Construction Accident Attorney Serving New Jersey

Construction is among the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Studies by the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the injury rate for construction workers is three times higher than in other lines of work, and approximately 20 percent of all workplace fatalities occur in the construction industry. But the most tragic aspect of the high rates of injury and death is that many employers flout safety regulations and deliberately put their workers at greater risk to reduce costs on a project. Often, when a construction worker suffers a work-related injury, the only remedy is workers’ compensation, which only partially compensates the worker. However, when unsafe working conditions cause an accident resulting in injury or death, there may be grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, our New Jersey injury trial lawyers stand up for injured construction workers. We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, and if we uncover negligence, we aggressively litigate the case to hold the responsible parties fully accountable. We are passionate about delivering results in construction accident cases so our clients recover fully from their losses, including their pain and suffering. But we also want to incentivize employers to follow regulations to ensure the industry is safer for everyone involved.

Do I Need A Construction Accident Lawyer?

When a construction worker suffers a work-related injury, the only available remedy is workers’ compensation, which only partially compensates the employee. However, when unsafe working conditions cause an accident resulting in injury or death, there may be grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

In addition, a construction worker who is an independent contractor can pursue a personal injury claim against the party or parties in charge of the worksite who are otherwise responsible for the accident.

Employer negligence is often a factor in construction accidents, creating chaotic worksites where accidents are more likely to occur. Employers looking to cut costs often hurry projects, hire untrained workers, require long hours, and ignore safety protocols for workers, for example, operating at heights on scaffolds and ladders.

As discussed above, other parties apart from an employer may bear or share responsibility for a construction accident. You can rely on Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers to identify all the at-fault parties in a New Jersey construction accident and seek to obtain from them the compensation that you deserve.

Limit what you say to insurers

After a construction accident, you could be contacted soon after the accident by an insurance company for the negligent party. You should limit whatever you say to any insurer.

Insurance companies are committed only to their bottom lines. That usually means that their objective is the complete opposite of your own because they will want to pay you as little as possible. Let a knowledgeable construction attorney do the talking for you.

A lawyer protecting your interests will investigate the accident, determine the cause, and hold all negligent parties accountable. The sooner you contact an attorney, the quicker they will be able to preserve vital evidence in your case.

If you happen to be struggling with affording your medical care, a lawyer may be able to negotiate discounted treatment rates. They could also help you obtain a medical lien that allows you to continue receiving care while your claim is pending. The amount you owe any healthcare provider will be deducted later from a settlement amount or jury award.

Why Choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers To Handle My Construction Accident Case?

Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers has been recognized as the best law firm in New Jersey with a tier-1 ranking for personal injury litigation. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers combines experience, expertise, and attention to detail to deliver quality results while excelling at client care during an exceptionally trying time in your life.

Our record of success includes a $340,000 settlement for a fall-down accident at a construction site in Bergen County and a $150,000 settlement for a construction fall in Bergen County.

With decades of experience, we are passionate about delivering results in construction accident cases so that our clients recover fully from their losses, including their pain and suffering. But we also want to incentivize employers to follow federal and state regulations to ensure the industry is safer for everyone involved.

Hiring Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers to represent you after a construction accident requires no upfront legal fees. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis;  you only pay when you get a monetary award.

Common accident scenarios that injure NJ construction workers

Every day, construction workers encounter significant hazards. Despite state and federally mandated-safety rules, accidents frequently cause serious injury and death. The most common causes of construction accidents are:

• Falls — Whenever a construction worker is required to work at elevated heights, the risk of injury or death increases dramatically. Whether from a significant height or not, falls on construction sites can result in severe personal injuries or death. Falls throughout the United States remain the number one cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Falls from ladders or scaffolds are among the leading causes of workplace injury and death, particularly at construction sites.
• Falling objects — If not properly secured, heavy objects and materials fall onto workers below, causing serious injuries or death. When improperly set up, maintained, or operated, falling objects can lead to catastrophic injury, accidents, or death and may permanently affect a worker’s ability to earn a living wage.
• Shock and electrocution — Workplace electrocutions represent a real and often deadly risk. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, workplace electrocutions cause over four hundred yearly fatalities.
• Crush injuries — Employers must train workers to use heavy machinery and equipment properly. The inherent dangers associated with heavy machinery create a very real risk to construction workers. The slightest mishap could result in a construction worker being run over or crushed by heavy equipment with relative ease.

Other common kinds of construction accidents include:

• Crane, forklift, and other heavy machinery accidents
• Exposure to hazardous materials such as asbestos or chemicals
• Improperly maintained or defectively manufactured tools and equipment
• Negligence of employers, co-workers, or subcontractors
• Fires and explosions
• Repetitive stress disorders
• Truck and other motor vehicle accidents
• Demolition accidents

But what are the underlying causes of these and other construction accidents? Employer negligence is often a factor, creating chaotic worksites where accidents are more likely to occur. Employers looking to cut costs often hurry projects, hiring untrained workers, requiring long hours, and ignoring safety protocols for workers operating at heights on scaffolds and ladders.

