Construction Accident Law: Key Facts for Richmond County, NY Workers

Construction accident law in Richmond County, NY delivers specialized legal services for construction workers injured on job sites, pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering caused by site negligence and unsafe working conditions.

Common construction site injuries include falls from heights, struck-by incidents involving equipment or materials, electrocution, caught-in or caught-between accidents, and injuries from defective machinery or tools.

Falls represent the leading cause of construction fatalities and serious injuries. Workers on scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms face significant risks when proper safety equipment and protocols are not in place.

Heavy machinery and moving equipment create constant hazards on active job sites. You might suffer injuries when struck by falling objects, swinging cranes, or vehicles operating in tight spaces with limited visibility.

Electrical work presents unique dangers, especially on sites where power systems are being installed or modified. Exposed wiring, inadequate grounding, and contact with overhead power lines can cause severe burns and fatal electrocution.

Workers' compensation provides no-fault benefits for job-related injuries regardless of who was at fault, while personal injury claims require proving negligence and may allow recovery of additional damages beyond workers' compensation limits.

Most construction workers qualify for workers' compensation coverage that pays medical bills and a portion of lost wages. This system operates independently of fault, meaning you receive benefits even if you contributed to the accident.

However, workers' compensation typically does not cover pain and suffering or punitive damages. The trade-off for guaranteed benefits is limited compensation compared to what you might recover through a successful personal injury lawsuit. The Law Office Of Stephen R. Chesley, LLC offers construction accident services in Richmond County to help injured workers explore all available legal options.

Construction workers may file third-party lawsuits against entities other than their direct employer, including general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, and other negligent parties responsible for injuries.

Third-party claims expand your recovery options beyond workers' compensation limits. If defective equipment caused your injury, you might sue the manufacturer. If unsafe site conditions created by another contractor led to your accident, that company may be liable.

These lawsuits allow you to seek full compensation including pain and suffering, total lost wages, and punitive damages when negligence was particularly egregious. The claims process is more complex than workers' compensation but potentially more rewarding.

Identifying all liable parties requires thorough investigation and legal knowledge. Construction sites involve multiple contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, each with different responsibilities and insurance coverage.

Richmond County has experienced significant residential development in recent years as Staten Island's population grows, creating numerous construction sites with varying safety standards and oversight levels.

New single-family homes and multi-unit residential buildings appear throughout the borough. This construction activity provides employment opportunities but also increases the number of active job sites where accidents can occur.

Smaller contractors may lack the safety infrastructure and training programs that larger companies maintain. Workers on these sites sometimes face greater risks due to inadequate fall protection, insufficient equipment maintenance, or rushed schedules that prioritize speed over safety. When accidents happen, legal services in Richmond County help injured workers pursue the compensation they deserve.

Construction injuries can end careers and create long-term financial hardship for you and your family. The Law Office Of Stephen R. Chesley, LLC provides experienced legal advocacy for construction workers injured on Richmond County job sites.

Explore your legal options and learn how to maximize your recovery. Request details about your case by calling 516-655-7244 to speak with our knowledgeable team today.