Common Types of Construction Accidents in New Jersey
The state of New Jersey has continued to increase in population over the years, both for permanent residents and vacationers. This has led to an increase in construction projects, which not only provides local residents with new infrastructure, but also an increase in employment opportunities in the construction industry.
While a career in the construction industry can provide you with good hours and benefits, there is some risk involved. Getting injured on the job in a construction site can feel overwhelming. You might wonder who will cover your medical bills and how you will be able to live without ongoing income.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
There are many things that can quickly turn a safe construction site into a dangerous one. These are a few of the most common causes of construction accidents in New Jersey:
- Falls from high heights
- Chemical burns
- Electrocution or electrical injury
- Heavy object collision/ injury
Because construction workers will often climb high heights, work with dangerous chemicals and electrical work, and be around a lot of heavy objects, accidents are always possible.
Determining Liability in a Construction Accident
One of the first questions you might ask following a construction accident or injury is who is at fault for the damages. Determining fault may or may not be important to your case. In most cases, workers’ compensation will cover workplace injuries, as long as the individual was working at the time of the injury.
However, if there is question as to whether or not the tasks were work-related or if someone else is to blame, then it might be important to determine liability.
The following individuals could be at fault in a construction accident:
- The construction worker themselves
- The employer
- Another worker
- Maintenance professional or mechanic
Whether your employer, or another employee, is to blame for your injuries, a personal injury lawyer will help you determine who is at fault. If you are denied workers’ compensation benefits, then you might need the compensation available through a third-party personal injury to recover.
Important Steps to Take Following a Construction Accident
It is likely that there are many things going through your mind immediately following an injury from a construction accident. However, taking the following steps will ensure that you protect your rights throughout the process:
- Report the injury immediately: Notify your employer of the injury as soon as possible.
- Seek medical attention: It is also important to seek medical attention immediately.
- Document the accident: It can be helpful to begin collecting documents that could help your case. Contact information of witnesses, photographs, or other documentation of the accident can be useful to your legal team when determining who is at fault.
- Discuss your case with a lawyer: Depending on the details of your case, it might also be beneficial to discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer.
If you were injured in a construction accident, you have just two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible to evaluate options.
Contact a Hudson County Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Construction Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a construction accident in the state of New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Birkhold & Maider, LLC represent clients injured because of construction accidents in Hudson County, Mercer County, Essex County, Union County, and throughout New Jersey. Call 973-784-8583 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 189 Franklin Avenue, Suite 1, Nutley NJ 07110, as well as an office in Hamilton, NJ.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