Serious injuries from construction site accidents

Construction accidents often have dire consequences, including:

• Amputation and dismemberment
• Back and neck injuries
• Burn injuries
• Fractured bones
• Toxic exposure
• Traumatic brain injury

A catastrophic injury can result in prolonged or permanent disability or death. Workers’ compensation pays for medical bills but only replaces 70 percent of wages and pays nothing for the victim’s pain and suffering. A negligence lawsuit is the only way to recover full personal injury damages. But, most of the time, New Jersey’s workers’ compensation law prevents a worker from suing.

Determined legal action against all responsible parties

When a construction accident occurs, one or more parties may be responsible for the unsafe condition of the premises. These parties may include:

• General contractor
• Subcontractor
• Construction manager
• Architect
• Engineer
• Owner of the premises
• Tenant in possession of the premises
• Equipment manufacturer

Owners, contractors, subcontractors, architects and equipment manufacturers may all share responsibility for promoting safety on the project site. If any party is negligent or careless, and that carelessness causes an accident, he or she may be held liable for the resulting injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Construction Accidents

To discuss the details of your New Jersey construction accident claim, call us today at (973) 364-8300 or contact us online. In the meantime, we’ve provided a few frequently asked questions and their answers below.

Why should I hire a lawyer if I cannot sue my employer or co-workers?

Workers’ compensation in New Jersey indeed prohibits you from filing a lawsuit against an employer and co-worker. Regarding the employer-employee relationship, workers’ comp is the exclusive or sole remedy. Negligence by third parties is another matter, however.

You could be entitled to personal injury damages and workers’ compensation benefits if a non-employer caused an unsafe working condition. For example, a construction accident from defective machinery could result in a personal injury claim against the manufacturer.

The insurance company is offering me a lump sum settlement to close my claim and keep me out of court. Should I accept it?

Even when an insurance company presents a generous offer, ask yourself if it will cover your current and future needs. Many workers who have accepted a settlement quickly learn that the lump sum goes quickly, and they may have to pay for future medical, rehabilitation, and other expenses out of their own pocket. Instead, let a knowledgeable and experienced construction accident attorney negotiate a just settlement.

What kinds of damages could I be entitled to?

Most injured workers will be entitled to workers’ compensation with payouts for lost wages, temporary or permanent disability, and other benefits, as established by state regulators.

In terms of a settlement or a judgment for third-party negligence liability, workers could receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earnings
• Pain and suffering

In some limited circumstances, injury victims can recover punitive damages in court for particularly bad acts or omissions by the responsible party. Punitive damages are rare and are intended to punish the at-fault party rather than reward the victim.

Construction Accident Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the private construction industry sector had the highest number of fatalities in New Jersey, with 16 in 2020 alone. This was two fewer than the 18 deaths that happened in 2019. Workers in the construction industry accounted for one in five occupational deaths statewide throughout 2020.

Of those construction workers who died on the job in New Jersey in 2020:

• Eleven were specialty trade contractors
• Four were foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors
• Three were other specialty trade contractors

According to the BLS, falls accounted for seven worker deaths in the construction industry in 2020 – nearly half of all worker fatalities that year.

Construction workers also had the highest number of on-the-job fatalities of all occupations in New Jersey, representing 27 percent of all those who died at work in 2020. Among the 22 construction and extraction workers who died on the job:

• Seventeen were construction trades workers
• Those construction trades workers included seven construction laborers, three construction equipment operators, and three roofers

According to other recent national data from the BLS:

• There were 951 fatal work injuries in construction and extraction occupations in 2021. This was down 2.6 percent from 976 fatalities in 2020.
• The fatal injury rate for construction and extraction occupations decreased from 13.5 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers in 2020 to 12.3 in 2021.
• Falls accounted for 370 of the 951 construction fatalities in 2021, up 7.2 percent from 345 falls in 2020. Overall, falls were the leading cause of death in construction.
• Construction trades workers experienced 726 fatal injuries in 2021, down from 771 in 2020.
• Fatalities among construction supervisors increased from 88 in 2020 to 117 in 2021.
• Transportation incidents accounted for 333 construction fatalities in 2021, up slightly from 330 in 2020. These mainly involved pedestrians struck by vehicles.
• Exposure to harmful substances led to 147 construction deaths in 2021, up from 129 in 2020. These were primarily due to contact with objects/equipment.
• The construction industry had the second highest number of occupational fatalities after transportation and material moving occupations. However, the rate of fatalities declined in 2021 compared to 2020.

Contact our aggressive NJ construction accident lawyers for full and fair compensation

Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers provides determined representation for injured construction workers throughout New Jersey. Let us help you obtain the full personal injury compensation you deserve. Call us today at (973) 364-8300 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.