There are many ways accidents can happen on construction sites — and injuries don’t only happen to employees or workers. If property owners and contractors fail to take necessary safety measures and follow proper safety protocol, injuries can occur to those who are walking past the job site or visiting it. Exposed wires, flying debris, scaffolding collapses, and loose building materials are just a few hazards that can result in accident-related injuries to bystanders, visitors, and other non-employees on the site.
Who Can Be Injured on a Construction Site?
Construction sites are dangerous locations. Not only are workers at risk if property owners, contractors, and other responsible parties fail to ensure a safe workplace, but anyone who is near the premises or lawfully enters it can potentially be exposed to harm. Unsecured tools, poorly maintained construction vehicles, uneven surfaces, chemical spills, gas leaks, and electrical hazards are just a few examples of risks that can be posed to anyone on or around the site.
A construction accident attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve for an injury on or near a job site, even if you are not an employee. You may be able to pursue compensation for a construction-related accident if you are in one of the following categories:
- Bystander — Walking past a construction site can be hazardous. If you were a bystander or passer-by who was struck by falling debris, building materials, improperly secured building components, or particles from power tools, you may be able to pursue a claim against the party responsible for creating or allowing the dangerous condition.
- Visitor to the site — There are many visitors on construction sites on a daily basis. If you were visiting as a vendor, inspector, or for some other reason, you may be entitled to pursue a claim if you were injured due to falling debris, a trip and fall hazard, a structure collapse, or another accident on the job site.
- Independent contractor — If you were working on the job site, but as an independent contractor rather than an employee, and suffered an injury due to an unsafe condition, you may be eligible to file a personal injury action to recover your damages.
Regardless of how you were hurt, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This can help ensure you receive the treatment you need for your injuries — and is vital to build any personal injury claim you might file.
How Can a Construction Accident Attorney Help Me If I Am Not an Employee?
Accidents involving construction sites can be highly nuanced and it’s vital to have a construction accident attorney who can assist you with recovering the compensation you deserve for your injuries. A construction accident attorney will know the applicable laws and can assess the facts of your case and determine the potentially liable parties. Depending on the specific circumstances, these could include the property owner, general contractors, subcontractors, and even equipment manufacturers.
An attorney who focuses on construction accident injuries will also be able to help you gather the evidence you need to prevail in your claim. This may include surveillance footage and photos, witness statements, accident reports, and any other relevant evidence. They will also have access to expert witnesses such as engineers or safety experts who can help support your claim.
Importantly, a construction accident attorney will know how to negotiate your claim with the insurance company and develop a litigation strategy if a better outcome would be achieved at trial. They can work to maximize the compensation you receive in your case for your economic and non-economic damages.
Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney
If you were hurt on or near a construction site as a bystander, visitor, or independent contractor, it’s critical to have a skillful personal injury lawyer by your side who knows how to secure the monetary recovery you deserve. Due to our extensive knowledge and adept advocacy, The Edelsteins, Faegenburg & Brown, LLP regularly obtains significant settlements and jury verdicts for our clients. Located in Manhattan, our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout New York City since 1937. Call to schedule a free consultation at (212) 425-1999 today.