Buffalo Construction Accident Lawyer

Buffalo is littered with ongoing construction projects, from commercial buildings, to road repairs and maintenance, to private residences, and more.

The construction industry is prone to accidents that are often catastrophic or even fatal. If you’re a Buffalo worker in one of these many projects, it’s crucial to understand your rights in case this happens. A law firm like Brown Chiari LLP can help you protect your rights.

State and labor laws protect injured construction workers by allowing them to pursue monetary compensation for their injuries from negligent parties. Consult with a Buffalo construction accident lawyer to know the legal options available for you or your loved one to get justice.

What Are My Rights as an Injured Construction Worker in Buffalo?

When you’re hurt in a Buffalo construction accident, certain laws define the rights you have and what you can do about your claim. Your lawyer can file an injury claim under any of these three statutes depending on the circumstances of your case.

New York Labor Law 240

Popularly known as the scaffolding law, section 240 requires owners, contractors, and their agents to erect proper scaffold hoists and other safety devices for workers. Scaffolds should be able to bear four times the expected maximum weight and projects above 20 feet should have proper support.

If they fail to provide this safety feature, your injuries may be their fault. Talk to your lawyer about holding the property owner or other party liable.

New York Labor Law 241

This law protects workers in excavation and demolition projects. It outlines a list of requirements that contractors and owners should follow lest they’re held liable for any resulting injuries.

Both section 240 and 241 gives you more power through absolute liability. This means you don’t have to go through the process of proving negligence. You only need to prove that you were injured because of the circumstances provided by your workplace.

New York Labor Law 200

Section 200 of the Labor Law covers the safety instructions for all Buffalo workers and construction site visitors. Construction companies, agents, and contractors must ensure all machinery and equipment are fastened and positioned in a safe manner.

The site must also have guardrails for support and adequate lighting. In case of an open risk, the person in charge should have a way to notify workers and visitors to avoid serious accidents.

How to Protect Your Rights after a Buffalo Construction Accident

The at-fault party’s defense team can evaluate something you did or failed to do after the accident and use it to deny your claim. This is why it’s crucial to involve a lawyer early on in your case to avoid making such errors unknowingly.

Taking the following steps after a construction accident will safeguard your rights to a settlement, whether through workers compensation or a lawsuit.

• Get Medical Treatment – Seek medical treatment whether you’re in pain or not. It’ll help detect any internal injuries and the possibility of delayed injuries. Confirm whether your employer has a particular doctor you should visit.
• File an Accident Report with Your Employer – Notify your employer or the person in charge so they can get you started on workers compensation paperwork and otherwise have a record of your accident.
• Documenting Evidence at the Accident Scene – If you’re not too hurt, take pictures of the scene, your injuries, the surrounding, eyewitness accounts, and other types of evidence.
• Speak with a Construction Accident Attorney – The law is complex, and your injuries might also make it impossible to deal with a legal procedure. An attorney is committed to serving your best interests until you find justice.

How Will a Buffalo Construction Accident Lawyer Help?

If you suffered injuries from a construction accident, you’re probably wondering whether having an attorney is worth it. Rochester construction accident attorneys can protect victims’ rights in Buffalo by negotiating with insurance companies and in courtrooms.

Your lawyer will start by assessing your case to determine if you have a claim for compensation in a third-party lawsuit.

Establishing liability is the most complex step in construction accident claims. Several parties, including the site owner, contractors, architects, and equipment manufacturers could be financially liable for your damages. A lawyer will identify the liable person through the evidence they’ll gather and by speaking to expert witnesses.

When your lawyer has built a solid case against the defendant, they’ll then present it to their insurance company and negotiate the maximum amount of compensation for your losses. And when they’re unwilling to pay your deserved settlement, you can trust your trial injury attorneys to represent your best interests in a courtroom.

Reach out to a Construction Accident Lawyer in Buffalo

Site owners, contractors, and other parties overseeing a construction project have the responsibility to ensure worksite safety for employees and visitors.

When a worker suffers injuries from an accident caused by the violation of safety rules, the person responsible must be held liable.

Let a compassionate Buffalo construction accident lawyer from Brown Chiari LLP help you determine which avenues you can use to recover damages. Schedule a free consultation by calling 716-681-7190 or filling out our contact form on this page.

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