Construction workers in New York rely on a variety of tools to get the job done, and in many cases, these tools make work easier and more convenient. On the other hand, these tools also have the potential to injure, maim, or even kill their users. It’s important to understand the various risks before you pick up a power tool on a construction site. Some power tools are more dangerous than others, and these devices are notorious for causing serious injuries.
If you have been injured by a power tool on a New York construction site, you should get in touch with a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. These legal experts can guide you through the legal process ahead, and they can help you get the compensation you need to deal with medical expenses, missed wages, and other damages. Ideally, you should search for an attorney who specializes in injuries related to construction accidents.
- Power Nailers: Otherwise known as “nail guns,” these are some of the most dangerous tools you’ll find on a construction site in New York. They are responsible for almost 40,000 emergency room visits each year across the nation. Despite the fact that many workers are adequately trained to use these tools, the potential for injuries is high. These power devices can accidentally send a projectile into the air through a wall injuring or killing another worker.
- Table Saws: A further 30,000 people end up in the emergency room each year due to table saw injuries. It is deceptively easy to slice your finger on the spinning blade. Newer table saws can now detect the presence of fingers and shut down almost instantly, but older models are still dangerous. People sometimes remove safety guards because they get in the way, which may be unbeknownst to its user.
- Ladders: Sometimes, the simplest tools are the most dangerous. Ladders can break or wobble or be placed on what was thought to be solid ground, causing workers to fall long distances. This is considered a “gravity-related incident” according to the NYS Scaffold Law.
- Power Drills: Power drills might not seem very dangerous, but they can cause serious injuries if they slip and impact the body. Many of these tools are extremely powerful and capable of doing immense damage.
- Excavators: You may feel safe if you’re operating an excavator or some other kind of construction vehicle, but that feeling of safety can be deceptive. Many individuals are injured or killed if these vehicles tip over.
- Hoists: These devices are used on many construction sites to assist in the lifting or moving of materials and supplies. Sometimes the items hoisted can accidentally fall and become flying projectiles resulting in serious injury and death to those below.
Your Legal Options
If you have been injured by some kind of tool or device on a New York construction site, you have a few legal options. The only relief you have against your employer in New York is workers compensation. However, you do you have the ability to sue the property owner, the general contractor and their sub contractors for their negligence. In New York, you can win your case for a gravity related injury under the New York Scaffold Law. Any time you have an accident which involves either a person falling from a height, or an object falling from a height, such as a fall off a ladder, or an item falling from a hoist, then you have potential gravity related fall accident. The New York Scaffold Law could be used to find the responsible party strictly liable for your accident. In addition, you can sue the manufacturer of the tool if it malfunctioned or failed somehow, causing injury. This is called a products liability lawsuit.
Speak with a Legal Professional Today
If you need help, contact skilled New York City construction accident lawyer Michael Gunzburg, P.C. We have experience in construction accidents, so you can depend on us to fight for your rights in an effective manner. Negligent parties should be held accountable if they have caused your workplace accident. Reach out today, and we can develop an effective action plan together.
Resource:
forbes.com/2009/12/21/most-dangerous-tools-business-healthcare-tools_slide.html?sh=3c6de7a21f10