Potential Liable Parties in a New York Construction Accident Case
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in which to work. Construction workers are always at risk of suffering severe and even fatal injuries. When a construction worker suffers an injury in New York, they are frequently required to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, construction workers may be able to pursue third-party liability claims against other third parties (other than their employers) whose negligence is to blame for the accident. A third-party liability claim is vital if you are seeking full compensation for your injuries and damages, since workers’ compensation does not cover all damages.
After suffering an injury at a New York construction site, determining who is liable for the accident is crucial for ensuring you recover the full compensation you deserve. Below, we discuss some of the potentially liable parties in a construction accident case in New York.
- Property Owners
In New York, property owners are legally obligated to maintain a safe environment for people working on their premises. When a property owner fails in this duty and causes an injury to a construction worker, they can be held liable. If, for instance, a worker falls from a damaged ladder and sustains an injury, the property owner may be held liable if they knew about the hazardous condition and failed to address it.
- General Contractors
These individuals oversee the entire construction site, manage subcontractors, and are responsible for ensuring compliance with safety regulations. General contractors may be held liable for a construction accident if they were aware, or should have reasonably been aware of a dangerous condition, and neglected to address it.
- Subcontractors
If a subcontractor creates a dangerous condition or fails to adhere to safety regulations, resulting in a construction worker suffering an injury, they can be held financially liable.
- Equipment Manufacturers
Sometimes, construction workers suffer injuries due to defective equipment, such as cranes, harnesses, or ladders. If a manufacturing or design defect causes a construction worker to suffer an injury, the worker may be able to file a lawsuit against the equipment manufacturer.
Steps To Take After a Construction Accident
After suffering an injury as a construction worker due to the negligence of a third party, there are several steps you can take to protect your right to compensation:
- Seek Prompt Medical Attention
Get medical care immediately, even if your injuries appear minor. This protects your health and ensures you have an official medical record. Timely medical records can help establish a link between your injury and the accident and establish the injury’s severity.
- Notify Your Employer
For documentation purposes, inform your employer or supervisor of the accident.
- Document the Scene
If you can, take photos of the accident scene, ensuring you capture any unsafe conditions that may have contributed to your accident. Don’t forget to take pictures of any visible injuries. While injuries may heal with time, pictures remain unchanged, which can help prove the injury’s severity. Additionally, gather the names and contact information of anyone who saw the incident.
- Consult an Attorney
An attorney can assess your case and determine if you have a third-party claim. They can guide you through the process and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Long Island Construction Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident due to a third party’s negligence, contact a Long Island construction accident lawyer at Jacobson Law for help understanding your legal options and seeking full compensation.
