At Fakhoury Law, we represent victims throughout Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley who have been harmed by construction-related negligence. Call us at (845) 896-5200 or contact us online for a free consultation.
What Causes Construction Disasters?
Construction disasters don’t happen by chance. While they can sometimes be triggered by environmental conditions or freak accidents, most are the result of negligence, ignored safety protocols, or poor planning.
Common Causes Include:
- Negligence: Employers failing to enforce OSHA standards or pushing unsafe deadlines.
- Substandard Materials: Use of defective or low-quality materials in construction.
- Poor Planning/Design: Architectural flaws or structural miscalculations.
- Lack of Maintenance: Failing to service machinery or inspect safety equipment.
🛠️ Learn more about construction safety regulations from OSHA.
Common Construction Injuries
Even minor construction accidents can cause serious injuries that develop over time. Always seek immediate medical care, even if symptoms feel manageable.
Injuries we commonly see:
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Broken bones
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Head and brain injuries (TBIs)
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Spinal cord injuries
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Burns from fires or explosions
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Electrocution injuries
➡️ Learn about head trauma and long-term effects from the Mayo Clinic.
Types of Construction Disasters We Handle
Construction disasters come in many forms. Here are some of the most common types:
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Structural Failures: Collapses involving buildings, bridges, or scaffolding.
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Heavy Machinery Accidents: Incidents involving cranes, bulldozers, or forklifts.
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Falls from Heights: One of the most common—and deadly—accident types in construction.
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Electrical Accidents: Electrocutions from exposed wires or faulty equipment.
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Explosions & Fires: Often due to gas leaks or unsafe storage of flammable materials.
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Trench Collapses: Can trap or bury workers with fatal consequences.
How Do Construction Disasters Happen?
In the chaos of a construction disaster, it’s often hard to pinpoint the cause or who’s responsible. In 99% of construction disasters, one of the following culprits is behind it.
- Negligence:Â Failure to adhere to safety regulations, inadequate training, or cutting corners to save time or money can lead to disasters.
- Poor Planning and Design:Â Inadequate planning or design flaws can compromise the structural integrity of buildings or other structures.
- Substandard Materials:Â The use of inferior or defective materials can contribute to structural failures or machinery accidents.
- Lack of Maintenance:Â Failure to properly maintain machinery, equipment, or electrical systems can increase the risk of accidents.
Remember, even in situations where it may seem like no one is at fault, an external investigation often reveals that this is not true. If you’ve sustained an injury from a construction disaster, it’s imperative that you contact a lawyer, even if you believe that no one was at fault for your injury. Do not take any deals from employers or insurance companies without understanding your options and rights.
Who Can I Sue if I’m Injured Due to a Construction Disaster?
Determining who is liable in a construction disaster depends entirely on what type of disaster occurred and the reason why it happened. If the disaster is big enough, there will be several investigations will be conducted by the police, insurance agencies, and lawyers to determine the cause of the accident and who is responsible.
If the disaster was a building collapse, it’s likely that the cause can be pinpointed to design flaws or material defects. In this scenario, victims can file a suit against the individuals or organizations that designed the building or supplied the building materials.
In cases where the accident originated from the job site itself, victims may be able to point to management, contractors, foreman, inspectors, or safety monitors for liability. For example, let’s say that Tina is a welder who is on a 30-foot scaffolding. She notices that the scaffolding she’s standing on feels more wobbly than normal and she reports it to the foreman. The foreman, overwhelmed by deadlines, tells her to keep working.
As Tina is climbing the scaffolding again, a screw gives out and Tina falls to the ground sustaining a traumatic brain injury. Several other workers who were standing on the scaffolding also fell to the ground and materials that were on the scaffolding fell on top of several pedestrians who were walking below.
In this scenario, the foreman is liable for the disaster and Tina (and the other victims) will be able to sue for damages. However, construction disasters vary considerably, and it’s always good to consult with a lawyer to understand exactly who is liable and what compensation is available in a given scenario.
Example: If scaffolding collapses after a worker reports it as unstable and is ignored by management, both the foreman and company may be held accountable.
How to File a Construction Injury Claim in New York
- Seek Medical Attention: Go to the ER immediately. Document your injuries.
- Notify Your Employer: If you were working, file a workers’ comp report.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos, collect witness statements, and preserve any physical evidence if safe to do so.
- Contact a Lawyer: A construction accident attorney will help protect your rights, especially before accepting any insurance settlement.
➡️ Learn about your rights under New York Workers’ Compensation Law.
Talk to a Construction Accident Lawyer in Dutchess County
Once you’ve received medical treatment, the very next thing you should do is contact a lawyer. Personal injury lawsuits can become complicated very quickly and even if you don’t intend to sue for damages, it’s best to understand your rights or even potential liability if you were involved with causing the accident.
If you’re the surviving loved one of a family member killed in a construction disaster, you also can sue for damages or even workers’ compensation. It’s in your best interest to understand your options and how you can access compensation for your loved one’s death.
Our firm has seen the devastating effect that construction accidents can have on an individual and their family’s well-being. Your primary focus should be to heal from this traumatic event – not battle insurance companies or company lawyers.
Fakhoury Law is a highly qualified lawyer who has represented his clients in construction disasters and personal injury suits for over 15 years. If you’d like to learn how you can be compensated for your injuries in New York, call (845)-896-5200 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced construction accident lawyer.