- October 2, 2024
- Tucker Law
- Construction Accident
Construction sites can be some of the most dangerous work environments in New York, between the heavy machinery you can come into contact with and the physically taxing work involved. If you suffered a construction injury, you may think that medical bills are the only expenses you will have to worry about, but that’s often not the case. While the direct financial costs of a construction work injury can be substantial, there are also emotional and psychological costs that can be seriously detrimental.
After suffering an injury at a construction site, one of the options you may have is to file a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party lawsuit — or both. Take a closer look at the hidden costs of construction injuries and the role these additional claims can play in securing compensation for them.
At Tucker Lawyers PC, we can offer the guidance you need to pursue the right path for your circumstances and get fair compensation for what you’ve experienced. Contact our construction accident lawyers by calling us at (516) 399-2364 today.
Direct Financial Costs of a Construction Work Injury
More Than Medical Expenses
Medical expenses after a construction work injury can be astronomical. Our workers’ compensation lawyers know that construction site injuries are often catastrophic, requiring extensive medical treatment. You may have hospital bills, rehabilitation bills, and medication costs to worry about. If you have mobility issues, you may need to purchase assistive equipment, including wheelchairs, and make changes to your home and vehicle to accommodate any new disabilities. All of these expenses can quickly add up to overwhelming amounts of money.
The direct financial costs of a work injury at a construction site can also include lost wages. Each day you can’t work is a day you lose income. Even one shift you lose could have a significant effect on your finances, especially when you have to worry about medical expenses.
Because our managing attorney worked in the insurance industry for years, he knows all of the tactics insurance companies can use to deny your claims.
Indirect Financial Costs of a Construction Work-Related Injury
A construction site injury can also leave you with indirect financial costs. These can include a diminished earning capacity if you suffer injuries from which you won’t be able to fully recover. There may be things you can no longer do and may need to hire others to do for you, like cutting your home’s grass or doing regular maintenance. Needing to pay others for what you’d have done yourself can be a drain on your finances.
In some instances, family members may even have to offer caregiving services. This could mean that they have to give up their own careers, which can further affect your home’s financial state.
Emotional and Psychological Costs
A construction site injury can be traumatizing. People can end up with post-traumatic stress disorder that prevents them from living a normal life. Developing depression and anxiety are also not uncommon consequences, both because of the financial strain they come with as well as the physical distress you may be in as a result of the injuries.
Disabilities, loss of mobility, and even needing to depend on others for everyday tasks reduces your independence and can lower your overall quality of life. You may not be able to do the things you once loved. Although these losses aren’t as easy to quantify because there are no bills attached to them, they still impact your whole life.
Impact on Family and Relationships
Injuries can also put a strain on your relationships. For example, family members may have to provide care, which can leave you feeling like a burden to your loved ones. You may not be able to interact as fully with your family, and your injuries may prevent you from having a full physical relationship with your partner.
What Compensation Can You Receive After a Construction Injury?
Understanding Your Options
To have an idea of the compensation you may be able to receive after a construction injury in New York, you first need to know your options. One of the most common is to claim workers’ compensation.
Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. Most people will receive two-thirds of their average weekly wages times the degree of disability they have. For example, if a worker makes $700 a week and they’re 100% disabled, they’d receive $466.20 per week, while someone who is 50% disabled would receive $233.10 per week.
Workers’ compensation doesn’t compensate you for emotional suffering, however, or any other non-economic losses. That’s why you may want to pursue a lawsuit against a third party who may have been responsible for the accident. Keep in mind that this isn’t always an option. There may not be any third party involved in the accident, which means that you won’t be able to recover anything beyond what workers’ compensation offers.
Often, however, there are people who may be liable for what you’ve suffered. If machinery malfunctions, for example, you might be able to file a claim against the manufacturer. If a contractor didn’t maintain safe premises and your injury occurred because of that negligence, you may be able to hold them accountable, too.
If you are able to file a third-party lawsuit, you may receive both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning potential. But perhaps the most significant benefit of these claims is that you can get compensation for non-economic losses, like pain and suffering.
In instances when the accident occurred at work and a third party was involved, you could be eligible to file both claim options. This can allow you to receive the exact level of care you deserve.
A Seasoned Construction Accident Attorney Can Help
Suffering a work-related injury at a construction site can leave you struggling to pay medical bills and dealing with all manner of financial issues — not to mention facing the pain and distress you may feel. Fortunately, our work injury lawyers can help whether you want to file a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party claim.
At Tucker Lawyers PC, our years of experience can help you navigate the claims process and secure the compensation you need to move forward. Call us at (516) 399-2364 to schedule a free consultation today.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]