caused by debris, sharp projectiles or foreign substances (oil, grease, etc.) 
• Unsafe/Defective Equipment
• Welding Accidents
• Compressed Gases Accidents
• Flammable Material Accidents
• Contact with Toxins (including Asbestos)
• Struck-by-Vehicle Accidents

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.