If you were injured in a residential or commercial construction accident, and you do not have health care insurance or the at-fault party does not have business insurance, you might need to explore other available compensation options. For example:
- If the accident occurred during construction on residential property, you might be able to seek compensation through the homeowner’s insurance policy.
- If the accident occurred on commercial property, you might be able to seek compensation by suing the business owner directly.
- If you are an employee who was injured in a construction accident, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation insurance if your employer participates in the worker’s compensation program.
In New York, not all businesses are required to participate in the workers’ compensation program. The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) exempts certain businesses from participating. The WCB also exempts specific individuals from receiving workers’ compensation, such as sole proprietors and nonprofit volunteers.
These regulations can be complicated, so you may want to consult a personal injury team to learn more about how to settle an accident claim without insurance if you were injured on a construction site.
Why Insurance Matters in a Construction Accident
If you or someone you love was injured in a construction accident, insurance can play a significant role in your physical and financial recovery for two critical reasons:
- A personal injury or construction accident claim or lawsuit can take time to resolve. While your lawyer works on your case, having a lack of or limited health insurance might make it difficult to receive the full range of medical care that your injuries require without building significant medical debt.
- If the residential or commercial construction company responsible for your injuries does not have insurance, it can be difficult to receive any amount of financial compensation. Even if your claim or lawsuit is resolved in your favor, obtaining payment can be difficult or impossible.
After being injured on a construction site, you do not have to allow a lack of insurance to derail you from pursuing the compensation you might be owed. Your lawyer can help you assess your injuries, value your claim, and fight for the compensation you need.
Your Personal Injury Claim Is Time-Sensitive
You may be able to seek compensation for your damages by filing a personal injury insurance lawsuit against the at-fault party or parties. However, you have a limited to do so, as all personal injury lawsuits must be filed within their specific statutory deadline.
The New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214 generally limits your ability to file a lawsuit to three years from the date of the accident. If someone you love lost their life in a construction accident, the New York Estates, Powers, & Trusts Law (EPT) §5-4.1 generally limits your ability to file a wrongful death claim to two years from the date of your loved one’s death.
Avoid putting your potential right to financial recovery at risk. You can discuss when you need to file your lawsuit after discussing your accident case with a law firm representative. A lawyer in your area can help you comply with the relevant statute of limitations.
Commonly Reported Construction Accident Injuries
The injuries you sustain on a construction site or in a construction zone can change the way your body functions and prevent you from working for a prolonged period.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), construction site injuries can include:
- Same-level falls
- Falls from heights
- Equipment failure
- Drug and alcohol use
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lists the top four causes of construction-related work injuries, known as the “Fatal Four.” These accidents include:
- Same level or higher falls
- Being struck by an object
- Electrocutions
- Being caught in or between objects
You can review your full range of physical injuries with our legal team. We can then assess their costs and start building a comprehensive case for financial compensation against the at-fault party.
You Might Still Be Able to Get Compensation Even without Insurance
If you or someone you love was injured in a construction accident, you might have options for financial compensation, even if the at-fault party did not have business insurance. Contact a personal injury team member at Morelli Law Firm by calling (212) 751-9800 to find out how to settle an accident claim without insurance.