Construction site accidents can result in serious injuries, and can lead to costly medical bills and lost wages. A New York construction accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation from any party responsible for your injury.
According to OSHA, falls are the leading cause of construction site injuries. These accidents can happen when workers step sideways or backward, use stairwells without guardrails, or are struck by objects.
Owner
In New York, the owner of a construction site is strictly liable for accidents that occur on their property. They are required to maintain the site and ensure its compliance with federal safety regulations.
Generally, an owner’s responsibility for a construction site accident will depend on how much control they have over the jobsite and how the work is performed.
General contractors and subcontractors are also responsible for ensuring the safety of workers on their sites. They can be held liable for violating these regulations, even though they may not have been present on the construction site at the time of the accident.
General Contractor
Construction site accidents are often caused by a variety of factors, including equipment and machinery defects. While some manufacturers and suppliers may also be held responsible for injuries, general contractors are one of the main parties who are most likely to be found negligent if they are involved in a construction accident.
General Contractors are responsible for many different aspects of a construction project, from planning to execution. They work with the architect to ensure that all work is done as per the blueprints and design specifications.
The general contractor is also responsible for ensuring that all materials and personnel are transported to the jobsite safely. This is important because the supply of raw materials and building components is crucial for the success of a construction project.
Subcontractors
Construction sites are complex places with many different elements – workers, machinery, tools, materials and more – working together at once. This makes it easy for an accident to occur.
The New York labor laws give general contractors and landowners specific responsibilities for keeping their construction site safe for all of the people on the site, even if those individuals are subcontractors.
When a subcontractor fails to meet his duty to keep the construction site safe for all other workers on the site, that subcontractor can be held liable for injuries suffered by those other workers. This duty cannot be waived or contracted away.
Architects and Engineers
Architects and engineers use math, science and technology to create everything from buildings to automobiles. They also design chemical compounds, manufacturing materials, electrical and electronic devices, and even medical breakthroughs.
During design, an architect works with a client to create blueprints that adhere to his or her specifications. They also research safety and environmental regulations to ensure their work is safe for people.
Architectural engineers also work with architects to create building designs and blueprints. They also research how a structure can be made safe and functional by using the right materials and construction techniques.
Architects typically earn a bachelor’s degree, and engineers often earn an advanced degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of architects working in the United States is expected to grow 8% between 2018 and 2028.
Visitors
Whether you’re a worker or a visitor, your safety on a construction site should be your top priority. Dangerous equipment, heavy materials, and constant activity can cause serious injuries or fatalities at even the safest construction sites.
Property owners, contractors, and supervisors must ensure that construction sites are safe for visitors to enter. This includes ensuring that warning signs are in place, barricades are set up, and workers follow safe work practices.
However, many accidents at construction sites occur due to negligence. In these cases, victims can seek compensation through a premises liability claim.
