When you work in construction, you face dangers every day. At Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our New Jersey construction accident lawyer helps construction workers who get hurt on the job. We know construction sites can be risky places. If a construction worker injured at work comes to us, we fight hard for their rights. Furthermore, we help you get money for medical bills, lost wages, and your physical pain.
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We Fight for Construction Workers
We protect injured workers all across New Jersey. Our Jersey construction accident lawyer helps them get fair compensation after workplace accidents. We understand how the construction industry works. We also know how construction companies and their insurance providers try to pay less. But we've helped hundreds of construction workers recover the compensation they deserve. Moreover, our experienced personal injury attorney team treats each client with care.
Our law firm handles all types of construction injuries. Some are small, but others change lives forever. We work on cases without charging upfront fees. This means you pay nothing unless we win your personal injury case. Furthermore, we offer a free consultation to talk about your claim. There's no pressure to hire us. Our proven track record shows we get great results for construction workers. Let us handle your case while you focus on getting better.
Common Construction Accidents in New Jersey
Jersey construction accidents happen for many reasons. The construction industry has lots of risks that hurt workers every day. Many construction accidents could be stopped with better safety measures. When you know about these common construction injuries, you can spot dangers. You'll also understand your rights better. Here are the construction site accidents we see most:
Falls from High Places
Fall accidents hurt more construction workers than any other accident type. Workers often fall from dangerous spots like:
- Shaky scaffolds that aren't secure
- Broken or old ladders
- Roof edges without safety rails
- High work platforms
- Buildings that aren't finished
These falls can cause traumatic brain injury and hurt your spine badly. They can change your whole life. Construction companies should give workers safety gear and training. When they don't, workers suffer serious injuries. Moreover, many fall victims have several injuries that need lots of medical care.
Getting Hit by Falling Objects
Falling objects on busy construction sites hurt workers all the time. Things that commonly fall include:
- Tools and equipment
- Wood and building supplies
- Heavy steel beams
- Concrete blocks
- Parts of the scaffolding
Even with hard hats, these accidents cause bad head injuries. Sometimes, workers get brain damage. Many need long recovery times. Some never fully get better. Property owners and contractors must make sure areas above workers are safe.
Accidents with Forklifts and Heavy Machines
Forklift accidents happen when operators don't have good training. Construction equipment can cause terrible workplace injuries, such as:
- Arms or legs that get crushed
- Internal injuries that damage organs
- Many broken bones
- Lost limbs
- Death from being crushed
Equipment manufacturers might be partly to blame when machines have safety problems. Employers must train all operators before they use dangerous equipment.
Electrical Accidents
Electrical accidents often happen at construction sites. Workers deal with live wires and dangerous power. They can get bad burns or heart problems. These workplace injuries might mean you can't do construction work again. Common dangers include exposed wires, broken equipment, and power lines. Furthermore, wet conditions make electrical accidents more likely.
Trench Cave-ins
Trench collapses bury workers without warning. These are some of the deadliest accidents in construction. Good safety measures can stop these tragedies. When companies cut corners on safety, workers pay with their lives. Moreover, rescue teams often can't save trapped workers in time.
Welding Injuries
Welding accidents cause burns and eye damage. Workers breathe in toxic fumes, too. Welders need protective gear and fresh air to work safely. Without protection, they face serious health problems. These common construction injuries include flash burns, breathing issues, and hearing loss. Furthermore, welding fumes can cause cancer later on.
New Jersey Construction Laws
New Jersey construction accident laws are designed to protect workers on job sites throughout the state. These laws require construction companies to maintain safe work environments. When companies fail to follow these safety rules, injured workers have the right to seek compensation for their injuries. Understanding the legal circumstances around these cases is crucial for getting the compensation you deserve.
Federal occupational safety regulations set the baseline for construction safety across the country. However, New Jersey adds extra protections to ensure workers have additional safety measures. These state-specific rules help prevent accidents and hold companies accountable when they neglect their duties. Our experienced construction accident lawyers are well-versed in these legal circumstances and use them to build strong cases for injured workers.
We keep up to date with all changes in safety regulations and legal requirements. This knowledge allows us to protect your rights effectively. If you have been hurt on a New Jersey construction site, understanding these laws and legal circumstances can make a big difference in your case. Our team is ready to help you navigate the process and fight for your maximum compensation.
Why You Need a Construction Accident Lawyer
Construction cases are complex. They often involve many responsible parties. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to pay you less. You need an accident lawyer who knows how to recover maximum damages for you.
We handle everything about your personal injury lawsuit. You can focus on healing. Our law firm has fought construction companies for years. We know how to prove someone else's negligence caused your injuries. Without good legal help, you might get much less compensation than you deserve.
What to Do After a Construction Site Accident
After workplace accidents happen, quick action is crucial to protect your rights. What you do immediately can affect your ability to seek compensation later. Time is very important in these cases.
First, seek medical attention right away. Even if your injuries seem small, they can become serious without proper care. Then, tell your supervisor about the accident and get a written report. This helps document what happened officially.
