Category Archives: construction accidents

Common Causes of Crush Injuries in New York Construction Accidents

An injured construction worker lying on the ground, being attended to by a co-worker following an accident.

Crush injuries are a serious hazard on New York construction sites, often leading to life-altering consequences such as broken bones, internal injuries, or even amputations. For construction workers, these injuries are not only devastating but also bring significant financial and emotional burdens. Working with an experienced New York City construction accident lawyer is crucial to understanding your rights and exploring your options for compensation.

In a city where construction sites are filled with heavy machinery, elevated structures, and complex equipment, crush injuries occur more frequently than many realize. Knowing the common causes of these injuries can help workers stay safe and highlight why taking legal action with the guidance of a skilled construction accident attorney can help victims pursue the compensation they deserve to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Top Causes of Crush Injuries on NYC Construction Sites

Heavy Machinery Accidents

Construction workers, including equipment operators, are at risk of being pinned or caught between heavy machinery like excavators, forklifts, and bulldozers. If a machine is improperly secured or malfunctions, it can cause catastrophic injuries, including broken bones, crushed limbs, and severe internal trauma.

Trench Collapses and Cave-Ins

Trench collapses are particularly dangerous for excavation workers and laborers. When a trench wall collapses, it can trap workers under heavy debris. Injuries often involve asphyxiation, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries, with long-term effects including respiratory complications and PTSD.

Falling Objects and Struck-By Accidents

Workers such as riggers, scaffolders, and laborers are frequently exposed to falling objects, including steel beams, concrete slabs, and tools. These incidents often lead to crush injuries like skull fractures, spinal damage, and traumatic brain injuries.

Caught-In or Between Machinery

Machine operators, assemblers, and maintenance workers can become trapped in conveyor belts, presses, or compactors if safety mechanisms fail. Injuries include crushed fingers, degloving, and nerve damage, often requiring complex surgeries and rehabilitation.

Scaffolding Collapses

Workers on scaffolds or ladders face severe risks if scaffolding systems collapse due to faulty construction or overloading. Injuries from scaffold collapses include head trauma, broken bones, and spinal cord damage.

Building or Structural Collapses

Structural collapse is a constant danger on NYC job sites. If a building or part of a structure falls, it can trap workers beneath rubble. Injuries include fractures, internal bleeding, and suffocation, often leading to chronic respiratory and mobility issues.

Forklift and Vehicle Accidents

Forklifts and construction vehicles can cause crush injuries if they pin workers against solid objects or overturn. Common injuries include pelvic fractures, crushed limbs, and spinal injuries.

Improperly Stacked or Collapsing Materials

Workers can suffer crush injuries when materials like bricks, pipes, or rebar collapse due to improper stacking. Injuries range from broken bones to internal trauma, requiring emergency medical intervention and long-term care.

Legal Options for Crush Injury Victims in New York

Construction workers injured on the job may have several avenues for pursuing compensation, depending on the specifics of the incident:

  • Workers’ Compensation: Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that provides coverage for medical expenses, partial lost wages, and permanent disability. This option is available to most injured workers but doesn’t cover pain and suffering.
  • Personal Injury or Third-Party Liability Claims: If a third party, such as a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer, contributed to the injury, the worker may be eligible to file a personal injury or third-party liability claim. These claims allow victims to seek compensation beyond workers’ comp, including damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. However, there are time limits for filing, so it’s crucial to act promptly.

Seek Legal Help from a New York Construction Accident Lawyer

Navigating the complexities of crush injury cases on NYC construction sites requires an experienced attorney. At Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP, our dedicated legal team has decades of experience fighting for injured construction workers in New York City. From securing workers’ compensation benefits to pursuing third-party claims, our firm works tirelessly to protect the rights of injured New Yorkers.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation to understand your rights and learn how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve. With multiple offices across New York City, we proudly serve construction workers from the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond.

“The insurance company tried to cheat me, but they never stood a chance, thanks to Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano!” — Stevie Drgan

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How New Construction Tech Enhances Jobsite Safety

Aerial view of men and materials during construction of a new high-rise apartment building in midtown Manhattan, New York City.

Construction workers face significant risks on the job, with a much higher likelihood of serious injuries than other industries. Construction workers are three times more likely to die in work-related accidents and twice as likely to sustain injuries, according to EHS Daily.

To combat these dangers, many construction companies are turning to advanced technology to improve worker safety and reduce accidents. But how does this technology work? What more can be done to prevent construction accidents? And if you’ve been injured, what legal options do you have?

