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Arye, Lustig & Sassower, P.C., is a premier construction accident law firm in New York City. Our firm is headed up by attorneys Carl Lustig and Mitchell Sassower, each of whom brings over 30 years of experience to this field. Associate attorneys and support staff join our partners to form our team. Contact a construction accident lawyer at Arye, Lustig & Sassower, P.C. today.
Unlike other cities, the Big Apple presents unique challenges for construction workers. Numerous skyscrapers, tight spaces, waves of vehicular and pedestrian activity, the constant hustle and bustle, and time pressures with everything needing to be done "yesterday" or in a "New York City minute" weave a complex tapestry. One oversight or rushed decision can lead to significant accidents on the job site.
While any personal injury lawyer might offer to represent you, construction accidents in NYC demand a more specialized touch. Here's why:
Construction workers in New York are protected by specific laws, which a specialized lawyer from Arye, Lustig & Sassower, P.C., knows inside and out. This insight ensures that you're not only compensated but also protected by the legal framework that's in place.
Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, a skilled construction accident lawyer can navigate the intricacies of NYC's legal landscape, ensuring your rights are upheld.
From medical bills and lost wages to long-term rehabilitation and emotional trauma, a NYC construction accident lawyer can comprehensively assess all the damages you've incurred and fight for every penny you deserve.
Arye, Lustig & Sassower, P.C. stands unmatched in New York City's legal arena for construction accidents. Led by the formidable duo Carl Lustig and Mitchell Sassower, with a combined experience of over 70 years, our team is dedicated and results-driven.
But our legacy isn't just in the years we've served. It's in the lives we've impacted. We've championed the rights of numerous injured workers, guiding them to just compensation. Check out our verdicts and settlements page — our track record speaks for itself.
Armed with five decades of unrivaled experience, we fervently represent the backbone of our cities: the electricians, carpenters, plumbers, painters, and every craftsperson in between. We advocate for victims across a comprehensive array of construction-related incidents:
The elevated nature of these structures means that any mishap, whether a slip or a structural failure, can result in traumatic injuries, often altering the course of a worker's life.
The danger is not just the fall but the hazards below — from exposed rebar to construction equipment. Even a short fall can have catastrophic consequences depending on the landing zone.
Construction sites are dynamic environments, and a loose bolt or a misplaced tool can become a life-threatening projectile, especially when it falls from a height.
Construction sites are rife with exposed wiring and incomplete electrical systems. A minor oversight can lead to shocks, severe burns, or the life-threatening condition of electrocution.
Proper gear isn't a luxury; it's a mandate. The absence or failure of essential safety equipment, from harnesses to hard hats, can be the thin line between a close call and a calamity.
A malfunctioning tool or poorly maintained equipment can be as dangerous as any fall. The risks are ever-present, from sharp, unguarded machinery edges to power tool malfunctions.
As structures come down or the ground is dug up, unpredictability spikes. Collapsing walls, unmarked pits, and underground utility lines add layers of danger.
Workers deal with construction hazards and the unpredictability of passing vehicles, merging construction risks with those of a bustling roadway.
An unguarded or poorly marked elevator shaft can be an unseen pitfall, leading to significant falls in an environment with little room for error.
With the plethora of tools, materials, and machinery, construction sites can be a maze of tripping hazards, from wet surfaces to debris to uneven terrains.
Every construction site is unique, with its challenges, risks, and variables. We're equipped to handle the nuances of each.
Thanks to our longstanding dedication, we've amassed a network of experts. They play an instrumental role in deciphering the intricacies of your accident and quantifying the impact on your life.
A construction accident is any unforeseen incident or event on a construction site that injures or harms workers, visitors, or passersby. Given the inherently hazardous nature of construction sites with heavy machinery, elevated work areas, and the constant use of tools and equipment, the potential for accidents is significant. Here are the primary elements that constitute a construction accident:
Physical harm has occurred on a construction site, whether minor or significant. This can range from cuts and bruises to broken bones, spinal injuries, or even fatalities.
The incident must have occurred within a construction site or in a related area where construction activities occur.
Typically, construction accidents stem from:
The accident should be directly or indirectly related to construction tasks, tools, equipment, or processes. For example, a worker injured due to a faulty elevator on a construction site may be considered a construction accident victim, even if they weren't directly involved in construction work then.
After an accident, there's often an assessment to determine if negligence played a part, whether it's on the part of employers for not ensuring a safe work environment, manufacturers for providing defective tools, or workers for not following safety protocols.
The injured party might be entitled to compensation if the accident was due to negligence or any other avoidable factor. This often leads to legal procedures to determine liability and settlement.
Understanding what constitutes construction site accidents is vital for both workers and employers. It helps ensure safety measures, knowing rights and responsibilities, and navigating legal procedures post-accident.
Construction accident lawyers specialize in representing individuals who have been injured on construction sites. Their expertise in construction law, combined with a deep understanding of personal injury claims, makes them uniquely equipped to navigate the complexities of these situations. Here's how they can assist:
An experienced lawyer will help you understand your rights as a worker, ensuring that you know the compensation you are entitled to based on the specifics of your case and local regulations.
They will thoroughly investigate, gathering evidence such as photos, witness statements, site reports, and other relevant documents. This helps in establishing the cause of the accident and determining liability.
Accidents might result from negligence by the employer, equipment manufacturer, site owner, or another third party. Your lawyer will identify the liable parties to hold them accountable.
Beyond immediate medical bills, there might be long-term rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and even emotional trauma. An attorney will help quantify these damages to ensure you get fair compensation.
Insurance companies generally aim to minimize payouts. A lawyer will negotiate to ensure you receive a settlement that reflects your needs and the extent of your injuries.
If negotiations do not yield a satisfactory settlement, your attorney will take your case to court, advocating for your rights and seeking the best possible outcome.
The legal realm is laden with complexities. Your lawyer will handle paperwork, meet deadlines, and follow all legal protocols correctly.
Construction accident lawyers often have a network of experts, from medical professionals to construction site safety experts, who can provide testimony to strengthen your case.
Beyond the legalities, dealing with a construction accident injury can be an emotionally taxing experience. A good lawyer provides legal expertise, understanding, and support.
Beyond the immediate case, these lawyers can also guide workers on their rights concerning workplace safety, helping prevent future accidents.
A construction accident lawyer is pivotal in ensuring injured individuals get the justice and compensation they deserve. Their expertise is invaluable in navigating the often overwhelming aftermath of a construction accident injury.
At Arye, Lustig & Sassower, P.C., we understand that sustaining an injury at a construction site can be physically and emotionally traumatic. It's essential to act promptly and take specific steps to ensure your rights are protected. Here's our recommended course of action:
Your health is paramount. Even if the injury seems minor initially, internal injuries or complications can arise later. Always get a thorough medical check-up and document everything.
Immediately notify your supervisor or site manager about the accident. This creates an official event record, which can be crucial for any claims you might make later.
Take photographs of the accident site, your injuries, and any equipment or conditions that contributed to your injury. If there are witnesses, obtain their contact details and statements.
While you should report the construction site accident to your employer, be cautious about providing detailed statements, especially to insurance adjusters, without legal representation present.
Insurance companies or your employer might approach you with documents to sign, potentially limiting their liability or offering a low-ball settlement. Always consult with a lawyer before signing any agreements.
If a specific tool, equipment, or gear was involved in your accident, ensure it's preserved in its current state. It could be pivotal evidence.
Document your recovery process, including pain levels, medical appointments, treatments, and other related issues. This diary can provide valuable context and evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.
Reach out to a construction accident attorney, like our team at Arye, Lustig & Sassower, P.C. We can guide you through your rights, potential claims, and the legal avenues available.
Posting about your accident or recovery on social media can be used against you during legal proceedings. Stay discreet and avoid discussing your injury publicly.
Always follow the recommendations of your healthcare providers. Skipping appointments or not following medical advice can be used against you when determining the seriousness of your injuries.
Remember, at Arye, Lustig & Sassower, P.C., we are committed to championing the rights of injured construction workers. If you or a loved one is injured on a construction site, reach out to us, and we'll stand by your side every step of the way.
In 2022, the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health published their 'Deadly Skyline' report – a detailed look at fatalities on construction projects in New York State.
Despite the report being based on 2020 data – where COVID-19 measures significantly reduced construction projects, the report showed that construction accidents accounted for 22% of all worker deaths in New York City.
