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    Defending Hazardous Materials Accident Victims

    Hazardous materials accidents are a serious risk on New York City construction sites. Workers may be exposed to toxic chemicals, asbestos, flammable gases, and other dangerous substances that can cause severe injuries or even fatalities. 

    These accidents can occur during demolition, excavation, or handling of materials and may result from improper storage, inadequate protective gear, or failure to follow safety protocols. The consequences of exposure to hazardous materials can lead to long-term health issues such as respiratory problems, chemical burns, and even cancer, making these accidents some of the most dangerous on construction sites.

    Michael S. Lamonsoff, Esq., fondly called “The Bull,” is a seasoned hazardous materials accident attorney in New York City. His relentless dedication to fighting for the rights of injured construction workers has earned him a reputation as one of the city's prominent lawyers for construction injury cases. 

    At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC, Mr. Lamonsoff has built a powerhouse firm with a proven track record of success, handling some of the high-profile hazardous materials injury claims in New York. His aggressive litigation style and results-based approach make him the go-to hazardous materials accident attorney in New York City.

    Types of Hazardous Materials in Construction Sites in New York that May Cause Accidents and Illness to Workers

    Construction sites in New York contain a variety of hazardous materials that can cause severe injuries or illnesses to workers. If not handled properly, these materials pose significant health and safety risks, and exposure can lead to both short-term accidents and long-term medical conditions. 

    Asbestos

    • What it is: Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were once widely used in construction for insulation and fireproofing.
    • Hazards: When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they become airborne, and workers can inhale them. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, all of which are life-threatening illnesses.
    • Regulations: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforce strict regulations on asbestos handling, requiring that construction sites take precautions to minimize exposure.

    Lead

    • What it is: Lead is a toxic metal often found in old paints, pipes, and plumbing materials, especially in buildings constructed before 1978.
    • Hazards: Lead poisoning can occur when workers inhale lead dust or fumes. Prolonged exposure can cause neurological damage, kidney damage, and high blood pressure.
    • Regulations: New York mandates that lead-safe work practices be followed under the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. The EPA also requires certifications for workers dealing with lead removal.

    Silica

    • What it is: Silica is a common mineral found in materials like sand, concrete, and stone, making it prevalent in construction work, especially during cutting, grinding, or drilling.
    • Hazards: When silica dust is inhaled, it can cause silicosis, a lung disease that leads to inflammation and scarring of the lungs. Prolonged exposure can also increase the risk of lung cancer.
    • Regulations: OSHA has implemented stringent exposure limits for silica dust to protect construction workers.

    Chemical Solvents

    • What they are: Solvents such as benzene, toluene, and xylene are often used in paints, adhesives, and cleaning products on construction sites.
    • Hazards: Inhalation or skin exposure to these solvents can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, liver and kidney damage, and long-term neurological problems. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic illnesses and even cancer.
    • Regulations: OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires that workers are informed about the dangers of chemicals through proper labeling and safety data sheets.

    Heavy Metals (Mercury, Cadmium, Chromium)

    • What they are: Heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, and chromium are often found in batteries, coatings, and certain types of construction materials.
    • Hazards: These metals are highly toxic and can cause respiratory problems, kidney damage, and an increased risk of cancer when inhaled or ingested. Long-term exposure to these metals, especially in enclosed construction environments, can lead to chronic illness.
    • Regulations: OSHA enforces exposure limits and safety protocols to reduce worker exposure to these toxic substances.
    A person spraying the floor with a pesticide

    Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

    • What they are: PCBs are chemicals previously used in electrical equipment and insulation materials. Though banned in 1979, they are still present in older construction sites and pose significant risks.
    • Hazards: Exposure to PCBs can lead to skin conditions, liver damage, and an increased risk of cancer. PCBs are persistent in the environment, making long-term exposure particularly dangerous.
    • Regulations: The EPA strictly regulates PCB disposal and remediation efforts on construction sites.

    Pesticides and Herbicides

    • What they are: Pesticides and herbicides may be used on construction sites to control vegetation and pests.
    • Hazards: Exposure to these chemicals can result in short-term symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and respiratory distress, while long-term exposure can lead to neurological damage and cancer.
    • Regulations: The EPA regulates pesticide use under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and New York State has additional regulations to control the use of these chemicals in construction.

