Who Is Liable for Construction Site Accidents in NYC?

Liability for construction site accidents in New York City will depend on the underlying reasons for the accident. Architects or engineers may hold liability if design flaws lead to an accident. In other situations, liability may rest with the property owners, equipment manufacturers, or general contractors. 

In some cases, a construction company may hold responsibility for an incident. A New York City construction accident lawyer can assess your specific situation after a job site accident and determine who caused your injuries and financial losses. 

Parties Potentially Liable for Construction Site Accidents in NYC

Many parties could potentially hold liability for a construction accident. Depending on your circumstances, a lawyer may build a claim against: 

The Engineer or Architect Who Designed the Building

Sometimes, architects and engineers create a design for new construction with significant safety flaws. If these flaws cause a construction site accident, a New York workplace injury lawyer could hold the engineer or architect accountable for your losses. 

A General Contractor

General contractors often are responsible for the overall safety of a construction site. If they allow hazards to develop and these hazards result in an accident, they may be liable for the incident. 

Property Owners

In some cases, a property owner may need to pay for the losses caused by a construction accident. Property owners have a duty to maintain a certain level of safety for everyone who visits their property. 

Equipment Manufacturers

Some construction site accidents occur because of a defective piece of equipment. For example, a construction worker could sustain catastrophic injuries if a piece of safety gear malfunctions. 

The manufacturer of a piece of defective equipment may be liable for a construction site accident.

You can rely on an attorney to determine who is liable for construction site accidents in NYC and to help you secure compensation for your losses. 

How do You Know Who Is Liable for NYC Construction Site Accidents?

A New York personal injury lawyer can investigate the facts about your accident to determine who is liable for your construction site accident. Your attorney will need to assess the causes of the accident and collect evidence. 

This process may require a lawyer to:

• Visit the construction site 
• Speak with other construction workers
• Get a copy of the accident report
• Review similar accidents 

Taking these steps can help a lawyer determine who needs to cover your losses after a NYC construction site accident. 

What if More than One Party Is Liable for a Construction Site Accident?

All liable parties may need to provide you with compensation after a construction site accident. Therefore, your lawyer may seek damages from multiple parties to cover the expenses you sustain. 

For example, if a general contractor knew they had defective safety equipment at a job site and ordered you to use it anyway, resulting in an accident, both the contractor and the equipment manufacturer could have to pay toward your losses. 

Your attorney can review the specifics of your situation and identify all potentially responsible parties. 

Why does Liability for Construction Site Accidents Matter?

Liability matters in construction site accidents because it determines how you will get compensation for your losses. An attorney will need to show that a third party, like a general contractor or property owner, caused the accident if you want to file a personal injury lawsuit. 

If a lawyer cannot establish a third party’s fault after your accident, you may have to file a workers’ compensation claim. The workers’ comp system allows you to get payment for your losses if your employer holds liability for a construction site accident.

The workers’ comp system does not require you to prove an employer’s negligence to get money after an accident. However, it often only covers your medical bills and a percentage of your lost pay. A personal injury claim or lawsuit can allow you to get additional compensation. 

What Compensation Can You Get from the Liable Party?

The party responsible for your construction accident in NYC may need to cover all the losses you sustained. Depending on your circumstances, you may receive money for your:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential
• Pain, emotional suffering, and mental anguish 

Typically, you will receive more compensation through a personal injury claim than the workers’ comp system. An attorney can track all of your losses, go over your options for securing compensation, and help with a lawsuit when necessary. 

Talk to Us About Liability for a NYC Construction Site Accident

Who is liable for construction site accidents in NYC? Liability varies significantly for these incidents and may fall on the architect, a general contractor, an equipment manufacturer, a property owner, or someone else. 

A construction accident lawyer from our team at Morelli Law Firm can investigate and find the party responsible for your accident. We’re ready to provide you with a risk-free initial consultation when you call or complete our online contact form.