A New York City construction accident attorney at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP explains everything you need to know to stay informed and protected.

High-Tech Devices Are Revolutionizing Construction Site Safety

Construction companies increasingly rely on high-tech safety measures to prevent accidents and protect workers from serious injuries. These cutting-edge devices provide real-time data, enabling construction workers and supervisors to respond quickly to dangerous conditions and avoid potentially life-threatening situations.

For example, wearable sensors now track critical health metrics like body temperature and heart rate, helping prevent issues like heat exhaustion or hypothermia. This technology is especially critical in extreme weather conditions, allowing workers and employers to act immediately when early warning signs appear.

Other advanced safety technologies being used on construction sites include:

  • Cameras: Installed around the site to monitor and alert supervisors of unsafe conditions.
  • Laser Scanners: Used to map construction site conditions in real-time, identifying potential hazards before they become accidents.
  • Data Collection Software: Analyzes site data to pinpoint dangerous areas or situations, helping workers avoid them.
  • Augmented Reality (AR) & Artificial Intelligence (AI): These programs can predict and highlight hazardous situations before they occur, allowing workers to take proactive safety measures.

“By combining these technologies, with sensors calculating the distance while cameras improve visibility, especially in low-light conditions, detection capabilities can be greatly enhanced,” EHS reported.

The Latest Tech Tools Enhancing Construction Site Safety

From drones to robotics, these advancements are helping to minimize risks and prevent construction accidents. Some of the most effective technological safety devices in use today include:

  • Drones: These provide aerial inspections and real-time monitoring, allowing supervisors to identify hazards in hard-to-reach or dangerous areas without putting workers at risk.
  • Building Information Modeling (BIM): BIM creates 3D models of projects, allowing construction teams to identify potential hazards before construction begins and ensuring safer planning throughout the project.
  • Robotic Equipment: Automated machines like bricklayers and demolition robots can perform high-risk or repetitive tasks, keeping workers out of hazardous situations and reducing the risk of injury.
  • Mobile Safety Apps: These apps enable safety managers to track and report hazards, conduct inspections, and ensure that all workers follow safety regulations in real-time.
  • Proximity Sensors & RFID Tags: These technologies prevent accidents by alerting heavy machinery operators if a worker is too close, significantly reducing the risk of collisions and on-site injuries.

Legal Options for Injured Construction Workers in New York

Injured construction workers in New York typically have several legal options to seek compensation for their injuries. Depending on the details of your accident, you may be eligible for the following:

  • Workers’ Compensation: This mandatory insurance covers medical expenses, lost wages, job retraining, and permanent disability benefits. Most employers in New York must provide workers’ comp, ensuring injured workers receive the financial support they need after a workplace accident.
  • Third-Party Personal Injury Lawsuit: If your injury was caused by someone who doesn’t work for your employer, such as a subcontractor, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against that individual or company. Construction sites often have multiple companies working in the same space, making third-party claims common.
  • Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI): If your injury results in long-term or permanent disability, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits. These benefits provide financial assistance for those unable to return to work due to injury.
  • Product Liability Claim: If defective or faulty equipment caused your injury, you may be able to pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or seller of the equipment. This type of legal action ensures that those responsible for providing safe tools and machinery are held accountable.

Why You Need an Attorney After a Construction Accident in NYC

Construction accidents in New York City often result in severe injuries that can have long-term effects on your health and livelihood. With so much money at stake in these cases, insurance companies and businesses may try to minimize payouts or deny your claim altogether. That’s why having an experienced attorney on your side is crucial.

At Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP, we understand how complex these claims can become. Our attorneys have successfully helped many injured construction workers secure the full compensation they deserve. From navigating the workers’ compensation system to dealing with insurance companies, we know how to build a strong case that protects your rights.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a New York City construction accident lawyer. With 12 offices throughout New York, including five in New York City, we’re ready to fight for you.

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Study: Work-Related Injuries Spike with Rising Temperatures

A construction worker with a beard is sitting on a metal staircase, wearing a high-visibility yellow safety vest over a white shirt. He appears to be tired or in discomfort, with a pained expression on his face. His left hand is placed on his knee, and his right hand is resting on a white safety helmet.

As outdoor temperatures rise, more workers throughout New York may find themselves in the hot sun and sweltering humidity. Heat-related injuries and illnesses from rising temperatures can have serious and sometimes devastating impacts on workers and, oftentimes, lead to workers’ compensation claims.