Next, take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries. Collect contact information from any witnesses. Keep all medical records and bills safe. Finally, call a Jersey construction accident attorney to discuss your case. Follow all your doctor’s orders and attend every appointment. Avoid talking to insurance companies alone, as they may use your words against you. Taking these steps strengthens your personal injury claim and helps you get the compensation you deserve.
Workers' Comp vs. Personal Injury Claims
You need to understand both options to get maximum compensation. Workers' compensation gives some benefits quickly. But it has limits. Personal injury lawsuits can get you additional compensation for all your losses.
What Workers' Compensation Covers
Workers' compensation insurance usually pays for:
- Medical costs and treatment
- Part of your lost wages (about 70%)
- Job retraining programs
- Disability benefits
- Death benefits for families
What Workers' Comp Doesn't Cover
Workers' comp won't pay for:
- Pain and suffering
- All your lost wages
- Future lost earnings
- Emotional distress
- Punishment for negligent parties
These limits often leave injured workers struggling with money. Workers' compensation benefits rarely cover the full cost of serious injuries.
Filing a Workers' Compensation Claim
Despite its limitations, filing a workers' compensation claim offers important benefits:
- Immediate access to medical treatment
- No need to prove fault or negligence
- Quick wage replacement benefits
- Coverage, regardless of who caused the injury
- Protection from employer retaliation for filing
Pursuing Third-Party Lawsuits for Additional Compensation
In addition to workers' comp, personal injury claims against liable third parties can help you recover:
- Full lost wages, including future earnings
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Coverage for future medical expenses
- Damages for reduced earning capacity
- Extra compensation in cases of gross negligence
You can sue property owners, contractors, and equipment manufacturers. This gets you much more than workers' comp alone. These claims cover everything your injury has cost you.
Types of Cases We Handle
Our construction accident lawyers handle all serious workplace injuries. We've won big settlements in many different cases.
Brain Injuries from Falls
Construction site injuries to the brain often cause permanent problems. Victims might need care forever. We fight to get money for all their needs. We work with doctors to show how bad the damage is. Furthermore, we calculate lifetime care costs.
Spinal Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis. Victims need constant medical help. We figure out every expense to get proper money. We include home changes, special equipment, and caregivers. These terrible injuries need maximum compensation.
Crush Injuries
Heavy machinery can crush body parts. Some workers lose arms or legs. We seek money for:
- Artificial limbs
- Physical therapy
- Job retraining
- Career changes
- Mental health support
Wrongful Death
When construction accidents kill workers, families need help fast. We file wrongful death claims for:
- Funeral costs
- Lost income
- Loss of companionship
- Children's future needs
- Estate costs
New Jersey's Special Rules
New Jersey has specific laws that affect construction accident cases. Knowing these rules can help you get more money for your injuries. Our lawyers understand these state rules very well. We use this knowledge to protect your rights and build a strong case.
One important rule is about sharing the blame. New Jersey follows a system called comparative fault. This means the percentage of your fault reduces your compensation. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you get 80% of the damages. But if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any money. Insurance companies often try to blame workers for lower payouts.
It is also important to identify all liable parties. These can include employers, property owners, contractors, and equipment manufacturers. Our team works hard to find every responsible party. This helps ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Time Limits for Filing
You have two years to file personal injury lawsuits. For workers' compensation claims, you must:
- Notify your employer no more than seven days after the injury
- File a formal claim within two years
- Report any work-related illnesses within two years of discovering them
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from pursuing your case. Some exceptions may apply in special circumstances.
FAQs
How long do I have to file?
In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. For workers' compensation claims, you must report your injury to your employer within 90 days to protect your rights. Acting quickly is important because delays can hurt your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Can I sue if I was partly at fault?
Yes, New Jersey follows a comparative fault system. This means you can still sue if you are partially at fault, as long as your percentage of fault is less than 51%. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your share of the fault. For example, if you are 30% at fault, your damages will be reduced by 30%.
What if my employer has no insurance?
If your employer does not have workers' compensation insurance, you can sue them directly for all damages related to your injury. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses caused by the accident. Our lawyers can help you pursue these claims effectively.
How much is my case worth?
The value of your case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact on your life. Minor injuries may result in settlements of a few thousand dollars, while severe injuries, such as spinal cord damage or brain trauma, can lead to multi-million dollar verdicts or settlements.
Should I report to OSHA?
Yes, reporting your injury or unsafe conditions to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is important. OSHA investigates safety violations and can issue citations to employers. Reporting helps create an official record of hazards and strengthens your case if negligence is involved.
What evidence do I need?
To build a strong case, gather as much evidence as possible. This includes photos of the accident scene and your injuries, witness statements, medical records and bills, accident reports, and any communication with your employer or insurance companies. The more evidence you have, the better your chances of winning your claim.
Contact Our New Jersey Construction Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation
Don't wait to get help after Jersey construction accidents. Our New Jersey construction accident lawyers offer free consultations. We help workers recover compensation for all their losses.
Construction is a dangerous job that shouldn't cost your health. When negligence hurts you, we fight for justice. Call Davidoff Law today for your free case evaluation. There's no obligation. Let us help you get money for medical bills, lost wages, and suffering. We're here to help during this hard time. We'll make sure you get every dollar you deserve.
