Allan Ahearne: Your Construction Accident Advocate in Warwick, NY

Understanding the Dangers of Warwick Construction Sites

Construction is a vital part of Warwick's economy, but it comes with inherent risks, especially when safety protocols are ignored or overlooked. From working at heights to handling heavy machinery, construction workers face numerous hazards daily. Unfortunately, negligence is all too common, frequently leading to preventable accidents and life-altering injuries.

Types of Construction Accidents We Handle

Our firm handles a wide range of construction accident cases, including the following:

Our No Win, No Fee Guarantee

We believe everyone should have access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. Thanks to our contingency fee structure, you won’t have to pay us any legal fees unless we successfully win your case.

Where Construction Accidents Happen in Warwick

Warwick's continued growth and development mean more construction projects, which in turn presents increased risk. Common locations of accidents include:

Commercial Development Projects

New shopping centers, office buildings, and mixed-use developments often have multiple subcontractors and compressed timelines, elevating the risk of accidents.

Road and Infrastructure Construction

Workers are exposed to danger from traffic, heavy machinery, and excavations during highway expansions, bridge repairs, and utility work.

Residential Construction Sites

New homes, apartment complexes, and renovations often involve smaller crews and less stringent safety oversight, making potential hazards more likely to have harmful consequences.

Industrial Facilities

Industrial construction projects, such as building warehouses, factories, and energy plants, often involve complex machinery, hazardous materials, and unique safety challenges.

Common Construction Accident Injuries

Because of the perilous nature of the work, construction accidents can cause severe, debilitating injuries with long-term consequences. Common examples include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Falls from heights are a leading cause of TBIs and can result in lasting cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
• Spinal cord injuries: Falls, collapses, and heavy equipment mishaps can damage the spinal cord, potentially causing paralysis and requiring extensive medical care.
• Broken bones and fractures: The impact of a fall, moving object, or crushing pressure can result in broken bones and fractures that demand complex surgeries and rehab.
• Burns: Electrical accidents, chemical spills, fires, and explosions can cause severe burns, often requiring painful treatment like skin grafts and ongoing wound care.
• Amputations: Accidents involving heavy machinery, power tools, or crushing injuries can lead to amputations, requiring specialized prosthetics and lifelong adaptations.

Honest workers shouldn’t be forced to deal with the effects of these debilitating injuries on their own. That’s why retaining the services of a qualified construction accident attorney is critical following a worksite injury.

The Hidden Costs of Warwick Construction Accidents

While the initial medical bills can be overwhelming, the long-term financial impact of a construction accident extends much further than care costs. Here are some of the other economic hurdles victims face:

Lost Wages

Time off work for recovery can result in considerable lost income. A serious enough injury might even prevent you from returning to your previous occupation, meaning lower earning potential and financial instability.

Future Medical Expenses

Construction accident injuries often require ongoing treatment, which may include surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and the use of assistive devices. All of these measures result in growing expenses.

Pain and Suffering

The physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life brought about by the accident and resulting injuries can’t be overlooked.

Loss of Consortium

A serious injury can impact your relationship with your spouse or partner, leading to a loss of companionship, intimacy, and support. You can pursue compensation for these effects under a separate category or damages.

How New York’s Scaffold Law Protects Workers

New York Labor Law Section 240, commonly known as the "scaffold law," offers crucial legal protections for construction workers injured in falls from heights or due to falling objects.

This law imposes strict liability on property owners and contractors who violate safety regulations, making it easier for injured workers to recover damages even if they share some fault in the accident. This is just one of many New York laws designed to protect construction workers from the everyday dangers of their profession.

Exploring Your Options: Workers' Compensation and Beyond

Workers' compensation benefits are usually the first line of defense after a workplace injury. However, they may not cover the full extent of your losses. When you work with The Ahearne Law Firm, we’ll explore all potential avenues for maximizing your compensation, including:

Third-Party Liability Claims

We'll investigate whether a third party other than your employer or coworkers — such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner — contributed to your injury and hold them liable for damages.

Construction Labor Law Claims

Our attorneys are well-versed in New York's labor laws and will zero in on any evident violations to bolster your claim and increase your prospective recovery.

Social Security Disability Benefits

If your injuries are severe enough to prevent you from working, we'll help you file for Social Security Disability benefits to secure financial support during your recovery.

Our Proven Process for Construction Accident Cases

At The Ahearne Law Firm, we employ a methodical, strategic process to substantiate and maximize the value of every construction accident case. Here’s an overview of the steps we take:

Thorough Investigation

We’ll start by conducting a comprehensive investigation, gathering evidence from the accident site, interviewing witnesses, and consulting industry experts to determine the cause of the accident and build a strong case for compensation.

Aggressive Negotiation

Our legal professionals are skilled negotiators who will leverage their findings to pursue a fair settlement from the insurance companies, advocating tirelessly on your behalf.

Trial Experience

If we can’t reach a satisfactory settlement, we’re fully prepared to take your case before a jury. We have ample experience litigating construction accident cases in court, and we never back down from a fight.

What to Do After a Construction Injury: A Step-by-Step Guide

Knowing how to respond following a construction site accident is vital for successfully seeking compensation. Here’s what to do:

1. Seek medical attention: Always prioritize your well-being. Even if an injury seems minor, you should get checked out right away.
2. Report the accident: Inform your supervisor or employer of the incident in writing, detailing how it happened, the injuries you sustained, and any witnesses present.
3. Gather evidence: Take photos and videos of the accident site. Get the contact details of any witnesses, and preserve physical evidence like damaged tools or equipment.
4. Contact a lawyer: It’s imperative to meet with an experienced construction accident attorney before speaking to insurance adjusters or signing any documents.

By following these steps, you can protect your health, preserve your rights, and improve the outcome of your case.