What Can I Do If I Am Injured Walking Under A Construction Site In New York?

Being injured while walking underneath a construction site in Manhattan can be a traumatic and confusing event. It leaves you frustrated, angry, and even perplexed about who is at fault for your injuries. The truth is, these types of cases are complex—and determining fault depends a lot on your circumstances because there may be more than one party responsible for your accident. Thankfully, there are some guidelines we can provide if you’ve suffered an injury that will help you in the time following your accident.

Comparative Negligence in New York

You should be aware that New York uses a comparative fault standard when awarding damages. This is sometimes referred to as “proportionate responsibility.”

In the state of New York, the amount of damages someone is responsible for is proportionate to the percentage of fault they are for your accident or injury. For example, if a crane company is found to be 50 percent at fault for your accident, and the construction company 50 percent at fault, the actual damages you may be awarded would be split 50/50 between the crane company and construction company.

It also means that if you were found to be partially responsible for your injuries, the dollar amount of damages you receive would be reduced. For example, if you ignored posted warning signs and were injured as a result, the court may find that you were 20 percent at fault for your accident and thus reduce the amount of monetary compensation you receive by that percentage.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction accident, the negligent parties will often try to shift blame onto you in an effort to limit their own liability. By consulting with a Manhattan personal injury attorney, you will be able to protect your rights, and in turn, your claim to monetary compensation.

What You Should Do If You’ve Been Involved in a Construction Accident in New York

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in New York, you may be feeling overwhelmed, but there are options available to you. By following the steps outlined below, you may be able to achieve physical and financial recovery.

1. Get immediate medical attention following your accident

2. File a report as soon as you can and obtain copies of any documentation

3. If you can, take photographs of the work site, and include any tools or equipment that were involved in your accident.

4. Document any changes in your medical condition due to the construction accident and any visits to your physician.

5. Obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses to your accident, and if possible, include workers and bystanders.

6. Contact an experienced and knowledgeable Manhattan personal injury attorney.

More than likely, you will be approached by the responsible parties and their insurance companies who will want to have you sign away your rights as an injured person. Don’t sign anything or make any recorded statements until you have consulted with a Manhattan personal injury attorney.

Your Manhattan personal injury attorney may file a lawsuit in order for you to obtain economic and non-economic damages for the injuries you suffered at the construction site. Depending on your individual circumstances, the site owner, general and subcontractors, architects, and engineers, as well as the manufacturers of the construction equipment, may all be liable for your injuries.

Only a thorough investigation by an experienced construction site accident attorney can gather the evidence necessary to prove fault in these complex and often traumatic cases.

The best way to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve is to speak with one of our experienced construction accident attorneys at Greenberg & Stein. Our team has more than 75 years of combined experience and has handled all manner of construction site accident claims, including wrongful death from electrocution, and severe injuries and burns caused by electrical accidents and faulty equipment.

We offer free, 24/7 legal consultations and can walk you through what legal options are available to you following an electrical accident on the job. If you need guidance following your workplace injury, then contact us today at 888-411-3966.