Brooklyn Construction Accidents

Construction sites are inherently dangerous. Workers typically use heavy, dangerous equipment. Worksites are often at high elevations or below the ground. Worksites are often unstable and open. Thus, injuries are all too common. It is not uncommon for a victim involved in a construction accident to suffer a spinal injury, back injury, neck injury, brain injury, broken bones, and contusions. While all of these injuries can affect the victim’s ability to function, a severe spinal cord injury can have a profound effect on nearly every aspect of the victim’s life. A spinal cord injury is an injury that cuts, bruises or causes any type of trauma to the bones or nerves that are part of the spinal cord. If you or a family member suffered a spinal cord injury in a construction accident, or in some other type of accident such as a car accident, truck accident or SUV accident due to the negligence of another person, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries through a personal injury claim. Contact an experienced Brooklyn Construction Accidents Lawyer who will explain to you your legal rights and who will work hard to ensure that you receive the compensation to which you are entitled under New York law. In addition, if while treating you for your injuries from the construction accident a medical professional is negligent resulting in a medical malpractice claim, the person or entity responsible for the original injury may be legally required to compensate you for that as well.

Despite extensive federal and state regulations related to construction site safety, accidents frequently occur. While there are many reasons that accidents occur at construction sites, common types of construction site accidents include scaffolding accidents, slip and fall accidents, crane accidents, falling debris, trench collapse, and fire and explosions. An injury from any of these types of accidents can be severe and can result in permanent disability, preventing the victim from ever being able to return to employment. Under New York Labor Law employers must ensure that workers use proper safety equipment and are protected from falls and falling objects. If an employer fails to follow safety requirements, then the employer may be legally liable if the employee is injured. However, liability may not be limited to employers. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, other parties may be wholly or partly responsible including property owners, general contractors, project managers, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and architects.

There are many different types of spinal cord injuries, including:

• Anterior Cord Syndrome
• Central Cord Syndrome
• Posterior Cord Syndrome
• Brown-Sequard Syndrome
• Complete Injuries
• Incomplete Injuries
• Injury without radiographic abnormality
• Paraplegia
• Quadriplegia
• Herniated disks
• Fractured vertebrae
• Nerve impingement

Depending on where the spinal cord injury is located and the severity of the injury, there are many different possible symptoms. The most severe symptom is complete paralysis where there is no movement or sensation in the affected body parts. Other symptoms include:

• Pressure or pain
• Poor coordination
• Difficulty walking
• Tingling or numbness in the hands, fingers, feet or toes
• Bladder or bowel problems
• Difficulty in breathing
• Muscle spasticity

If your spinal cord injury was due to the accidental or intentional act of another person, under New York law you have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. You may be able to recover both past and future medical expenses including hospital bills, expenses for surgery, rehabilitation fees, and fees for prescription medication. You may also be able to recover the cost of assistive equipment such as a wheelchair as well as modifications to your home to make it accessible. Furthermore, you may be able to recover both lost wages, loss of future earning capacity and pain and suffering.

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury in a construction site accident, contact our legal team. These cases are complex and it is essential to have legal guidance to obtain the compensation you deserve. You may be able to collect compensation over and above the workers’ compensation award. It is important you speak with an experienced attorney who understands both the legal issues associated with personal injury cases as well as the medical issues associated with spinal cord injuries and other serious injuries such as a brain injury, neck injury, or head injury. That staff at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC is experienced in representing clients who have been injured in construction accidents, as well as in other types of accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case.