November 24, 2022
Signs of Construction Site Negligence
By Jonathan Damashek
Posted in
It is no secret that the construction industry is a hazardous field to work in. However, specific laws are designed to protect the safety of construction workers, contractors, subcontractors, and other employees.
Unfortunately, when these construction sites are neglected, or companies or contractors fail to remain in compliance with local, state, or federal safety laws, severe injuries or deaths could occur.
For this reason, it is essential to understand the potential signs of construction site negligence to look out for, so you can protect yourself and your colleagues.
What is Construction Negligence?
Construction negligence occurs when the ongoing work at a construction site doesn’t comply with local, state, or federal safety rules or regulations.
Once a construction worker or the public suffers injuries due to negligence on a construction site, the injury victim could pursue legal action against the liable party. Some common ways in which construction negligence occurs include:
- Poor workmanship
- Failure to comply with building codes
- Failure to adhere to safety regulations
- Fail to uphold the standard of care
What Kind of Negligence Could I See On the Job?
Construction site negligence can take many forms. Some of the more common types of negligence you might experience on the job include:
- Falls
- Unsecured objects
- Crushing accidents
- Defective equipment
- Electrocution
- Improper signage
Falls
One of the most common ways people suffer injuries on construction sites is due to slips, trips, and falls. When the contractor fails to adhere to local, state, or federal safety regulations, ensuring the safety of their employees, they can be entirely held accountable by the law.
Failure to provide fall protection, secure guard rails, use harnesses, safety cables, and machine guards, or detect manufacturing defects in scaffolds are just some of these devastating fall accidents.
Unsecured Objects
When a contractor fails to block off dangerous construction site areas, ensure equipment is in working order, and hire construction workers who are skilled enough to handle the equipment or comply with necessary safety precautions, they could be at fault if you suffer injuries after being struck by a falling object.
Crushing Accidents
Crushing accidents are some of the most common types of construction accidents. They occur most often when contractors and employers fail to provide safety guards for heavy equipment and machinery.
Other times, construction companies fail to train their workers, machinery operators, other employees, and hire unskilled labor. This increases the risk of construction accident injuries due to the improper handling of heavy equipment and machinery.
Defective Equipment
When construction equipment is defective or malfunctions, not only could the construction company be held accountable when they fail to replace recalled equipment and products, but these equipment manufacturers could also be named as part of your third-party liability claim.
Electrocution
When a construction company or contractor fails to adhere to the laws regarding hazardous electrical sources, severe injury and death occur. Electrical fires, shock, and electrocution happen when contractors refuse to comply with OSHA regulations.
You may also have grounds for a lawsuit if your employer fails to perform necessary electrical system inspections or ensure construction sites are correctly designed.
Improper Signage
Having signs that designate the hazardous materials and situations present on construction sites can help reduce the number of accidents that occur. This is particularly true when construction zones are marked to protect the public.
However, if a contractor or construction company fails to implement the vital signs, they may be responsible for the victim’s damages.
Why an NYC Construction Accident Lawyer is Right for You
Hiring a New York City construction accident attorney may be in your best interests if you believe construction negligence is the cause of your injuries.
When you retain a legal advocate who has experience in familiarity with NYC construction laws and regulations, you increase the likelihood that you will be awarded maximum compensation for your damages.
In pursuing your construction accident personal injury claim, your attorney will be prepared to present powerful evidence to prove negligence and liability in your case.
You can count on your lawyer to conduct an in-depth investigation, represent your interests at trial, act as your liaison with the insurance company, and handle the legal aspects of your case every step of the way.
[H2] Call HKD for Help with Your Construction Negligence Case Today
If you suspect your construction site accident was caused by the negligence or misconduct of your company, contractors, subcontractors, colleagues, or other third parties, reach out to our experienced New York City construction accident lawyers at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C.
Our extensive experience handling construction accident claims could help you prove negligence and liabilities to recover maximum compensation for your suffering. Schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation when you fill out our quick contact form or call our office at (212) 490-5700.