Ensuring Justice for Injured Tradespersons
Accidents in the workplace can have severe consequences for tradespersons, often resulting in debilitating injuries that may have long-lasting effects on their physical, psychological, and financial well-being. It’s vital to understand that you have legal rights if you have been injured due to someone else's negligence or unsafe working conditions.
Our experienced New York tradesperson accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff are here to help you navigate the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Common Types of Tradesperson Accidents
Tradespersons in New York work in physically demanding environments where accidents can occur due to various factors. Some common types of accidents we handle include:
- Falls from Heights: Falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or other elevated surfaces are a leading cause of injuries among tradespersons.
- Machinery and Equipment Accidents: Accidents involving defective or improperly maintained machinery, power tools, forklifts, and other equipment can lead to severe injuries.
- Electrical Accidents: Electricians and other tradespersons who work with electrical systems face the risk of electrical shocks, burns, and other electrical accidents.
- Construction Site Accidents: Construction sites are inherently hazardous, with risks such as falling objects, trench collapses, crane accidents, and more.
- Repetitive Motion Injuries: Tradespersons who perform repetitive tasks over time can develop injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
With years of experience handling cases specific to tradesperson accidents, our lawyers have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by workers in different industries. Whether you are a construction worker, electrician, plumber, or any other tradesperson, we have the knowledge and expertise to handle your case effectively.
Who can be Held Liable for Your Tradesperson Injuries in NYC?
In tradesperson injury cases in New York, third-party liability refers to situations where a party other than the injured person's employer may be held responsible for the injuries. While workers' compensation typically covers injuries caused by an employer's negligence, third-party liability claims allow injured tradespersons to seek additional compensation from other parties whose actions or negligence contributed to the accident.
Here are some potential parties who may be held responsible for tradesperson injuries:
Employers
In many cases, the injured tradesperson's employer may be held liable for the injuries. Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment for their employees. If the accident occurred due to the employer's negligence, such as failing to provide proper safety equipment or training, they may be held responsible.
General Contractors
If you are working on a construction site as a subcontractor and the accident was caused by the negligence of the general contractor, you may have a third-party liability claim against them. General contractors have a duty to provide a safe work environment and ensure that all subcontractors are working in a hazard-free zone.
Property Owners
If the accident occurred on someone else's property, such as a construction site or a client's premises, and the property owner's negligence contributed to the accident, you may have a third-party liability claim against them. Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions and warn about any hazards on their premises.
Equipment Manufacturers and Suppliers
If the accident was caused by a defective product or equipment, such as faulty machinery or tools, you may have a third-party liability claim against the manufacturer or supplier. They have a duty to provide safe products, and if a defect in the equipment contributed to your injuries, you may be able to seek compensation from them.
Subcontractors or Co-workers
If you were injured due to the negligence of another subcontractor or a co-worker who is not your employer, you may have a third-party liability claim against them. For example, if a co-worker's reckless actions led to the accident, you may be able to seek compensation from them.
Notably, pursuing a third-party liability claim in addition to a workers' compensation claim can potentially result in higher compensation for your injuries. Determining liability in tradesperson injury cases can be complex, and multiple parties may share responsibility. Consult with our highly rated NYC tradesperson accident lawyers today to pursue compensation.
Types of Tradespersons Who Commonly Get Injured at New York Worksites
Tradespersons, who work in various industries, face specific risks and hazards inherent to their professions. While the following list is not exhaustive, it highlights some types of tradespersons who commonly experience injuries on the job:
- Construction Workers: Construction workers are often exposed to a wide range of hazards, including falls from heights, scaffolding collapses, electrical accidents, struck-by or caught-between incidents, and injuries from operating heavy machinery or equipment.
- Electricians: Electricians work with live electrical systems which puts them at risk of electrical shocks, burns, and electrocution. They may also encounter hazards related to faulty wiring, inadequate safety measures, or unsafe work conditions.
- Plumbers: Plumbers frequently work with pressurized pipes, chemicals, and heavy tools. They can face hazards such as falls, burns, exposure to hazardous substances, and injuries from working in confined spaces.
- HVAC Technicians: HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technicians may face various risks, including falls from ladders or roofs, electrical hazards, exposure to hazardous materials, and injuries from handling heavy equipment or working in tight spaces.
- Welders: Welders work with high heat, gases, and welding equipment, making them susceptible to burns, eye injuries from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, respiratory problems from fumes, and injuries from working in confined spaces.
- Carpenters: Carpenters often work with power tools, saws, and sharp objects, putting them at risk of lacerations, amputations, and other injuries. Falls from heights, such as scaffolding or roofs, are also common risks in carpentry.
- Roofers: Roofers work at significant heights and face risks associated with falls, as well as injuries from working on uneven or unstable surfaces, exposure to extreme weather conditions, and accidents involving roofing materials and tools.
- Painters: Painters work with chemicals, solvents, and ladders, which can lead to falls, inhalation of toxic fumes, eye injuries, and skin irritations. They may also encounter hazards related to working in confined spaces or on scaffolding.
- Landscapers and Gardeners: Workers in landscaping and gardening face risks such as falls, injuries from operating machinery or tools, exposure to harmful substances like pesticides, and musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive tasks or heavy lifting.
- Ironworkers: Ironworkers specialize in working with structural iron and steel, often at great heights. They face hazards such as falls, being struck by falling objects, injuries from working with heavy materials, and accidents involving welding and cutting equipment.