If you drive around New Jersey, you’re bound to see several buildings and roads under construction. While these projects provide jobs and help grow our state, they can lead to catastrophic injuries when accidents happen.
If you were hurt on a construction site, speak with Glugeth & Pierguidi P.C. A Jersey City construction accident lawyer from our firm can review your case and help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Who We Can Help
Construction accidents can affect a variety of people. These incidents are often large and have wide-ranging consequences.
Common victims in these cases include:
- Construction workers and subcontractors. Employees are often hurt on the job due to accidents and negligence. While workers’ compensation can complicate these claims, you may be able to file a personal injury claim in some cases.
- Delivery personnel. A stream of trucks and vans often enter and exit construction sites. These delivery personnel can be injured due to falling debris, road hazards, and large explosions.
- Visitors. People with an interest in the project sometimes visit construction sites to see progress or meet with workers. Even if you sign a waiver, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation.
- Pedestrians and motorists. Urban areas are full of active work zones. Passing by these areas can be dangerous, especially if the construction site lacks proper signage and protection.
- Survivors of deceased victims. Unfortunately, construction accidents can have lethal consequences. If your loved one was killed after an accident, you may be able to seek compensation from the liable party.
Don’t hesitate to contact our firm if you or a loved one was injured in a construction accident.
Who Can Be Responsible for Construction Accidents?
Determining who is liable for an accident is the first step toward getting compensation. Construction sites can involve many parties, and finding the responsible party can be challenging. The following people and entities can share liability in these situations.
Property Owners
Landowners must keep their property safe and free of hazards. Property owners assume liability for construction workers or other guests they invite onto their property. Landowners must conduct regular inspections and repair dangerous defects. Sadly, too many owners neglect this duty, creating unnecessary risks for visitors.
Construction Companies
It’s no surprise that active work zones are dangerous. Despite this known risk, construction companies need to take precautions to make job sites safe. These steps can include installing fences, requiring protective equipment, and ensuring employees comply with safety standards. In addition, construction companies are liable for any injuries an employee causes while working.
Manufacturers and Suppliers
Construction companies often rent or buy equipment to complete a job. Manufacturers and suppliers have a duty to provide safe tools that function as expected. Unfortunately, it’s not rare for equipment to malfunction due to design defects and other hazards. Anyone injured due to these malfunctions can file a personal injury claim against the manufacturer or supplier that provided the equipment.
Third Parties
Many third-party vendors provide services or supplies to construction sites. These third parties can include entities like delivery drivers, caterers, and utility providers. Under common law rules, people owe a duty of care to one another to act safely and reasonably in public. This duty extends to behavior on construction sites, so victims can seek compensation from third parties for any injuries they cause.
Types of Construction Accidents We Handle
Our firm has handled a wide range of construction-related personal injury cases. Construction accidents can be tragic and cause lifelong complications. While you may think these accidents are rare, they are sadly all too common in Jersey City and the surrounding areas.
Common construction accidents include:
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs;
- Struck by falling objects or heavy machinery;
- Electrocution;
- Trench collapses;
- Scaffolding malfunctions;
- Exposure to hazardous materials;
- Defective equipment; and
- Building code violations.
These are only a few examples of cases we’ve seen. A personal injury lawyer can help no matter how you are injured, so don’t hesitate to contact our firm.
Potential Compensation
Construction site injuries are not something to be taken lightly. Even the smallest incidents can have life-altering effects on your health and finances.
Depending on the nature of your accident, you may be able to pursue one or more of the following options.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
In most cases, employees who get hurt on the job must file a workers’ compensation claim. Your employer’s insurance will coordinate your medical care and financial compensation. In most cases, you cannot file a personal injury claim against your employer unless they intentionally tried to hurt you.
However, there are cases where third parties may be liable for your work-related injuries. If this happens to you, speak with a Jersey City construction accident attorney to see if you can file a personal injury claim against the third party.
Personal Injury Claims
Non-workers can file personal injury lawsuits against anyone responsible for their injuries. These lawsuits can help victims recover compensation to pay for their emotional, financial, and physical damages.
Common types of compensation you can recover include:
- Medical expenses,
- Rehabilitation costs,
- Lost income, and
- Pain and suffering.
These are just a handful of damages you might experience. Our firm will examine your case and identify all potential economic or noneconomic harms. We’ll then advise you on how to document these losses so we can seek the highest value possible.
Wrongful Death Claims
Some of the most agonizing cases we see involve the deaths of loved ones. Our firm does all we can to hold responsible parties accountable for these awful incidents. While nothing can make up for the loss of a family member, a wrongful death claim can provide financial support during this traumatic time.
Examples of compensation you can recover include:
- Funeral expenses,
- Loss of income,
- Loss of household services, and
- Medical expenses before your loved one’s death.
Our firm understands that it’s impossible to calculate the true cost of losing a loved one. No amount of money can fill their place. However, we do our best to consider all the value your loved one provided to maximize your potential compensation.
Speak with a Jersey City Construction Accident Lawyer
Glugeth & Pierguidi P.C. is a leading personal injury firm in New Jersey. Our attorneys understand the pain that comes with construction accidents and will always offer you compassionate, reliable representation. We are fierce advocates and will never suggest accepting a settlement unless it’s the best choice for you. Since we founded our firm over twenty years ago, Glugeth and Pierguidi P.C. has helped clients recover multi-million-dollar settlements and achieve favorable results. Call today to schedule your free consultation with a construction accident attorney.
Our Jersey City construction accident lawyers also handle the following types of cases: