Category: Construction Accidents

Common Crane Accidents on a Construction Site

Keeping workers safe must be the number one priority on any worksite. Construction sites are known for their busy environments and hazardous conditions.  Those sites that include the operation of one or more cranes add yet another layer of challenge and diligence to the site management and oversight.  Cranes are prevalent in commercial construction projects.  They enable workers to lift heavy loads up to high locations. They also require comprehensive training in order to operate proficiently and safely.  Crane accidents pose a very real threat to those workers performing their daily tasks, as well as a latent danger to the general public.  Taking every safety precaution in order to prevent accidents is, therefore, of paramount importance.

The four most common crane-related accidents, resulting in both injury and death are as follows:

• Overturn  – whether, by the crane apparatus itself or its payload, crushing injuries resulting from an imbalance are at the top of the list.  These types of catastrophes occur when the crane’s entire structure fails and falls over.
• Electrocution – Inadvertent contact with power lines is a common and devastating consequence of crane misuse and faulty operation.
• Falls – By their very nature, cranes are used to reach the highest heights and achieve the farthest extending points of any construction project.  Accidents caused by falls when conducting these placements are often fatal.
• Failure – The precision required when operating a crane cannot be overstated.  Mechanical failure in the process of operation can have dire consequences both for the operator and anyone in the vicinity of the malfunction.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides very clear guidelines for both employers and employees for construction sites, as well as specific regulations designed to help reduce crane-related accidents and injuries:

• Cranes must be inspected immediately prior to each use for mechanical issues, according to a comprehensive inspection list with consideration given to all parts prone to cracking and strain, wiring, and moving mechanisms.
• All repairs must be made without delay.
• Crane placement is critical; they must be placed on flat, stable ground with a minimum of 10 feet clearance from any electrical cables or power lines.  The icy, wet, or unstable ground is a no-go for safe crane operation, period.
• Crane operators and “Riggers” must have proper training prior to the operation of any crane, and appropriate signal persons must be present to assist the operator.

All materials to be moved must be properly balanced and measured, so as not to overtax or overtake the capacity of the crane’s ability.  Likewise, all materials to be moved must be properly bundled and secured to avoid shifting, sliding, and dropping in transition.
Cranes must be operated in appropriate weather conditions only, and a clear plan for inclement weather must be clearly posted and implemented for all crane operation personnel.

If you or a loved one have been injured or killed due to a construction site crane injury, the construction injury team at Daniella Levi & Associates, P.C. are here for you.    We have extensive experience litigating on behalf of our valued clients and we understand your rights, specializing in collecting the compensation you deserve.  Together, we will review your case and let you know precisely what you are entitled to.

About Daniella Levi & Associates P.C.

After a serious accident, many people are in desperate need of the financial support that comes from a successful result of their personal injury claim. To ensure that you have the best chance at obtaining the compensation you deserve, your lawyer should be just as invested in your case as you are.

At Daniella Levi & Associates, P.C., headquartered in New York City, we believe strongly in upholding the rights of accident victims. We are dedicated advocates for our clients, fighting, and using every available resource, to obtain the compensation they deserve.

Daniella Levi & Associates P.C. has 3 Locations in NYC: Levi Law Queens | Levi Law The Bronx | Levi Law Mineola

I Suffered from Heatstroke During Working Hours. What Else Can I Do?

Just as the freezing temperatures can be an issue for workers in the frigid New York winters, climbing temps or other external heat sources can have some incredibly dangerous effects as well.  During hot summer months, employees on the job can suffer from heat-related illnesses like heat rash, heat cramps, heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, whether indoors or out.  Knowing what to do if these ailments present themselves can make all the difference.

While most people are familiar with worker’s compensation and know that it is available to pay reparation for many types of workplace injuries (like slip and fall accidents), they are unaware that there is also workers’ compensation available if you require medical attention from overheating.  Missed work, medical expenses, and pain and suffering can all take a physical, emotional, and financial toll on a working man or woman – knowing your rights can ease the suffering resulting from such an injury.

Understanding the causes and recognizing the symptoms of a heat-related episode is key to avoiding them.  Your body temperature may rise for several reasons – higher than normal temperatures, direct sunshine, high humidity, extreme exercise or over-exertion, prolonged exposure to fire or another heat source, and even large, close crowding can contribute to elevated body temperature. Whatever the cause, when your body is unable to adjust to elevated temperatures, overheating is a legitimate concern.

Heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and/or heat exhaustion can cause the organs of the body, including the muscles, nerves, kidneys, liver – even the heart & brain – to short-circuit and medically malfunction.  These malfunctions can have long-term effects and, in some cases, lead to death.  When the victim realizes something is wrong, the damage has already begun and immediate action is critical to stop further harm.

Signs & symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Elevated body temperature
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Extreme tiredness/exhaustion
• Excessive thirst
• Elevated heart rate and/or shallow breathing
• Excessive perspiration, often accompanied by pale, clammy skin
• Cramping in the arms, legs, and/or stomach
• Physical weakness
• Heightened emotional irritability

Extreme heat, most especially when you are not used to it, shocks the body almost immediately.  Studies have shown that 80% of heat-related work episodes, injuries, and illnesses occur within the first week on the job.  Half of these incidents occur on the first day on the job site.  It is, therefore, crucial for employers to prepare employees for the tell-tale signs of symptoms and to mitigate the factors that contribute to them.

Whether indoors or out, occupational conditions to watch out for can include:

• Improper ventilation
• Hot lights or heat-emitting equipment
• Close quarters
• Strenuous, prolonged physical labor
• Extended exposure to direct sunshine
• Inadequate/infrequent hydration
• Inappropriate/inadequate protective clothing or gear
• Working near fire

It is important when working in any of these circumstances, to take regular breaks. Drinking cold water or other appropriate beverages consistently and resting at regular intervals allows the body recovery periods throughout the work shift and significantly allows your body to regulate itself to its surroundings.  If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, stop what you are doing and seek medical attention.  Report your distress to your supervisor or site manager and request immediate help.  It is your right to work in an environment that is reasonably safe.

Have you suffered from heatstroke or another heat-related injury during working hours?  Seeking immediate medical attention is critical for your health and your case.  Document the circumstances that contributed to your injury in great detail.  If possible, obtain photos of the worksite.  Time is of the essence in heat-related worker’s compensation claims, and timely documentation provided by a doctor or other licensed medical professional will be vital in proving your case.

Each year, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes its statistics for data pertaining to myriad workplace conditions.  According to their reports, accidents with injuries affect one in ten construction site workers every year.  Employers are responsible for taking all measures to protect workers from serious hazards in the workplace.  OSHA has workplace recommendations which include hot weather protocols and precautions when the temperature reaches 91 degrees.  If you have been harmed by a heat-related episode while on the job, the team at Daniella Levi & Associates, P.C. will fight for your rights with worker’s compensation and your employer.

Workplace safety is vitally important at any construction site.  It directly correlates to efficiency, quality, and productivity.  Construction site accidents and injuries can have long-term and sometimes permanent consequences, placing you and your family in financial hardship.  We are uniquely qualified at Daniella Levi & Associates, P.C. to assist you with your heat-related injury claim.  If you or a loved one have been seriously injured as a result of a heat stroke or heat exhaustion injury on the job, call our experienced injury law team today.  We will fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.

About Daniella Levi & Associates P.C.

After a serious accident, many people are in desperate need of the financial support that comes from a successful result of their personal injury claim. To ensure that you have the best chance at obtaining the compensation you deserve, your lawyer should be just as invested in your case as you are.

At Daniella Levi & Associates, P.C., headquartered in New York City, we believe strongly in upholding the rights of accident victims. We are dedicated advocates for our clients, fighting, and using every available resource, to obtain the compensation they deserve.

Daniella Levi & Associates P.C. has 3 Locations in NYC: Levi Law Queens | Levi Law The Bronx | Levi Law Mineola

Construction sites are busy places, teeming with bustling activity, large and small heavy equipment, and active, industrious, rushed people. As a consequence, they are also laden with myriad hazards and safety concerns. Heavy equipment, human error, and materials in motion can all contribute to dangerous conditions for those unlucky enough to be affected by construction site accidents. These accidents directly result in thousands of injuries and deaths per year. Knowing the most common causes of construction site accidents and the necessary measures to avoid them is critical to construction workplace safety.

Several factors contribute to a safe vs. an unsafe construction workplace.

Some of the causes that influence these risks include:

• Machinery Malfunction
• Human Error/Negligence
• Moving Equipment/Materials
• Weather
• Ground Collapse
• Electrocution
• Slips/Trips
• Vehicular Accidents
• Water/Gas/Electrical Issues
• Heights
• Improper Use/Handling of Equipment & Materials
• Excessive Noise
• Hazardous Materials (Asbestos, Air-Borne Fibers, Materials)

Construction site falls are the most common type of injury, involving nearly one-third of all construction injuries and accidents annually. The seriousness of these falls depends on circumstances such as height, ground conditions, surrounding equipment (ladders, building materials, scaffolding, etc.), and landing. While in some cases there may be safety equipment or netting employed, more often than not, this is not the case.

