Construction sites are dangerous, and accidents happen despite safety precautions. When a worker gets injured on a Long Island construction site, understanding their rights and options can make a significant difference in the recovery process. Here are two important things every injured construction worker should know.
Workers’ compensation might not be your only option
Injured construction workers may think workers’ compensation is their only form of recovery, but that isn’t necessarily true. Additional legal protections might provide avenues for further compensation. For example, New York’s labor laws offer added protections for construction workers, especially for those injured due to unsafe conditions or improper safety measures. These laws allow injured workers to pursue claims beyond workers’ compensation when other parties, such as contractors or property owners, are responsible for the unsafe environment.
Filing a lawsuit won’t prevent benefits
Some workers hesitate to file a lawsuit after a construction injury, fearing it might interfere with their workers’ compensation benefits. Filing a lawsuit does not affect an injured worker’s right to receive workers’ compensation. Workers can pursue both a workers’ compensation claim and a lawsuit against third parties who may be at fault. This approach ensures that all responsible parties are held accountable while allowing the injured worker to seek the compensation needed for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Taking the right steps after a construction accident can make a world of difference in your recovery and future stability. Don’t let fear or uncertainty stop you from exploring all the options available to you.