Written by Construction sites are the most hazardous workplaces, and workers in Buffalo are no exception. Accidents on construction sites can lead to severe injuries or death that not only affect the worker but also his family. Such accidents can be more beneficial if the victims have a lawyer who is experienced in construction accidents, like a Construction Accidents Lawyer in Buffalo. This article discusses the most common types of construction accidents in Buffalo and how a good lawyer can help workers understand the law and win their case.
A) Types of Construction Accidents in Buffalo:
Construction accidents can happen in various ways, usually resulting in serious injuries. The causes are unsafe working conditions, lack of safety protocols, and human error. Here are some of the most common types of construction accidents:
1) Falls from Height:
Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or other high platforms are also one of the common and dangerous construction accidents. Construction workers often work at great heights when they are installing, repairing, or building structures. According to some injury statistics, if the fall happens, it can bring about traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and even death.
i) How a Lawyer Can Help:
A Construction Accidents Lawyer in Buffalo can help investigate the cause of the fall, be it a lack of fall protection, faulty scaffolding, or failure to follow safety procedures. A lawyer can file claims against the employer or any responsible third parties for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
2) Electrocution:
Construction workers typically work with electricity in the installation of wiring, operation of power tools, or proximity to power lines. Electrocution can lead to major injuries, such as severe burns and cardiac arrest, which at times lead to death. Workers electrocuted may have permanent nerve damage or other long-term health problems.
i) How a Lawyer Can Help:
A construction accident lawyer can consider factors of the accident to determine if employer failed to properly train, provide necessary safety equipment, or maintain electrical systems. A case may be filed against the employer, equipment manufacturers, or any third-party contractor that caused electrocution.
3) Struck-By Accidents:
Struck-by accidents are the instances in which an employee is struck by falling objects, machines, or even motor vehicles within the construction site. In most cases, this accident occurs due to incorrect material storage, broken machines, or lack of clear signification about potential dangers close by. The results of such accidents are fatal head injuries, fractures, and other types of internal injuries.
i) How a Lawyer Can Help:
A Construction Accidents Lawyer in Buffalo can help victims of caught-in or between accidents determine whose equipment was involved or caused the accident. The responsible parties, such as employers, subcontractors, and manufacturers of equipment, will have their negligence proven to bring appropriate compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering.
4) Caught-In or Between Accidents:
Caught-in or caught-between accidents include the trapping of workers with machinery, collapsing structures, and other heavy materials. Such accidents are likely to occur when workers use large equipment or work in confined areas, such as trenches or elevators. Crush injuries, broken bones, and amputations usually characterize these types of injuries.
i) How a Lawyer Can Help:
In such cases, a lawyer will determine whether the employer failed to maintain equipment, properly train workers, or follow safety standards. The lawyer can bring claims against all liable parties, including the company, subcontractors, and even the manufacturer of the equipment involved in the accident.
5) Slip and Fall Accidents:
Slip-and-fall accidents are common within construction premises where wet surfaces, debris, and un-level flooring are common hazards. Sprains, fractures, and even traumatic brain injuries may result when workers slip and fall on construction sites, particularly if the fall results from a significant height.
i) How a Lawyer Can Help:
A slip and fall attorney in Buffalo can help a victim establish that the accident is caused by unsafe conditions, which the employer or property owner was responsible to correct. If the fall resulted from a failure to maintain equipment properly or from unsafe conditions, the lawyer can seek compensation for medical charges, rehabilitative expenses, and loss of wages.
6) Equipment Malfunction Accidents:
Malfunctions of equipments such as cranes, bulldozers, and forklifts lead to accidents when not maintained or used accordingly. Such accidents may lead to serious injuries, such as limb amputations, back injuries, and fatal accidents. The equipment can injure workers when it fails during operations or due to a lack of proper training leading to incorrect utilization.
i) How an Attorney Can Assist:
An attorney, specifically an experienced Construction Accidents Attorney in Buffalo, can help analyze if a piece of equipment malfunctioning is due to faulty equipment or poor maintenance. When evidence of negligence by the employer or manufacturer surfaces, the attorney will initiate a personal injury claim against that person.
7) Hazardous Material Exposure:
Construction workers are usually exposed to hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead paint, or toxic chemicals. Exposure to such materials for a long period may result in respiratory problems, lung disease, or even cancer. In most cases, these types of injuries are not apparent until the long-term effects of exposure can severely affect a worker’s health.
i) How a Lawyer Can Help:
A Buffalo construction accident lawyer can help victims exposed to hazardous materials by determining whether the employer followed safety protocols or provided the necessary protective gear. Legal action may be pursued against the employer, material manufacturers, or contractors responsible for exposing the worker to harmful substances.
8) Overexertion and Repetitive Strain Injuries:
Construction work often requires heavy lifting, bending, and repetitive motions, which can lead to musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, and long-term disability. These injuries can affect a worker’s ability to perform daily tasks and work in the future, resulting in permanent damage.
i) How a Lawyer Can Help:
A construction accidents lawyer can help workers who suffer from repetitive strain or overexertion injuries by identifying the conditions leading to the injury. If an employer failed to provide appropriate safety equipment, training, and rest periods, a lawyer will pursue compensation to cover medical expenses and lost wages.
B) How a Buffalo Construction Accidents Lawyer Can Help:
Construction accidents may result in life-changing injuries, but the victims have rights and ways to pursue justice and compensation. A Construction Accidents Lawyer in Buffalo can provide much-needed help in the following ways:
i) Legal guidance and expertise:
Lawyers specializing in construction accidents are knowledgeable about local laws, building codes, and OSHA regulations, ensuring they can navigate the complexities of your case and maximize compensation.
ii) Investigation and Evidence Collection:
Construction accident lawyers are skilled at investigating accidents, gathering evidence, and working with experts to determine fault and liability. This thorough approach helps strengthen your case.
iii) Negotiating with Insurance Companies:
Insurance companies may attempt to offer low settlements, but a lawyer will fight for fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
iv) Litigation:
In case the wrongdoers refuse to settle, a construction accident lawyer will represent you in court and utilize their expertise to ensure your rights are protected and to achieve the best outcome possible.
The Final Words:
Construction accidents in Buffalo can cause catastrophic injuries that affect not only the victim but also his or her family and livelihood. If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, it is important to get the help of an experienced Construction Accidents Lawyer in Buffalo. You will then ensure that your case receives the experience it deserves, and you are given the best chance of receiving compensation and justice to move forward.
