Construction equipment malfunctions can cause catastrophic injuries, and they are more common than you may think. When workers or bystanders get injured on New York construction sites, they may need ongoing medical care, such as surgery, physical therapy or rehabilitation. This situation can create a significant financial, physical and emotional burden for victims and their families.
At The Bongiorno Law Firm, we are committed to finding out who may be liable for equipment malfunctions on a construction site. We help injured workers and bystanders caught in the crossfire to understand their legal options for recovering compensation.
Were you injured while working on a New York construction site? If so, we recommend seeking legal help from our trusted law firm today. At The Bongiorno Law Firm, our highly skilled New York construction accident lawyers have extensive experience, and we don’t mess around. We know how to get the compensation you need.
What Are Some Common Causes of Construction Site Equipment Malfunctions in NYC?
Construction equipment malfunctions in NYC often stem from poor maintenance or improper use. Busy job sites and tight schedules can lead to neglected upkeep. For workers and others passing nearby, negligent maintenance creates an increased risk of a construction site injury. Risk factors include things like worn or defective mechanical parts, unexpected fluid leaks and dangerous electrical issues.
Operator errors are another frequent cause of construction site equipment accidents. Fatigue, inadequate training or careless misuse of this complex equipment could cause it to malfunction in unpredictable ways.
Environmental factors, such as extreme weather and unstable ground conditions, pose additional issues that put workers and bystanders at risk for serious harm.
Common NYC Construction Equipment Malfunctions may include:
- Crane collapses or failures
- Power tool malfunctions (e.g., nail guns, saws)
- Electrical equipment injuries
- Conveyor belt injuries
- Welding equipment failures
- Scaffolding collapses or instability
- Forklift tipping or control malfunctions
What Kinds of Injuries May Result When Construction Equipment Fails?
Construction equipment failures can lead to severe and life-altering injuries. The size and power of these machines make accidents particularly dangerous.
Here are some common injuries that could result from equipment malfunctions:
- Crush injuries from falling objects or machine collapses
- Amputations due to caught-in or caught-between accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries from falling debris or impacts
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
- Severe burns from electrical malfunctions or fires
- Fractures / broken bones
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Respiratory issues from exposure to harmful substances
These injuries can have long-lasting effects on a worker’s health, ability to work and overall quality of life. Injured workers on NYC construction sites need immediate medical attention. Once your injuries have been stabilized, we strongly recommend seeking legal help as soon as possible to ensure your legal rights and best interests are protected.
At The Bongiorno Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping injured New Yorkers get the legal help they need after a construction site equipment injury.
Can I Sue If I Get Injured by Malfunctioning Construction Site Equipment?
Construction equipment malfunctions can lead to serious injuries, which may mean you have legal options for compensation. Your ability to sue depends on your relationship to the construction site and the nature of the accident.
Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims
If you are a New York City construction worker and get injured on the job, your recourse is typically to file for workers’ compensation. This no-fault system provides benefits, including compensation for your medical costs and a portion of your lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident.
In some cases of accidents due to equipment malfunction, workers’ comp may not cover all your losses. If someone other than your employer was responsible for maintaining equipment on the job site, you might also have a third-party claim. These circumstances may allow you to seek additional compensation beyond workers’ comp benefits.
Each construction accident case is unique, so it is important to discuss the legal options that may be available to you with our knowledgeable attorneys at The Bongiorno Law Firm.
Legal Options for Bystanders
Bystanders injured by malfunctioning construction equipment in New York City have different legal pathways. Since you are not an employee, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties. This might include the construction company or property owner.
At The Bongiorno Law Firm, we know how to determine all parties who may be liable for your injuries and build a strong case for compensation.
What Is OSHA’s Role in Preventing Construction Equipment Malfunctions?
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) plays a crucial role in preventing equipment malfunctions on construction sites in New York City and across the country. This federal agency sets and enforces safety standards to protect workers from hazards, including those related to equipment failures.
OSHA’s efforts to prevent equipment malfunctions include:
- Conducting regular inspections of construction sites
- Issuing safety regulations for equipment use and maintenance
- Providing training resources and guidelines for employers
- Investigating accidents and near-misses
- Enforcing compliance through citations and penalties
- Requiring proper recordkeeping of equipment maintenance
- Promoting awareness of equipment-related hazards
By holding employers accountable and setting industry-wide standards, OSHA helps reduce the risk of equipment malfunctions. However, construction companies and workers must also adhere to these standards, remaining vigilant and prioritizing safety on NYC job sites.
Speak With Bongiorno Law Firm About Your Case
If you or a loved one has been injured by malfunctioning construction equipment in New York City, we encourage you to seek legal help.
When you work with our legal team at The Bongiorno Law Firm, you are working with New Yorkers who are prepared to work hard to get you the results you need.
We offer a free, confidential consultation to help determine your potential legal options. If you choose our firm to represent you, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay.
