Site Debris Accidents in New Jersey

Site debris accidents in New Jersey can lead to a range of serious consequences, including physical injuries and psychological trauma. Workers’ compensation often covers medical expenses and lost wages for construction workers, but third-party claims may be possible if a negligent party other than the employer is involved.

Our construction accident attorneys can assess your situation and explain whether you have grounds for a claim or lawsuit. Construction accident cases often involve intricate legal issues, and dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. We can assist in collecting crucial evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and site photos, to build a strong case for compensation so that you can focus on your recovery.

What Are Negligent Causes of Site Debris Accidents?

Debris accidents on construction sites in New Jersey can lead to serious injuries. Such accidents can stem from various forms of negligence on the part of different entities involved in a construction project. Examples can include:

• Failure to secure materials and tools: Tools, equipment, or materials not properly secured on elevated platforms or scaffolding can fall and strike workers or passersby, leading to serious injuries
• Improper storage: Storing construction materials too close to the edge of an opening or an exterior wall, or not stacking and securing them, can easily lead to falls or to the wind blowing them over
• Negligent handling of debris: Workers at higher levels dropping debris without proper precautions, such as using enclosed chutes or barricading the area below, can cause injuries to those working at lower levels
• Failure to clear debris regularly: Scrap lumber, waste materials, and rubbish with protruding nails and other hazards left in work areas, passageways, and stairs create hazards, leading to slips, trips, and falls
• Inadequate waste disposal practices: If workers do not dispose of combustible materials and hazardous wastes in appropriate containers and at regular intervals, the risk of accidents, such as fires or exposure to harmful substances, can increase
• Failure to follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s standards: Non-compliance with OSHA regulations, such as those governing fall protection, scaffolding, electrical safety, and trenching and excavation, constitutes negligence and can contribute to debris accidents
• Inadequate safety training and supervision: Workers who have not received adequate training on proper safety procedures for handling materials, operating equipment, or disposing of waste are more prone to making mistakes that lead to accidents, while insufficient supervision allows unsafe practices to go unaddressed
• Defective equipment and materials: Defective ladders, scaffolds, hoists, cranes, or other machinery can malfunction, causing objects or materials to fall or strike workers, while defective construction materials may be prone to breaking, collapsing, or otherwise failing, leading to accidents

Several parties could be liable for negligence in a construction debris accident, including the construction company, general contractors, subcontractors, and property owners. An attorney can help identify the responsible parties and establish what recourse is available to pursue various forms of compensation.

Legal Options for Victims of Site Debris Accidents

If you’ve sustained a debris injury at a New Jersey construction site, you generally have two main legal options for seeking compensation. If you’re a construction worker and sustained an injury on the job, you’re likely eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of who was at fault.

Workers’ compensation provides for medical expenses, a portion of lost wages (temporary disability benefits), and potentially, permanent disability benefits in cases of lasting impairment or survivor benefits in fatal cases. You must notify your employer in a timely manner to initiate the process. While workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, the benefits may not fully cover all your losses, particularly pain and suffering.

If the negligence of a party other than your employer (a third party), such as a property owner, general contractor, equipment manufacturer, or driver, caused your injury, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking broader damages. This could include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. To succeed in a personal injury lawsuit, you must prove that the responsible party failed to act with reasonable care and that their negligence caused your injuries.

Discuss Your Building Site Debris Injury With a New Jersey Attorney

If you’re concerned about site debris accidents in New Jersey, consult with our lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your legal options regarding compensation for injuries. Our lawyers can advocate on your behalf to protect your interests.

There are strict time limits for filing claims, and our attorneys can file all the necessary paperwork correctly and on time. Call our firm today for a free consultation.