Moving objects are a constant on a construction site, and as a result, workers are often severely hurt by swinging heavy equipment, materials being placed or located, vehicles in motion, or simple, unfortunate wrong-place/wrong-time locations. Crushing injuries also account for these types of striking damages, whether by vehicles or other means.

Adding Construction Site Hazards

As utilities are integrated into building sites, water, gas, & electricity each become of critical concern. Confusion or misattribution of these lines can contribute to catastrophic injury, therefore every precaution must be taken to signal those onsite workers to use the utmost in care around them. Proper signage and signaling, as well as apt and complete training, are critical keys to safety.

Motorized machinery can have rapid and serious consequences when poorly managed or maintained. The importance of vigilance and maintenance cannot be overstated when operating heavy equipment. Loose clothing, insufficient safety equipment, and operator error can all contribute to injury and/or death when caught in machinery or equipment.

Disturbance of the soil when beginning excavation for a structure can be extensive and may contribute to unexpected ground collapse. Factors like the type of soil, hardness and/or consistency of the earth, weather conditions, and moisture of the surrounding area can all have a significant impact on the stability of a construction worksite. Underground areas can be just as unpredictable, with voids and water creating unexpected issues. Foundational integrity when renovating can be questionable, and collapse can happen at any time when foundational work is being performed. Such collapses can rapidly carry people and equipment in the affected area, resulting in injuries, entrapment, or even death.

Orderly Construction Sites

Construction sites can easily become chaotic and disorganized. Heavy rains, liquid spills, leaking water, or certain construction materials can make the ground slippery and unstable. Likewise, inattention and/or hurriedness can create perilous circumstances, resulting in injury and loss. As a result, certain areas may easily present slipping, tripping, or falling hazards to construction workers. Unfortunately, many of these missteps result in injury.

Construction site accident injuries can result in:

• Head & Brain Injuries
• Eye Injury & Vision Damage
• Neck, Back, & Spinal Cord Injuries
• Broken Bones
• Severe Contusions
• Burns
• Chemical/Electrical Exposure or Illness

Each year, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes its statistics for data pertaining to myriad workplace conditions. According to their reports, accidents with injuries affect one in ten construction site workers every year. Of these, OSHA further states that the leading cause of these injuries is from falls that occur at construction sites. This estimate is further supported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to BLS, approximately 150,000 construction site injuries occur each year, with falls accounting for the greatest number of these accidents. Crushing/contact injuries ranked among the highest causes as well. As a result, at least 15% of Worker’s Compensations claims and expenses are directly the result of construction site injury claims.

Construction worksite accidents most commonly result from a lack of training, a lack of supervision or an inability to carry out a task safely, or due to a failure to pay attention to detail and carelessness. Unhealthy and unsafe practices, Safety is vitally important at any construction site. It directly correlates to efficiency, quality, and productivity. Construction site accidents and injuries can have long-term and sometimes permanent consequences, placing you and your family in financial hardship. At Daniella Levi & Associates, we are uniquely qualified to assist you with your construction accident injury claim. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured as a result of a construction site accident, contact our experienced construction site injury law team today.

Whether a new build or a renovation project, construction sites are brimming with activity, equipment, and people.  They are also fraught with hazards and safety concerns.  Construction work is taxing both mentally and physically, and injuries on the work site are part and parcel of the job.  Heavy equipment, human error, and materials in motion can all contribute to dangerous working conditions and unforeseen accidents.  These accidents range from minor inconveniences to serious and catastrophic injury, and even death.  Construction site accidents impact both the business and the injured party in several ways.

For the employer, the effects of a construction site accident can result in reduced productivity, increased expenses, skyrocketing insurance premiums, unanticipated Worker’s Compensation expenditures, and weakened employee morale.  These unanticipated events delay work deadlines and inhibit all progress towards the final completion of the project.  At the worst, a loss of professional reputation and even the complete closure of a reputable business can result from a tragic disaster.

For those injured in a construction worksite accident, the consequences of such mishaps may have both short- and long-term ramifications impacting job performance, mistrust of employer supervision and protection, personal financial stability, and medical & physical future.  The combination of all of these dynamics can greatly impact an individual’s ability to return to their job and their ability to provide for their family in the time to come.

