His clients call Michael Lamonsoff “The Bull” because he never stops fighting for them. Thanks to “The Bull” and his team of top-rated litigators, the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC., is consistently rated as one of the top personal injury law firms in New York City.
Tunnel Worker Accident Lawyer in New York City
The Risks of Tunnel Construction in NYC
While tourists may have their sights set on an ever-rising skyline, the most unnoticed construction in NYC is happening in the tunnels below. The trains for our commutes, the gas for our kitchens and vehicles, to the water we drink—we owe it all to the construction workers who dig our tunnels and keep them functional.
Not only is tunnel construction important, it’s also incredibly dangerous. Beyond the obvious risks of working in tunnels, a particularly common danger of working underground is respiratory injury or illness, which can lead to serious medical problems and take years after exposure to appear.
Our legal team, led by award-winning attorney Michael S. Lamonsoff, knows the ins and outs of tunnel construction injuries and their legal ramifications. His experienced firm has a deep knowledge of New York Labor Laws, Workers’ Comp eligibility, and the various construction regulations meant to protect tunnel workers. Michael and his team of tunnel worker accident lawyers in New York City have the skills and determination to win you the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
What Rights do Tunnel Workers Have?
If you or your family member are injured or killed in a tunnel construction accident, New York Labor Law protects your rights. New York Labor Law Section requires contractors and site owners to provide safe working conditions for workers both above and below the ground.
If you’re injured while working in a tunnel, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation and may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Our seasoned construction injury and wrongful death attorneys at The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff can assist you in navigating the legal complexities and help you obtain your rightful damages.
OSHA Procedures for Tunnel Workers
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, knows how dangerous tunnel construction could be and have special requirements meant to keep workers safe. If an employer or site owner fails to meet these requirements, they may be liable for any subsequent injuries.
The following procedures are mandatory for employers when building and maintaing tunnels:
- Check-in/check-out procedures
- Control of access and egress
- Protection of ground portals and subsidence areas
- Regular safety checks of support structures, the ground, and shafts
- Fire prevention
- Air monitoring and ventilation
- Proper lighting
Michael S. Lamonsoff and his team of OSHA violation lawyers understand the confusion that may come from navigating these OSHA tunnel protocols. However, regardless of how complex these rules are for site owners, safety measures must be implemented. The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff is here to help hold those responsible for being negligent of proper safety measures.
Dangers for New York Tunnel Workers
What could make tunnel construction and maintenance so dangerous? Low lighting, signal malfunctions, and air quality just to name a few. Listed below are even more potentially hazardous events:
- Collapses: perhaps the most well-known hazard of working in tunnels, collapses can bury laborers and cause serious injury or even death.
- Suffocation: air-quality in tunnels is never great, but drilling and collapses can lead to air so thick with debris it can lead to suffocation.
- Fires: tunnel fires spread fast and burn hot, and it can be nearly impossible to get away without suffering grave injuries.
- Poor Visibility: tunnels are full of heavy machinery and other hazards, and because of the floating debris workers cannot always see these dangers and avoid them in time.
- Becoming Lost: Even the closest teams can get separated and lost in a tunnel, increasing the chances of injury or death.
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What to Do if You’re Injured in a Tunnel Construction Accident
If you’re injured in a New York tunnel accident, seek medical attention right away. If your injuries are serious or prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff as soon as possible to fight for lost wages, workers’ comp, medical costs, and future health implications.
Respiratory Injuries and Silicosis Affecting New York Workers
New York Tunnel workers breathe in damp, dusty, sometimes toxic air that can lead to long-term health issues. Silicosis, a respiratory disease caused by inhaling silica dust, is well-known among these New York tough workers. Like many respiratory illnesses, silicosis can take years to appear, but once it does the symptoms are severe and recovery is not possible. The medical bills can be large and last a lifetime.
What to Do if You’ve Contracted Silicosis or Another Respiratory Illness
If you’ve contracted silicosis or any other respiratory illness from working in New York tunnels, you are eligible for workers’ compensation that can cover your medical expenses, even if you’ve been retired for years. If your employer failed to warn you of the danger, didn’t supply you with proper safety equipment, or was negligent in protecting you, a personal injury lawsuit may be possible. You may also have claims against third parties, such as the manufacturers of sub-par safety equipment or sandblasters that exposed you to silica dust.
NYC personal injury lawyer Michael S. Lamonsoff is passionate about fighting for the health, safety, and future wellbeing of New Yorkers exposed to these dangers. Call today for a free consultation to see if you have a case.
What Is the New York Statute of Limitations for Silicosis?
Generally, you must file a lawsuit within 3 years of sustaining an injury on a construction site. However, many respiratory illnesses take years after exposure to appear. For example, silicosis typically takes 5-10 years to start showing symptoms. Call The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff to see if you are eligible to file a suit.
What to Do if You’re Injured Working in a New York Tunnel
If you’ve been injured in a New York tunnel accident or suffered respiratory harm due to your work in tunnels, you should contact a tunnel worker accident attorney in NYC to discuss your options. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible because a statute of limitations may prevent you from seeking compensation for your injuries.
Personal Injury and Construction Accident attorney Michael S. Lamonsoff is one of the top-rated attorneys in New York. Michael’s won multi-million-dollar awards for his clients numerous times. He values the tenacity and hard work of construction workers who keep our city running. Fighting nonstop get them the compensation for injuries they deserve.
Once he takes on a case, he won’t back down – that’s why they call him “The Bull”!
If you or someone you know has been injured or passed away due to a construction-related or tunnel accident or illness in New York, call The Bull today at 212.962.1020.
Or click here to send us a message: https://bit.ly/3FiPkHC.