Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers - 450 7th Ave Suite 1605, New York, NY 10123 - Personal Injury Lawyers in NYC

New York City Trench Accident Lawyer

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New York City Trench Accident Lawyer

New York City Trench Accident LawyerDigging trenches in New York City, NY, can be just as dangerous as working at the top of a skyscraper. Even though workers and employers use safety measures to prevent construction accidents, trench accidents can still occur. Sadly, trench and excavation accidents can result in catastrophic injury and death.

Our New York City trench accident lawyer of the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers understands the unique demands and risks of working on construction projects. We also understand that negligence and recklessness can increase the risk of injury for trench workers. 

We have over 25 years of experience fighting to protect the rights of injured construction workers. We aggressively pursue injury claims to get you the money you deserve after a tragic construction site accident.

Call now at (212) 564 2800 to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys in New York City or contact our law office here.

How Our New York Construction Accident Lawyers Help Construction Workers After an Injury

How Our New York Construction Accident Lawyers Help Construction Workers After an InjuryHaving sound legal advice after an injury is essential to protect your rights and best interests. Hiring an accident attorney who understands the construction industry gives you an advantage. Likewise, you need a lawyer who knows what to do when insurance companies act in bad faith and refuse to pay reasonable compensation for injury claims.

Our New York City construction accident lawyers have significant resources to investigate and pursue legal claims against negligent construction site managers. We’ve already recovered millions for our clients in New York City, New York.

When you hire the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers to handle your injury case, you can expect us to:

  • Interview witnesses, visit the job site, analyze accident reports, and complete a thorough investigation into the cause of the trench collapse or accident
  • Consult experts in various fields related to your accident to gather additional evidence 
  • File insurance claims and monitor statutes of limitations for filing lawsuits
  • Fight to get you fair financial compensation for your injuries and damages
  • Aggressively defend your rights when insurance companies, construction companies, and other responsible parties try to blame you for the cause of the accident

Our team of legal professionals handles every aspect of your trench accident case. We have recovered millions of dollars for injured victims. Call today to schedule your free consultation with a New York City trench accident attorney. 

Common Causes of Trench Accidents in New York City

Construction workers dig trenches for many reasons, including installing pipes and constructing foundations. According to OSHA, trenching is the process of creating narrow excavation. It states that excavation and trenching is one of the most hazardous construction projects workers complete. 

Therefore, safety measures and protocols should be in place to reduce the risk of injuries and accidents. Unfortunately, failure to follow safety protocols is a common cause of trench accidents.

Other causes of trench accidents in New York City include:

  • Failing to install protective systems to reinforce trench walls and prevent trench collapses and cave-ins 
  • Slip and fall accidents around trenches
  • Objects falling into the trenches, including machinery, tools, and supplies
  • Lack of adequate supervision and/or planning
  • Electrical injuries and electrocution from exposed underground wires in the trench
  • Failure to provide adequate training in safety measures for trenching and excavation 
  • Lack of inspections, especially after heavy rains that could have changed the soil conditions
  • Failing to analyze ground and soil conditions before beginning a project
  • Putting excavated soil too close to the edge of the trench
  • Equipment malfunction
  • Exposure to toxic fumes and explosions
  • Drowning hazards when in the trench

In addition to the above, the designer and others may be responsible for defectively designed trenches and excavation plans. If so, they could be held liable for damages if their flawed design contributed to the cause of the trench accident. 

Serious Injuries Are a Substantial Risk for Trench Workers

Sadly, most trench accidents are avoidable. Many trench workers did not need to be injured or killed had parties taken steps to reduce the risk of trench accidents. 

Common injuries sustained by workers in a trench accident include:

In addition to catastrophic injuries, wrongful deaths are another significant risk for trench workers. Data collected by OSHA reveals that excavation and trench workers have a fatality rate that is 112% higher than other construction workers. 

Who is Responsible for Paying Damages After a Trench Accident in New York City?

Damages caused by a trench accident include economic damages, such as medical bills, personal care, lost wages, and therapy costs. Also, a worker may recover non-economic damages or “pain and suffering” damages. These damages include permanent impairments, emotional distress, diminished quality of life, and mental anguish.

You deserve compensation for all your damages. In most cases, construction workers who are injured on the job are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. They receive workers’ comp benefits, including medical treatment and income benefits. However, workers’ compensation only covers a portion of your lost wages and does not compensate you for any of your pain and suffering damages

If you sustained injuries in a trench accident, talk to our New York City trench accidents lawyer. You could have a third-party claim against another party, depending on the circumstances of the trench accident. Parties who might be liable for your damages caused by a workplace accident include:

  • General contractors
  • Manufacturers of defective equipment
  • Engineers
  • Property owners
  • Trench inspectors 
  • The company that installed the protective system

In a few cases, you might have a claim against your employer. For example, if your employer intentionally injured you or committed gross negligence, you may have the right to sue your employer.

However, it is best to talk with a lawyer about your trench accident case before taking action. It is wise to understand all legal options to choose the option that works best for you.

Deadlines for Filing Claims Related to New York City Trench Accidents 

The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of case. Most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the injury date. With a trench accident, it should be the date of the trench accident. 

Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from when the person died from the trench injuries. Workers’ comp claims must be filed within two years of the injury, but you only have 30 days to notify your employer you were injured. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our New York City Construction Accident Law Firm

You have been through a traumatic experience. We do not want to add any more stress to your life. Our goal is to help you get justice and the money you deserve as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Call the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers to learn more about how we can help you with a trench accident claim. Your initial consultation with a New York City trench accident attorney does not cost you anything.

Other NYC Construction Accidents We Cover

Additional Resources

 


Visit Our Construction Accident Law Office In Manhattan, NYC

450 7th Ave #1605, New York, NY 10123
(212) 564-2800
(516) 715-5944

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