Construction Accident Lawyer in Orange County, NY

Trustworthy Legal Support After Construction Accidents

Facing the aftermath of a construction accident can be daunting. Along with the potential for severe injuries and exorbitant medical expenses, the insurance companies could try to pressure you into a quick settlement, resulting in you receiving less than what you’re entitled to.

Our lawyers adopt a thorough, strategic approach to construction accident cases in Orange County. Our process includes:

• Collecting Essential Evidence: We’ll gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other crucial evidence needed to support your case.
• Assessing Damages: We’ll evaluate more than just your immediate medical expenses, factoring in lost wages, future care requirements, and the emotional toll of your injuries.
• Negotiating Effectively: Our reputation for aggressive courtroom representation gives us the necessary leverage to secure a fair settlement.
• Preparing for Trial: If we can’t reach a satisfactory settlement, we won’t hesitate to present your case to an Orange County jury.

We’re committed to protecting your rights and advocating for your interests from the very beginning.

Construction Accident Cases We Assist With

Our firm offers extensive legal support for various types of construction accidents in Orange County, including the following:

Types of Construction Accident Injuries We Work With

Every day, construction workers face the risk of countless injuries. Some of the most common injuries in construction accidents include:

• Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Burn injuries
• Fractured bones
• Eye injuries leading to vision loss or enucleation (removal of the eye)
• Deafness and hearing loss
• Musculoskeletal injuries (sprains, strains, and other soft tissue damage)
• Nerve damage
• Amputation injuries
• Internal organ injuries

Tragically, construction accidents can sometimes be fatal. If you’ve lost a loved one in a workplace accident, it’s important to consider your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation through workers’ compensation and/or a wrongful death claim.

Who Might Be Liable for a Construction Accident?

Determining liability in construction accidents involves identifying various responsible parties based on their involvement. Here are some of the parties that could bear fault:

General Contractors

General contractors oversee the entire project, coordinate the activities of subcontractors, and ensure that safety regulations are followed. In Orange County, they’re typically responsible for site accidents if they control the work and were aware of unsafe conditions. They’re expected to implement safety protocols, conduct inspections, and address hazards promptly.

Property Owners

Property owners must provide a safe environment for workers and visitors. This includes maintaining the premises, ensuring safety compliance, and addressing known hazards. Even if they delegate control to a general contractor, owners can still be liable if they knew about unsafe conditions or contributed to the accident in any way.

Subcontractors

Subcontractors performing specific tasks must promote employee safety and follow relevant safety guidelines. They can be liable for injuries if their negligence or failure to follow protocols leads to an accident. Contractual agreements with general contractors may also affect their liability.

Architects and Engineers

Architects and engineers responsible for design and planning construction projects can be liable for accidents if their designs are defective or don’t comply with established safety standards. They must exercise reasonable care to ensure that their designs are safe for construction and use.

Manufacturers and Suppliers

Manufacturers or suppliers can be held accountable if a defective product or equipment causes an accident, as they have a duty to make safe, reliable products. Faulty machinery, tools, scaffolding, and other construction equipment can all be grounds for legal action.

Requirements for Establishing Liability

To establish liability in an Orange County construction site accident, you and your legal representation must establish the following key elements:

Duty of Care

The party accused of negligence must have owed a duty of care to the injured worker. This duty can arise from contractual obligations, legal responsibilities, or unspoken but reasonable expectations of safety.

Breach of Duty

It must be shown that the responsible party breached their duty of care to the plaintiff. This can be demonstrated through evidence of negligence, non-compliance with safety regulations, or failure to address known hazards.

Causation

There must be a direct link between the defendant’s breach of duty and the plaintiff’s accident and subsequent injuries. This requires demonstrating that the negligent actions or omissions of the responsible party were the primary cause of the accident.

Harm or Loss

The injured worker must have suffered actual harm or loss, such as physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses, as a direct result of the accident.

Possible Compensation for New York Construction Accidents

After determining who’s liable for your construction accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Depending on your situation, you could be awarded damages for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

A construction accident lawyer from The Ahearne Law Firm can evaluate your case to identify the types of compensation you may be entitled to and file a personal injury claim or lawsuit on your behalf.

Time Limits for Construction Accident Claims

Orange County law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits, including construction accident claims. These deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, are pivotal to the success of your case.

Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, certain exceptions can alter this timeframe, such as:

• Claims Against Government Entities: These often have much shorter deadlines.
• Delayed Discovery of Injuries: If your injury wasn't immediately apparent, the time limit may start from the date you became aware of it.
• Wrongful Death Cases: A different statute of limitations typically applies to accidents ending in fatalities.

Initiating the process promptly will give your attorney more time to gather evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate a fair settlement before a lawsuit becomes necessary.

Do I Need a Construction Accident Lawyer?

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, hiring a qualified personal injury attorney is essential. The procedural complexities of construction accident claims can be overwhelming, especially when you’re also dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and other financial burdens.

Here’s how a construction accident lawyer can help:

• Assessing Your Case: Your lawyer will evaluate your situation, determine the strength of your case, and identify all potential sources of compensation.
• Gathering Evidence: Next, your attorney will collect key evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and accident reports, to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Pinpointing Liability: Your legal advocate will identify all potentially liable parties, including contractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers.
• Negotiating with the Insurance Companies: Your lawyer will negotiate aggressively to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and other losses.
• Representing You in Court: If negotiations fail, your attorney can take your case to court, advocating for your rights and fighting for the maximum compensation.
• Offering Continual Support: Your lawyer will provide dependable advice throughout the legal process, helping you make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

If you hope to recover fair and adequate compensation to deal with your injuries, it’s essential to have a dedicated legal professional on your side.