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The Hazards of Trenching in Construction Operations

Trenching is one of the most hazardous construction operations. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an excavation is defined as any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth’s surface formed by earth removal. A trench is a specific type of excavation: one that is narrow, underground, deeper than it is wide, and no wider than 15 feet.

Legal Support for Trenching Accidents in New York City

In New York City, trenching is used on construction sites of every kind: to allow workers to put in sewer or drainage pipes, for the installation of complex wiring systems, and to expand and service tunnels beneath streets as well as buildings. 

Unfortunately, the creation and use of trenches is an activity that poses serious dangers to construction workers. Trenches and excavations that are not properly shored can collapse, burying workers under a ton of soil.

When owners, developers and general contractors cut corners, and fail to use the correct precautions to protect the safety of workers, the results can be serious injury or death. This is when an experienced personal injury attorney in NYC can help. 

If you have suffered an injury due to a trenching accident, the team of award-winning personal injury lawyers at Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC, will fight to get you the justice and the compensation that you deserve.

If I’m injured on the job, can I still file a lawsuit?

Yes, you can. 

Trenching accidents are preventable, and when they occur, it is because someone failed to follow the safety laws and regulations that were enacted in New York to protect workers.  Powerful new laws now enable workers to bring personal injury lawsuits to sue the owners, developers and general contractors whose negligence caused the accident. 

Even if you are entitled to and receiving workers’ compensation benefits, you can still bring a personal injury lawsuit to get full compensation and justice from those who were negligent. For these reasons, it is important that you contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.

The attorneys at The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC, understand what a delicate time this is for you and your family. We are always happy to sit down, listen to your story, and present you with all of your options. Our lawyers offer personal attention and professional representation.

I am a construction worker and got injured while working on a construction project. I went to a law firm to represent me for my injuries. They spent two years never communicating and meeting with us, and then, sent us a letter after two years that they were dropping our case. They told us that we did not have a case and we had one year left to find a new lawyer before the statute of limitations ran out. 

My son, who is also a construction worker that Michael Lamonsoff represented, referred us to his office. Michael told us that we did have a case and that the other attorneys did not know what they were talking about. 

He immediately took action. He litigated the case. He and his wonderful staff kept us informed at all times. 

Just before trial, we went to a mediation. Michael fought very hard for us. He and his team spent hours until they got us a magnificent settlement. 

I would definitely recommend the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff to anybody who are injured. They are great!!!

Dennis C.

What types of injuries are most common in trenching accidents?

Unfortunately, trenching accident injuries are usually severe in nature. It is not uncommon to see broken bones, organ damage, or even brain damage caused by asphyxiation. 

Many times victims do not survive. When they are lucky enough to survive, they often suffer permanent disabilities from critical injuries.

Being suddenly buried by dirt and debris usually causes traumatic injuries that can affect all parts of the body and require extensive medical treatment.

Contact us for help with your trenching accident claim

We fight aggressively for the rights of trenching accident victims and their families. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a trenching accident on a New York construction site, call us immediately. We will do everything in our power to help you pursue financial compensation from the responsible party. The attorneys of our law firm will give you the individual attention that will fiercely protect your interests. 

Contact our office at 212- 962-1020 for a FREE CONSULTATION any time.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

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