    Compressed Gases

    • What they are: Compressed gases such as oxygen, acetylene, and propane are frequently used in welding and other construction-related tasks.
    • Hazards: Improper handling or storage of compressed gases can lead to explosions or leaks, causing severe injuries or fatalities. Inhalation of these gases can also lead to asphyxiation or poisoning.
    • Regulations: OSHA requires stringent protocols for the handling, storage, and use of compressed gases to mitigate the risks of accidents on construction sites.

    Mold

    • What it is: Mold is a fungus that grows in damp, humid environments, often found on construction sites with inadequate water damage control.
    • Hazards: Mold exposure can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and other illnesses. Black mold (Stachybotrys) is particularly toxic and can cause severe health issues.
    • Regulations: The New York City Department of Environmental Protection provides guidelines for mold remediation on construction sites, ensuring safe handling practices.

    Dust and Particulate Matter

    • What it is: Dust generated from cutting, grinding, and demolishing materials on construction sites can contain a mixture of harmful substances, including silica, asbestos, and other contaminants.
    • Hazards: Prolonged exposure to high levels of dust can lead to respiratory illnesses, lung cancer, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions such as asthma.
    • Regulations: OSHA mandates the use of protective equipment and dust control measures to protect workers from exposure.

    How Our NYC Hazardous Materials Accident Lawyers Will Prove the Harmful Exposure Caused Your Illness or Injury?

    Proving the presence of hazardous materials at dangerous levels and establishing a direct link to an injury or illness requires a comprehensive approach. At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC, our experienced hazardous materials accident attorneys will move fast to gather critical evidence and build a strong case for liability. Here’s a breakdown of the types of evidence we typically collect in these cases:

    Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

    • What They Are: MSDS documents provide detailed information about hazardous materials, including their properties, potential hazards, and safety precautions.
    • Importance: We analyze these documents to understand the risks associated with specific materials present on the construction site and their permissible exposure limits. If workers were exposed to levels exceeding these limits, it strengthens the case.

    Workplace Safety Records

    • What They Are: Records such as safety audits, inspection reports, and compliance logs detail the safety measures implemented on the construction site.
    • Importance: These documents can reveal any lapses in safety protocols or failures to adhere to regulations, indicating negligence that may have contributed to hazardous material exposure.

    Environmental Testing Reports

    • What They Are: Environmental assessments and air quality testing reports assess the levels of hazardous substances in the workplace.
    • Importance: If these reports demonstrate elevated levels of toxic materials beyond permissible limits, they serve as powerful evidence linking exposure to the reported health issues.

    Witness Testimonies

    • What They Are: Testimonies from coworkers, supervisors, or safety officers who can attest to the presence of hazardous materials and working conditions.
    • Importance: Eyewitness accounts can provide crucial context regarding the safety practices at the site and the workers’ experiences with hazardous materials, strengthening the case.

    Photographic and Video Evidence

    • What It Is: Visual documentation of the work environment, including images of hazardous materials, safety equipment, and safety protocols (or lack thereof).
    • Importance: Photos and videos can visually demonstrate unsafe conditions or practices that contributed to hazardous exposure, enhancing the narrative of negligence.

    Medical Records

    • What They Are: Health records that detail the injuries or illnesses suffered by the worker, including diagnosis and treatment history.
    • Importance: We utilize these records to establish a timeline of exposure and correlate it with the onset of health issues, providing a direct link between hazardous materials and the injury or illness.

    Choose a Leading Hazardous Materials Accident Lawyer in NYC to Recover Maximum Damages

    If you have been injured on a construction site, you need an aggressive and relentless hazardous materials accident attorney in New York City to fight for the compensation you deserve. Michael S. Lamonsoff, “The Bull,” is one of the top-rated hazardous materials accident lawyers in New York City, known for his no-holds-barred approach to taking on powerful companies and insurance giants.

    Licensed in all New York State and Federal Courts, his legal expertise and results-driven litigation have earned him prestigious recognition, including membership in the Super Lawyers and the Board of Directors of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. Don’t settle for less—put The Bull in your corner and take back control of your future. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 212-962-1020 or fill out this online contact form.

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