New Jersey Construction & Workplace Accident Attorneys

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) rates the construction industry as one of the most dangerous job sectors in America. Despite work safety rules and regulations enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction sites remain hazardous working environments. In fact, over 20% of all workplace fatalities occur in construction. In many cases, these accidents could have been avoided if proper safety policies were followed. If you or a loved one has suffered a construction accident-related injury, do not hesitate to call the experienced New Jersey construction accident lawyers at Cerussi & Gunn, P.C. to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive just compensation.

Types of Construction Accidents

When it comes to construction accidents, the most common causes of injury or death are known as the Fatal Four. These include:

• Falls, Slips and Trips – Poorly maintained platforms or scaffolding, unprotected openings on elevated areas, and improper use of ladders are some of the common reasons for severe fall-related accidents.
• Struck By Object – Improperly secured construction materials, falling tools, and moving vehicles are all considered accidents caused by being struck by an object.
• Electrocution – Injuries caused by coming into contact with exposed or improperly used electrical wires or electrical areas lacking a proper ground fault are all considered electrocution related accidents
• Wedged or Caught Between Objects – Poorly maintained trench and protective equipment, improperly secured heavy objects, or unsafe soil pile placements, are all leading causes of accidents related to being caught between objects.

While these are the most common types of construction accidents, that does not mean workers who suffer injuries as a result of other work-related incidents do not have a viable claim for their injuries. Other types of accident cases that can be pursued include:

• Exposure to improperly used or contained hazardous chemicals
• Chemical, electrical or flame related burns
• Exposure to toxic construction materials such as silica or asbestos
• Injuries related to faulty or defective equipment or heavy machinery
• Injuries caused by co-workers

There are many types of injuries one can suffer while on the job at a construction site and each case is unique. Therefore, retaining the services of a law firm knowledgeable in construction accidents can help make sure your rights are protected and you receive just compensation.

Types of Claims

Third-Party

This is a claim against an entity or individual, other than your employer. For example, if you are injured at work on a construction site and you are employed by a subcontractor and the general contractor was responsible for the safety of the construction site, the general contractor may be responsible for the compensation you for your injuries. Or it may be a case wherein you are employed by the general contractor, but the negligence of the subcontractor’s worker causes you injury. In that case, the sub-contractor may be liable to you for the injuries you sustained.

Workers’ Compensation and Construction Accidents

An employee cannot make a direct claim for pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life against his or her employer, but the employee can make a workers’ compensation claim. Generally, most construction accident cases will involve workers’ compensation. If you file for workers’ compensation, you may be entitled to the following benefits:

• Medical Benefits – These will help pay for all necessary and reasonable medical treatment, hospital services and prescriptions related to your injury.
• Benefits Covering Lost Wages – These are available to a worker while recovering from an injury or illness.
• Disability Benefits – These benefits are potentially available after your medical treatment has finished.
• Death Benefits – If the injured party died due to a work-related injury or illness, their dependents are eligible to receive death benefits.

Contact NJ Construction Accident Lawyers

Construction site accidents can be complex and involve multiple parties and multiple different types of claims. Your employer or their insurance company may take steps to deny or reduce how much you receive in a settlement. In order to ensure you receive fair and just compensation for your pain and suffering, it is wise to seek out a lawyer with experience in construction accident cases like the attorneys at Cerussi & Gunn.

Learn more about some of our past verdicts and settlements in NJ construction accident cases

Our Monmouth County, New Jersey office is conveniently located in Shrewsbury, NJ.