It’s fairly common knowledge that construction work is one of the most dangerous occupations in America. Working with heavy machinery, power tools, and often at great heights, there’s always a risk for serious injury on the job site. Fortunately, New York state law provides protections for workers who are injured on the job, even if they are immigrants.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means that it doesn’t matter how the accident happened or who was at fault – if you’re injured at work, you’re entitled to benefits. These benefits can include medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits.
If you’re an undocumented worker, the experienced and knowledgeable construction accident lawyers at Friedman Levy in New York City have provided crucial information regarding your immigration status concerning your ability to seek workers’ compensation benefits. Sometimes, your employer may not be willing to file a claim on your behalf. In this case, you may need to seek the help of an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the workers’ compensation system.
Construction Accidents and Their Causes
Depending on the type of accident, construction workers can suffer a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common types of construction accidents include:
Falls from heights: Workers who fall from ladders, scaffolds, roofs, and other heights can suffer serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injury.
Electrocution: Construction workers are often working with power tools and other electrical equipment. If they come into contact with live electrical wires, they can be seriously injured or even killed.
Being struck by an object: Workers who are struck by falling objects, tools, or machinery can suffer serious injuries, including concussions, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord damage.
Accidents involving machinery: Workers who are injured by power tools, cranes, and other heavy machinery can suffer amputations, crush injuries, and traumatic brain injury.
These are just a few of the most common types of construction accidents. Regardless of your status of immigration, if your injury happened at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Laws Affecting Injured Worker Claims
There are a few different laws that affect injured worker claims in New York state. First, there’s the Workers’ Compensation Law, which protects workers who are injured on the job. This law requires employers to provide compensation insurance for their employees.
There’s also the New York Labor Law, such as the “Scaffold Law,” which provides additional protections for construction workers. Under this law, employers are required to provide a safe workplace for their employees. If an employer fails to do so and an employee is injured as a result, the employer can be held liable.
There are a few different ways that an employer can violate the New York Labor Law, including failing to provide proper safety equipment, failing to train employees, allowing employees to work in hazardous conditions, and failing to properly maintain equipment and machinery, among other
Conclusion
Regardless of whether you’re a full citizen, if you’re injured in a construction accident in New York, you’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Moreover, if your employer has violated any Labor Laws, you may be able to file a claim against them. If you’re unsure of your rights, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the workers’ compensation system.
