Should I Seek Legal Help After a Construction Accident?

What Can a Construction Accident Attorney Do for Me?

A construction accident injury attorney helps you seek compensation for your losses if you suffered an injury as the result of a construction accident caused by another person’s negligence.

Your lawyer will obtain documentation, including medical bills, photographic evidence, witness statements, and expert testimony to build your case. Using this information, they establish the monetary value of your case and file a claim on your behalf.

Your lawyer negotiates with the insurance companies and opposing counsel to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. If your attorney is unable to come to an agreement with the opposing party, they can then take your case to trial.

When Should I Hire a Construction Injury Lawyer?

You should contact a construction accident injury lawyer as soon after the accident as possible. Per N.Y. CVP § 124, you have a limited time to file a lawsuit, and your attorney will need that time to prepare your case. Prior to filing suit, your attorney will compile evidence, build your case, and attempt to negotiate a settlement out of court.

Additionally, the opposing party may approach you with a settlement offer, in order to limit their liability. Be sure to speak with your attorney before you sign anything, as such a settlement will severely limit your ability to claim additional compensation.

What do I Do After a Construction Accident?

If you are in a construction accident, follow these steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal right to compensation:

• Seek medical treatment. If you have a severe injury, move as little as possible and call 911 for emergency assistance. If your injuries are not life-threatening, arrange to have someone take you to the emergency room.
• Take photos. If you can do so without placing yourself or others in danger, take photos of your injuries, the accident site, equipment or objects involved, and anything else that can be used as evidence to support your claim.
• Report the accident. If you are a worker, report the accident to your supervisor in writing as soon as possible. Per the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board, you must report the injury to your employer within 30 days to be eligible for workers’ compensation.
• Obtain witness contact information. Your attorney will use this information to seek witness statements to support your claim.
• Seek legal assistance. As soon as you are safe, contact your attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can help protect you from bad settlement deals and other measures that violate your legal rights.

Your attorney will use the above information to gather evidence and build your case.

What Are Common Construction Accident Injuries?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the most common cause of injury on a construction site. Other construction accidents include:

• Struck by moving objects
• Caught in or between surfaces or equipment
• Electrocution
• Broken bones
• Head trauma
• Spinal injuries
• Burns
• Eye injuries

Whether you’re a worker or a bystander, if you suffered any of the above injuries on a construction site, you may be able to seek compensation for the losses you sustained.

What Damages Can I Claim for a Construction Accident?

When you are injured in a construction accident, you can suffer severe long-term effects. To ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your losses, a construction accident attorney will calculate the losses you sustained due to the accident, including:

• Medical bills
• Long-term medical care, including medications, therapy, equipment, and prostheses
• Loss of current and future income
• Loss of use and reduced ability to work in current career
• Training and education for career change
• Mental and emotional anguish
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of companionship

Consult With a Construction Accident Attorney at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP

Whether you are a construction worker or a bystander, if you were injured on a construction site due to someone else’s negligence, you can seek compensation for your losses.

The personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP have established a firm reputation for successfully representing injury clients in a variety of cases. We will vigorously defend your legal right to representation and fair compensation for your injuries.

Reach out to our office today at 866-878-6774 for a free consultation. One of our construction accident attorneys will evaluate your case and help you decide your next move.