Punitive Damages and Construction Site Accidents

Construction work is an absolute necessity – Staten Island wouldn’t look anything like it does today if not for the early efforts to put it on the map. However, it’s often a dangerous necessity, and construction accidents happen every day in our borough and across the state of New York.

How Dangerous is Construction Work?

Thanks to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, construction today is a lot safer than it used to be, but still, there are about three workplace accidents for every 100 on-the-job workers each year.

The construction industry has continued to work toward reducing worker injuries and fatalities, and for the most part, employers are making worker safety a top priority. Commendably, some contractors and construction companies have their own safety protocols that exceed OSHA requirements.

But some don’t. Some cut corners to get around regulations, putting their employees’ lives at risk.

Why Construction Companies Skirt the Rules

Profitability is a major concern among big construction companies, and safety isn’t cheap. Sure, some accidents are just that—accidents—but many could be prevented if only companies were doing the right thing.

How Punitive Damages Factor into Personal Injury Lawsuits

Juries can award two types of damages in personal injury cases, including those that involve Staten Island construction accidents: compensatory and punitive. Compensatory damages are designed to replace money you’ve lost after an injury due to medical bills, missed work and other expenses.

Punitive damages are different. They’re designed to teach the responsible party a lesson, and the purpose is simple: hit them where it hurts. Juries award punitive damages on top of compensatory damages, and the intent is to show companies that willfully disregard safety regulations that they can’t get away with it any longer.

Many personal injury cases settle out of court, and in those cases, no punitive damages change hands. However, if your case goes to trial, your attorney will let you know exactly what kind of damages you may be entitled to receive under New York law.

See Also: https://klawnyc.com/construction-accidents-whos-hurt-and-whos-at-fault/