If you are involved in a serious construction site accident, you are likely to require extended time off work to tend to your health and healing.  Depending upon the severity of your injuries, a return to work may not be possible at all.  Worker’s Compensation, while helpful in the short term may not sustain you and your family for the duration of your anticipated recovery.  This can add untold stress and strain to an already emotionally, physically, and psychologically demanding situation.

The impact upon the family at this time is also a consideration. Extra care and support may be required for those family members called upon to support and tend to the needs of their loved ones dealing with life-changing injuries.  This can add incredible pressure as they rearrange their own day-to-day lives, influencing their own home life, employment, or childcare responsibilities.

Consequences of Construction Site Accidents

Construction site accident injuries vary widely and can result in:

• Head & Brain Injuries
• Eye Injury & Vision Damage
• Neck, Back, & Spinal Cord Injuries
• Broken Bones
• Severe Contusions
• Amputations
• Burns
• Crush Injuries
• Chemical/Electrical/Smoke Exposure or Illness
• Psychological Harm
• Death

The impact of such injuries will depend on myriad circumstances.  What is your anticipated medical treatment?  For how long?  What are the circumstances that contributed to your accident?  Was heavy equipment or neglect involved?  How long are you expected to be out of work?  Will you be able to work again?

Liability is of the utmost importance following a construction accident and is generally determined by the following factors:

• Was the General Contractor responsible?  Did they provide a safe work environment and site?
• Were there any additional subcontractors involved in the accident?  Did their actions in any way impact the outcome?
• Did you or your loved one affected conduct yourself in a way that influenced the incident that occurred?

There may be more than one party responsible for the circumstances that led to your accident.  Our team of attorneys can help sort out whether there is culpability on the part(s) of your employer, design defects caused by the architect(s) and/or engineers, and equipment manufacturer issues.  Perhaps the fault lies with more than one party; together we will sort all these details out completely.

Serious Construction Site Accidents

Did the accident result in a death?  Death from construction injuries can lead to a wrongful death suit.  In these circumstances, the experienced attorneys at Daniella Levi & Associates can guide you as you navigate the overwhelming process.  We will represent your best interest in pursuing your loved one’s estate, acquiring financial damages compensation, and championing your case for pain and suffering following the loss of a loved one.  It is important to understand that states may limit a family’s ability to recover in a wrongful death suit depending on whether the deceased was married or had dependent relatives. If the deceased was not married and did not have dependent children, then the amount of compensation for loss of love, companionship, and emotional support may be capped or excluded entirely.

Construction site accidents and injuries can have long-term and sometimes permanent consequences, possibly placing you and your family in emotional, physical, and financial hardship.  At Daniella Levi & Associates, we are uniquely qualified to assist you with your construction accident injury claim.  If you or a loved one have suffered an injury or loss as a result of a construction site accident, call our experienced construction site injury law team today.

Construction sites are brimming with activity, equipment, and people. They are also fraught with hazards and safety concerns. Heavy equipment, human error, and materials in motion can all contribute to dangerous conditions for those unlucky enough to be affected by construction site accidents. These accidents directly result in thousands of injuries and deaths per year. Knowing the most common causes of construction site accidents is critical in order to be vigilant and avoid danger.

Common Construction Accidents

While there are numerous ways in which construction accidents occur, there are a few that account for the vast majority of them.

These conditions include:

• Falling
• Being struck by an object
• Electrocution
• Getting caught in machinery or equipment

Likewise, the causes that contribute to these perils include:

• Machinery Malfunction
• Human Error/Negligence
• Moving Equipment/Materials
• Weather
• Ground Collapse
• Slips/Trips
• Vehicular Accidents
• Water/Gas/Electrical Issues

Construction site falls are the most common type of injury, comprising nearly one-third of all construction injuries and accidents, annually.  The seriousness of these falls depends on circumstances that include height from the ground from which the injured falls, ground conditions fallen upon, surrounding equipment (ladders, building materials, scaffolding, etc.), and position at landing.  On rare occasions, there may be safety equipment or netting employed, however, more often than not, this is not the case.

Moving objects are not at all a rarity on a construction site, and as a result, workers are often severely hurt by swinging heavy equipment, materials being located, vehicles in motion, or simple, unfortunate wrong-place/wrong-time location.  Crushing injuries also account for these types of striking damages.

As utilities are integrated into building sites, water, gas, and electricity each become a critical concern.  Confusion with these lines can contribute to catastrophic injury, therefore every precaution must be taken to signal those onsite workers to use the utmost care around them.

