The Associated Press reports that two separate construction accidents in New York occurred within 24 hours. The first incident involved a worker falling off of a ladder, 15 to 20 feet to the ground, while he was installing fencing. He hit his head and officials stated that the fact that he was wearing a helmet may have saved his life. One day later at a different location, a 35 year old construction worker was putting up a steel framework on a residential building when he fell 50 feet to his death. While these two incidents are not related, they both illustrate that construction sites continue to present one of the most dangerous work environments.
After any construction accident, it is important that a thorough investigation be carried out. Sometimes this is done by OSHA – sometimes not. To supplement an OSHA investigation, or, when OSHA does not conduct an investigation, an attorney’s office can conduct their own investigation addressing the following issues: Were the necessary safety precautions followed? Was proper equipment provided, and was it functioning properly and in good condition? Was the worksite unsafe? Did the workers receive adequate training and supervision? These issues are related whether the fall could have been prevented, and, bears upon the liability issues in a potential claim for damages.
In any New Jersey on-the-job injury case, workers are entitled to receive New Jersey workers compensation benefits through their employer. In addition, they can also file a third-party claim if someone else’s negligence caused their injury. For example, a negligent sub-contractor or the manufacturer of a defective, or, unsafe product or piece of equipment can also be held liable.
It takes an experienced construction accident lawyer in New Jersey to analyze the various facets of a work-related injury. If you or a loved one has been involved in a New Jersey construction accident, call the personal injury lawyers of Blume Forte at 973-845-4421 for a no-cost consultation.