Construction Accident Attorney in Jersey City, NJ
Seeking Full Financial Recovery for Injured Construction Workers in New Jersey
Construction accidents are one of the leading causes of worker injury and death in the United States and the state of New Jersey. Every year, thousands of construction workers are killed or seriously injured in accidents on the job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 82 fatal work injuries in New Jersey in 2020. Amongst them, the private construction industry had the highest fatalities, accounting for almost one in every five (16) workplace fatalities in New Jersey.
In addition to the human toll, construction accidents also have a significant financial impact on families and businesses. The cost of a construction accident can be devastating for a family. If a worker is killed, the family may be left without a breadwinner and struggling to make ends meet. If a worker is seriously injured, the family may be burdened with medical bills and the loss of income. Even if a worker is not killed or seriously injured, an accident can still have a major financial impact. The cost of lost wages, property damage, and legal fees can add up quickly.
Apart from the financial impact, construction accidents also take a toll on workers and families emotionally. A construction accident can be a traumatic event that leaves families struggling to cope with grief, anxiety, and stress. It can be difficult for families to return to normal life after an accident. That’s why, if you or someone you love has been involved in a construction accident, it is essential to get help from a compassionate and competent construction accident attorney in New Jersey.
The Law Office of James W. Taylor, Jr. is a personal injury law firm that has been helping workers after construction accidents for over 30 years. We understand that a construction accident can be a traumatic event, and we will do everything we can to help you through it.
Most Common Construction Accidents in New Jersey
In New Jersey, construction workers are protected by some of the strongest worker safety laws in the country. However, these laws do not always prevent accidents from happening. Here are 10 of the most common construction accidents in New Jersey:
- Falls are the leading cause of construction accidents in New Jersey. Workers can fall from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and other heights. Even a fall from a few feet can result in serious injuries.
- Vehicle accidents. Construction workers are often hit by vehicles while working on or near roadways. These accidents can be caused by distracted or careless drivers.
- Electrocutions are a leading cause of death among construction workers. Workers can be electrocuted when they come in contact with power lines or other electrical hazards.
- Machinery accidents. Construction workers can be injured by machineries such as forklifts, cranes, and Bobcats. These accidents can occur when the machinery is not used properly or when workers are not adequately trained on how to use it.
- Falls from heights. Falls from heights are another leading cause of construction accidents. Workers can fall from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and other heights. Even a fall from a few feet can result in serious injuries.
- Chemical accidents. Construction workers can be injured by chemicals such as asbestos, lead, and silica. These accidents can occur when workers are not properly trained on how to handle these materials.
- Explosion accidents. Explosions can occur on construction sites when flammable materials are not correctly handled. These accidents can result in serious injuries or death.
- Crane accidents. Crane accidents can occur when the crane is not properly operated or when workers are not properly trained on how to use it. These accidents can be very dangerous and result in serious injuries or death.
- Trench collapse. Trench collapse accidents can occur when the trench is not supported correctly or when workers are not properly trained to work in a trench. These accidents can be very dangerous and can result in serious injuries or death.
- Falling objects. Falling objects are a common hazard on construction sites. Workers can be injured by falling tools, equipment, and debris. These accidents can be prevented by using proper safety equipment and procedures.
New Jersey Construction Accidents: What You Need to Know About Workers’ Compensation
As a construction worker in New Jersey, you are protected by workers’ compensation laws if you are injured on the job. Workers’ compensation is a system of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. Workers’ compensation pays for medical expenses and lost wages, and it can also provide benefits for permanent disability or death.
If you are injured on the job, you should report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. You will need to fill out a workers’ compensation claim form, which your employer should have. Once your claim is filed, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company will contact you to begin the claims process.
You will need to see a doctor who is authorized by the workers’ compensation insurance company. The insurance company will pay for your medical expenses, but you may be required to see your doctor for a second opinion. If your injury keeps you from working, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can include up to two-thirds of your lost wages, as well as payments for medical expenses.
If you are permanently disabled as a result of your injury, you may be eligible for additional benefits, including a lump sum payment and ongoing payments for your lost wages. If you are the surviving spouse or child of a construction worker killed on the job, you may be eligible for death benefits.
The workers’ compensation system can be complex, but it is important to know your rights if you are injured on the job. If you have any questions, contact the experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at The Law Office of James W. Taylor, Jr. at any time for help or guidance.
Third-Party Claims
In most cases, when a construction accident happens, the worker is usually covered by workers’ compensation. If you have suffered injuries at a construction site, you can get medical treatment and some wage replacement under workers’ compensation, but you cannot sue your employer. However, there are some situations where the worker can sue other parties besides the employer. These are called third-party claims. For example, if the accident was caused by a defective piece of equipment, the worker could sue the manufacturer of the equipment. Or, if the accident happened because of a dangerous condition on the job site, the worker could sue the property owner.
To use a third party, the worker must prove that the third party was at fault for the accident. This can be difficult to do, especially if the worker is also covered by workers’ compensation. The workers’ compensation insurance company might not want to cooperate with the worker in filing a third-party claim. A competent personal injury attorney in New Jersey, like Mr. Taylor, can not only help you navigate the workers’ compensation system but also help you collect damages by filing a successful third-party claim.
How We Can Help You With Your Construction Accident Case
If you have been injured in a construction accident, you may wonder how we at The Law Office of James W. Taylor, Jr. can help you get the benefits you deserve. The first thing we will do is to determine whether you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. To determine whether you are eligible for workers’ compensation, our firm will look at the circumstances of the accident. We will also examine whether you would be classified as a contractor or an employee of the company at the time of the accident. If you were not an employee, then you will not be eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you were an employee, then your medical bills and lost wages will be covered by your employer’s insurance.
If you are not eligible for workers’ compensation, then you may be able to file a third-party claim against the company that was responsible for the accident. To do this, you will need to prove that the company was negligent in some way. For example, if the company did not provide proper safety equipment, you may be able to prove that they were negligent.
Our firm will also look at the extent of your injuries. If your injuries are serious, then you may be able to receive compensation for pain and suffering. In addition, if you have lost wages as a result of the accident, you may be able to receive compensation for that as well.
Contingency Fees
If you were injured in a construction accident, you might be wondering how you will afford to pay for your legal expenses. The good news is that you may not have to pay anything out of pocket. The Law Office of James W. Taylor, Jr. in New Jersey usually works on a contingency fee for construction accident victims, especially in cases where a third party can be held responsible for your injuries. A contingency fee means we only get paid if we win your case. And this allows our clients to focus on their recoveries without worrying about how they will afford our legal services. There are many different types of construction accidents that we can help you with, including slips and falls, falling debris, scaffold collapses, and more. We have experience handling construction accident cases and know how to get you the compensation you deserve.
Areas We Serve
We at The Law Office of James W. Taylor, Jr. are proud to serve the great state of New Jersey. We serve clients in:
- Jersey City
- Newark
- Bayonne
- Paterson
- Hackensack
- Other surrounding areas in New Jersey
Contact Our Offices Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, you know how overwhelming and confusing the process of seeking compensation can be. The Law Office of James W. Taylor, Jr. has helped many people in your situation in New Jersey, and we can help you, too. We have the experience and knowledge to guide you through every step of the process, from filing a claim to negotiating with insurance companies. We will fight to get you the full and fair compensation you deserve. We will work with you to get the medical treatment you need and make sure you are compensated for your lost wages. Most importantly, we will be there for you. We will listen to your story and fight for you.
We know how difficult this time can be, and we will do everything to help you get your life back on track. Call The Law Office of James W. Taylor, Jr. at 201-418-0143 or go to our website to book a free consultation today.