According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 10% of all construction accident fatalities are caused by caught-in and -between accidents. That amounts to almost 100 deaths per year that could be avoided with adherence to safety regulations and identification of hazards.
If you or a loved one was involved in a caught in-between accident in New York City, reach out to a personal injury attorney at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek P.C. for help. With our experience in NYC construction accidents, we will listen to your story and help file a claim.
Call 212-490-5700 or use our contact form for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win.
What Is a Caught-In or Between Accidents?
An accident that involves being caught in or between objects refers to a crushing injury between two objects.
Events commonly classified as caught accidents include:
- Cave-ins (including trenching)
- Being pulled into or caught in machinery and equipment
- Being compressed or crushed between rolling, sliding, or shifting objects
It’s important to note that motor vehicle accidents involving at least one vehicle in normal operation are not typically included in caught in-between accidents. However, if a person is caught between a semi-trailer and a dock wall, that would be a caught-between accident.
Caught-In and Caught-Between Lawsuits
Even if you were injured on the job, you have options in addition to workers’ compensation. Depending on what happened, you may be able to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit.
According to New York workers’ compensation law, you cannot sue your employer if they have workers’ comp insurance. However, if someone else was at fault or partially to blame for the accident, you can file a lawsuit to recover your damages.
Other parties who may be to blame for your accident include:
- Mechanic or technicians
- Machine operators or drivers who do not work for your employer
- A parts manufacturer
- City or state agencies
- Safety inspectors
- Property owners
- Contractors or subcontractors
In some cases, more than one party may be responsible. If this is the case, it’s important to name everyone who could be liable in your lawsuit. If you fail to add an at-fault party, you may not get the compensation you deserve.
How Much Are Caught In-Between Accidents Worth?
If you can file a third-party personal injury claim, you can recover compensation for 100% of your losses. Some of the damages we can help you get money for include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
Caught In-Between Workers’ Comp Claims
You are eligible for workers’ compensation if you are injured in a caught-in or caught-between accident while working. In New York, workers’ compensation will cover 100% of your medical costs, but it only covers a certain percentage of your lost wages. You cannot get payments for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
The work injury lawyers at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek P.C. have worked with countless clients who have been injured at work. When you contact us, we will determine precisely what you are eligible for and how much money your case might be worth.
Types of Construction Accidents
Common Caught In-Between Injuries
Caught in-between accidents in construction and other industries can be horrific and even life-changing. Some typical injuries in these types of accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Amputations
- Degloving injuries
- Lacerations
- Paralysis
- Fractures and broken bones
- Head and neck injuries
- Scalping
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal organ damage
- Muscle strains, sprains, and tears
Reducing Caught-In or Between Accidents
It’s best to be aware of hazards and prevent caught in-between incidents before they occur.
Some effective methods of protecting against these accidents are:
- Use of adequately guarded machinery
- Ensure machinery is sufficiently supported or secured
- Remain clear of tight moving objects and equipment
- Remain aware at excavation sites
- Routine inspection and maintenance of all equipment
Additionally, all employees on construction sites and in industries prone to caught in-between accidents should be properly trained to avoid them.
Unfortunately, many employees in the construction industry ignore these safety protocols. There are few safety inspectors, and companies fail to train people properly.
Call HKD Today for Help
If you were injured in a caught-in/between accident in New York City, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden of financial loss. Our compassionate attorneys will listen to your situation and determine what you can expect. Then, we will make sure you get the most compensation possible.
Call Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek P.C. at 212-490-5700 or use our online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. There’s no fee unless we win.
CLIENT REVIEWS
05/15/2019
“I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.”
5
Peter, HKD CLIENT