Construction Site Injury Lawyers in Westchester County

Attorneys Representing Workers Injured on Construction Sites in New York Metro Area

At any given moment, there are thousands of active construction sites in and around the Metro New York area, including renovations, remodels, and new buildings. While construction site safety and regulatory practices have certainly improved over the last several decades, hundreds of workers are seriously injured in construction accidents each year. At Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC, we understand how devastating a construction site accident can be. With many decades of personal injury experience, our attorneys are equipped to help you and your family pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.

Personal Injury vs. Workers' Compensation

Personal Injury: It is not uncommon for a construction site accident victim to be a contractor, which means that he or she is not covered by workers' compensation insurance. Even if the victim is covered by workers' compensation, the available benefits are often insufficient. If you have been injured on a construction site, our attorneys will help you analyze the situation and explain all of your available options. We will also help you file personal injury claims against any and all negligent parties who may have contributed to your injuries.

Workers' Compensation: Employers in Connecticut and New York are generally required by law to carry workers' compensation insurance to protect their employees in the event of an on-the-job injury. If you are an employee of a company with business on a construction site, and you are injured in the course of doing your job, you would likely be eligible to collect workers' compensation benefits. However, depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may also be able to collect damages through a separate third-party personal injury claim.

Burns

Burn injuries are not uncommon on a construction site. Most people associate burns with exposure to intense heat, but burns can also be caused by contact with electricity or harmful chemicals. In severe cases, burn injuries can leave a victim facing debilitating pain and permanent loss of sensation in the affected area, as well as scarring and disfigurement. Treating serious burns often requires highly specialized medical treatment and rehabilitation, the costs of which can be astronomical. At Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC, we assist burn victims in seeking the compensation they need to start putting their lives back together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Common Hazards on a Construction Site? A construction site generally presents a host of dangers to workers, inspectors, and visitors. These include fall hazards, such as open holes and missing guardrails, as well as heavy machinery and dozens or hundreds of workers moving around the site at all times. Falling materials and equipment can also pose a serious danger.

I Was Injured on a Construction Site. Can I Sue My Employer? In most cases, you cannot sue your employer for injuries you sustain while doing your job. If you are an employee, you should be eligible to collect workers' compensation benefits. However, depending on the circumstances of your injury and the other parties involved, you might be able to file a lawsuit against a third party other than your employer in addition to filing a workers' comp claim.

Who Can I Sue to Recover Compensation for a Construction Site Accident? The parties in charge of the construction site, including the property owner, developer, and general contractor, are generally responsible for ensuring that the site is reasonably safe for workers, visitors, and those who pass by the site. The circumstances of your accident, however, must be analyzed carefully to determine which party or parties may be liable. If the general contractor allowed an unsafe working environment, he or she could be held responsible. If you were working on a defective ladder, and it broke, the manufacturer of the ladder might be responsible instead.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for My Construction Accident Injuries? You only have a limited window in which to file a personal injury claim for accidents caused by another party's negligence on a worksite. The specific timeframe depends on the state where you intend to file your claim. In Connecticut, the statute of limitations provides two years from the date of your injury to file suit, while the New York statute of limitations provides three years. If you do not file your claim in time, your case could be dismissed altogether, no matter how serious your injuries.

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