The report also highlights some other trends. 100% of workers who died on private worksites in New York City were non-union – making the construction industry dangerous if the company you work for has no union input.
Perhaps most significantly, the investigations into site deaths found that 97% of employers on sites where people had lost their lives had coinciding safety and health violations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
While this is not an exhaustive list, these injuries are among the most commonly reported by construction workers. Always seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you have sustained any of these injuries on a construction site.
In the aftermath of construction site accidents in New York City, victims and their families are often left with mounting medical bills, the inability to work, and many emotional and physical challenges. The silver lining is that New York law provides various avenues for injured workers to seek financial compensation benefits. Here's a breakdown of the potential compensation benefits you can claim:
This includes hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation therapies, medical equipment, and any future medical care related to the injury.
If your injury forces you out of work, you can claim compensation benefits for your lost wages. Additionally, if your capacity to earn in the future is diminished because of the accident, you may be eligible for compensation for that as well.
These non-economic damages compensate for the physical pain and emotional anguish resulting from the injury. This can be one of the more substantial aspects of a claim, especially in severe injury cases.
Spouses of injured workers might be able to claim compensation if the injury adversely affects the marital relationship.
If the accident has affected your ability to return to your previous job, you may need retraining for a new position. This can be included in your compensation claim.
If the construction accident leads to a permanent disability, you could be eligible for additional compensation considering the injury's lifelong impact.
In tragic instances where a construction accident results in fatality, the surviving family members can seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional distress.
In cases where the defendant's conduct was particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages might be awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior.
This can include transportation to and from medical appointments, modifications to your home because of the injury, and other related miscellaneous costs.
Don't let a construction accident define the rest of your life. With the right legal team, you can secure the compensation you need to rebuild and move forward. If you or a loved one has been injured on a construction site in NYC, it's time to act. Arye, Lustig & Sassower, P.C., is dedicated to championing your rights and ensuring you get the justice you deserve. Every moment counts. Reach out to us now for a free consultation, and let's pave the way for your brighter tomorrow.
A construction accident lawyer represents workers injured on a construction site. They assist in claiming compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. They also guide clients through the legal process, ensuring their rights are protected.
The legal landscape of construction accidents can be complex. A specialized lawyer ensures you receive maximum compensation, navigates intricate laws, deals with insurance companies, and builds a solid case on your behalf.
Multiple parties can be held responsible, from employers to equipment manufacturers. A lawyer will investigate the accident, gather evidence, consult experts, and determine which parties were negligent.
Most lawyers in this field work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. There will typically be no upfront costs; the lawyer's fees will be a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount.
It's advisable to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. This ensures evidence is preserved, witnesses are interviewed promptly, and your claim is filed within the legal time limits.
New York follows the principle of "comparative negligence." Even if you're partially at fault, you may still recover damages, but they might be reduced based on your share of the blame.
Your legal status in New York doesn't prevent you from seeking compensation for workplace injuries. Everyone has the right to a safe working environment.
Before accepting any offer, consult with a lawyer. Employers and their insurance companies might offer seemingly generous settlements that may not cover all your future medical expenses and lost wages.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York is typically three years from the accident date. However, there are exceptions, especially when dealing with government entities. A lawyer can provide specific guidance.
Compensation varies based on the severity of injuries and circumstances of the accident. It can cover medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and, in tragic cases, wrongful death damages.
Whether you're working in high-rise construction in the South Bronx or residential projects in Riverdale, our experienced lawyers are here to offer expert legal guidance and support.
From the bustling construction sites in Long Island City to the quieter neighborhoods of Bayside, we provide Queens workers with the legal representation they need to navigate the aftermath of a construction accident.
Covering everything from large-scale commercial projects in Downtown Brooklyn to residential renovations in Park Slope, our team is well-equipped to handle Brooklyn construction accident claims.
In the heart of NYC, from the skyscrapers of Midtown to the historic buildings of the Lower East Side, our lawyers understand the unique challenges Manhattan construction workers face.
Staten Island: Serving the entirety of Staten Island, our legal experts are ready to assist with construction accident claims, from the North Shore to the South Shore and everywhere in between.
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