Are You Entitled to More than Workers’ Compensation?
Construction is a large and incredibly important industry, here in New York and across the country. Walk Brooklyn’s streets and look around. Every road, building, and bridge was built and is repaired and maintained by our heroes in hardhats – the men and women of the construction industry.
Construction is a dangerous occupation, and can be particularly so in New York. Our weather and the close proximity of buildings adds to the inherent risks of working among heavy equipment on unique terrain. If you are injured in a construction accident, do you know what to do?
First Priority: Get Medical Treatment
Don’t worry about getting the job done. Your coworkers will step in. What you need to focus on is getting the medical treatment you need.
But What about the Money?
Workers’ compensation pays for medical care and helps cover lost wages, but it doesn’t pay for your pain and suffering. While New York State law generally prevents you from suing your employer in a construction site accident case, that doesn’t mean you aren’t entitled to collect damages other than workers’ comp.
You May Be Entitled to More than Just Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Depending on the circumstances of your on-the-job accident, you may be able to file suit against a property owner, contractor, or the manufacturer of defective machinery or tools. However, there’s a lot riding on how you handle your workers’ compensation claim.
After you file a claim, a workers’ compensation claims adjuster will probably contact you. In most cases, it’s a good idea to consult an experienced New York construction accident attorney before talking to the adjuster. While every case is different, you could be entitled to file suit against the person who is responsible for your injuries – and an attorney can help you determine that.
Personal injury accident laws are complex, and no two cases are the same. What you don’t know could prevent you from collecting everything you’re entitled to for your injuries. It’s not fair that you’re suffering and unable to work due to someone else’s negligence.
Meta: Workers’ compensation is a great program, but it doesn’t necessarily help much after a construction accident in Brooklyn; here’s what you need to know.
See Also: https://klawnyc.com/new-york-personal-injury-law-and-the-law-of-gravity/