How common are work-related injuries due to rising temperatures?

Researchers analyzed workers’ compensation claims and weather data from 2016 to 2021 across 24 states. They discovered that on days when the high temperature ranged from 85 to 90°F, the chance of a work-related injury was approximately 4.3% higher than on days with temperatures between 65 and 70°F.

The probability of injuries rose to 5.3% when daily highs reached 90 to 95°F. Additionally, the probability reached around 6% when temperatures exceeded 95°F.

According to WCRI President and CEO Ramona Tanabe, the impact of excessive heat is particularly significant on traumatic injuries, such as fractures, dislocations, contusions, and lacerations.

In the construction sector, the risk of injury was 14% higher when daily temperatures were 90 to 95°F, compared to 65 to 70°F. This likelihood increased to 20% when temperatures reached 95 to 100°F.

Workers in the South were more prone to injuries in higher temperatures, while the Northeast saw an 8% increase in injuries when temperatures were 90 to 100°F, compared to 65 to 70°F.

What are common injuries at work from rising temperatures?

Working in high temperatures can lead to serious health issues, including:

  • Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration.
  • Burns from prolonged exposure to the sun or contact with hot surfaces.
  • Traumatic injuries linked to reduced concentration, fatigue, or passing out (e.g., fractures, soft tissue injuries, and lacerations).
  • Muscle cramps due to loss of electrolytes through sweating.
  • Heat rash due to blocked sweat ducts.

How can heat-related work injuries be prevented?

Preventing heat-related work injuries involves implementing several safety measures and practices. Here are some effective strategies:

  • Hydration: Ensure workers have access to plenty of water and encourage them to drink regularly, even if they are not thirsty. Electrolyte-replenishing drinks should also be provided to help replace salts lost through sweating.
  • Work schedule adjustments: Schedule strenuous tasks for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. Implement more frequent breaks in shaded or cool areas.
  • Protective clothing and gear: Encourage workers to wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to help reflect heat and allow sweat to evaporate.
  • Engineering controls: To reduce heat in indoor work environments, use fans, ventilation systems, or air conditioning. Also, shaded areas or canopies should be provided for outdoor work sites.
  • Emergency preparedness: Have a clear plan in place for responding to heat-related illnesses, including immediate first aid and access to medical services.

What should I do if I sustain a heat-related injury on the job in New York?

If you suffered a heat-related injury or illness while on the job, you may be experiencing serious symptoms and are unable to work. However, you have the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits in New York. However, the process can be complicated and requires you to act fast.

For example, you’ll need to promptly notify your employer about your heat-related injury or illness, get medical attention, and inform your doctor that your condition is linked to your job. You’ll also need to fill out Form C-3 fully and accurately.

If you’re not sure where to turn, you’ve come to the right place. For over 90 years, Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP has aggressively protected the rights of hard-working New Yorkers injured on the job. Our experienced attorneys help injured workers file claims, choose the right doctors, and obtain the compensation they deserve.

Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our workers’ compensation lawyers are ready to help you understand your rights and fight for your best interests.

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Construction Site Falls – Leading Cause of Fatalities in the Construction Industry

Today’s post comes from guest author Kristina Brown Thompson, from The Jernigan Law Firm.

On January 23, 2014, a young man, only 30 years old, fell to his death while working on a Raleigh construction site. According to news reports, the deceased was working on scaffolding on an apartment complex and fell approximately five stories. The North Carolina Department of Labor is investigating the accident. It’s unclear exactly what went wrong.

Unfortunately, this was the second construction accident within one week in Raleigh. On January 22, 2014, a platform collapsed at North Carolina State University and three workers were injured. Fortunately, none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening. However, one of the injuries involved a trauma to the head which is always cause for serious concern.

Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. According to OSHA, the four main causes for workplace falls are (1) unprotected sides, wall openings, and floor holes, (2) improper scaffold construction, (3) unguarded protruding steel rebars, and (4) the misuse of portable ladders.

In North Carolina, we follow the “unexplained-fall rule” which holds that “if an employee sustains a fall and there is no evidence that it arose from a cause independent of the employment, compensation [i.e. disability and medical benefits] should be allowed.” North Carolina Workers’ Compensation: Law and Practice, with Forms, 4th Edition, Leonard T. Jernigan, Jr.

While workers’ compensation benefits should be provided in these type of cases, in some situations the injured worker may also have a personal injury claim against one of the building contractors. 

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