Motorized machinery can have rapid consequences when poorly managed or maintained.  The importance of vigilance and maintenance cannot be overstated when operating heavy equipment.  Loose clothing, safety equipment, and operator error can all contribute to injury and/or death when caught in machinery or equipment.

Disturbance of the soil necessary to begin excavation for a structure can be extensive.  Factors like the type of soil, hardness and/or consistency of the earth, weather conditions, and moisture of the surrounding area can all have a significant impact on the stability of a construction worksite.  Underground areas can be just as unpredictable, with voids and water creating unexpected issues.  Collapse can happen at any time when deep foundational work is being performed.  Such collapses can rapidly carry away people and equipment in the affected area, resulting in injuries, entrapment, or even death.

Similarly, while crews often make every effort to keep materials and equipment organized, construction sites can easily become chaotic, and disorganized.  Heavy rains can make the recently-excavated ground slippery and unstable.  As a result, certain areas may easily present slipping, tripping, or falling hazards to construction workers.  Unfortunately, many of these missteps result in injury.

Construction Site Accident Injuries Can Result in:

• Head & Brain Injuries
• Eye Injury & Vision Damage
• Neck, Back, & Spinal Cord Injuries
• Broken Bones
• Severe Contusions
• Burns
• Chemical/Electrical Exposure or Illness

Let’s talk about some statistics…

Each year, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes its statistics for data pertaining to myriad workplace conditions.  According to their reports, accidents with injuries affect one in ten construction site workers every year. Of these, OSHA further states that the leading cause of these injuries is from falls that occur at construction sites.  This estimate is further supported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).  According to BLS, approximately 150,000 construction site injuries occur each year, with falls accounting for the greatest number of these accidents.  Crushing/contact injuries ranked among the highest causes as well.  As a result, at least 15% of Worker’s Compensations claims and expenses are directly the result of construction site injury claims.

The median ages for construction workers injured in construction mishaps each year are between 25 and 34 years of age, and the most common types of injuries reported involve their back, spine, or torso (trunk).

Construction site accidents and injuries can have long-term and sometimes permanent consequences, placing you and your family in financial hardship.  At Daniella Levi & Associates, we are uniquely qualified to assist you with your construction accident injury claim.  If you or a loved one have been seriously injured as a result of a construction site accident, call our experienced construction site injury law team today.

Should I Hire A Construction Accident Lawyer in Queens Do?

When construction businesses in Queens fail to observe proper safety precautions and ignore labor laws, there will be consequences.  If you have been injured or suffered the loss of a family member in a construction accident, we recommend you immediately contact a construction accident lawyer.  The construction accident lawyers at Daniella Levi and Associates P.C. can help. We specialize in getting the compensation you deserve due to the negligence of a construction company.

Construction accidents are common in the New York area.  It is our job to hold those contractors and site owners accountable for their dangerous sites and negligent oversight.  By discussing the specifics of your case, we can help you evaluate the proper course and determine if your case is eligible for compensation.

If you were injured while on the job, workers’ compensation benefits are available to financially compensate you for your injuries and lost wages.  You may even be entitled to more compensation than what workers’ compensation will provide.  A thorough examination of the conditions that led to your construction accident will reveal the scope of your case.  We work with construction workers, contractors, and tradesmen within the construction industry to reconstruct and evaluate each facet of your accident in order to get the full compensation you deserve.

Construction Injury Lawyer

A job done right takes time.  Cutting corners compromises safety.  The consequences of these actions create an unsafe environment and lead to worksite accidents.  Often, the injuries resulting from poor choices and negligent practices could have been prevented if the site owner or manager had afforded employees proper safety gear and/or protocols.  It is important to know appropriate procedures, safety measures, and systems to ensure that your wellbeing is guaranteed.

We take the time to thoroughly investigate your accident and represent your case.  We have investigated thousands of construction accident cases, and are well-versed in OSHA regulations and workplace rules. Our team digs deep to find out the specific circumstances surrounding what happened.  Some of our cases include:

• Trench collapse
• Electric shock or electrocution
• Explosions and fires
• Saw accidents
• Defective tools
• Heavy Equipment accidents
• Falling objects
• Slip and falls
• Ladder accidents
• Scaffold accidents
• Transportation accidents
• Forklift accidents

If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to one of these types of accidents, give us a call. We work with families just like yours to find out what happened and get them the compensation they deserve in the timeliest way possible.

Here at Daniella Levi and Associates, P.C., we know the law and your rights as a construction worker.  We are willing to help you, as we have helped so many others get the justice they deserve.  Call us today.