When a scaffold collapsed beneath a laborer installing siding, it left him with a debilitating back injury that changed his life. In another case, a factory repairman in Suffolk County fell when a ladder gave way, fracturing his heel and requiring multiple surgeries to recover. Unfortunately, these accidents aren’t isolated events. They’re real examples of how dangerous construction sites can be when proper safety measures aren’t taken. When accidents happen, determining who is responsible is often more complicated than it seems. In New York, injured workers may have claims against multiple parties, not just their direct employer. A construction accident attorney, like those at Matera & Manley, LLP, will identify all sources of liability to maximize your compensation.
The Complexity of Construction Site Liability
Construction sites are busy, high-risk environments where many different companies and individuals work side by side. Contractors, subcontractors, property owners, site managers, and even equipment manufacturers may all have roles and responsibilities in maintaining a safe worksite. When a construction accident occurs, determining liability becomes complicated quickly, as multiple parties may share the blame.
In many cases, injured workers have the right to pursue not only a workers’ compensation claim against their employer but also third-party claims against others whose negligence contributed to the accident. For example, if a subcontractor failed to follow safety protocols or if a piece of defective equipment caused a fall, those parties could be held financially responsible.
This overlapping responsibility makes a full investigation critical. Identifying all liable parties ensures that injured workers are not leaving compensation on the table. A skilled construction accident attorney, like those at Matera & Manley, LLP, can carefully examine the details of the accident, gather evidence, and build a case that targets every responsible party to maximize your recovery.
Potentially Liable Parties in NY Construction Accidents
Determining liability for a construction accident often means looking beyond the injured worker’s employer to other potentially responsible parties.
Some parties control the environment and safety practices on-site. General contractors and subcontractors are often tasked with maintaining site safety. They must ensure that proper safety protocols are followed, equipment is maintained, and hazards are minimized. If they fail to meet these obligations, they can be held accountable for resulting injuries. Property owners can also face liability, particularly under New York’s Labor Laws. Owners must make sure the worksite is reasonably safe for those working on their property. If unsafe conditions contribute to an accident, property owners may be legally responsible, even if they weren’t directly supervising the work.
Architects and engineers may also be liable for construction injuries. They are responsible for design and planning, creating blueprints and plans that must be safe and structurally sound. Their mistakes can lead to hazards even before construction begins. If a design flaw, improper planning, or inadequate site inspections contributed to unsafe conditions, these professionals could share in the liability for any resulting injuries.
On top of this, defective products can cause construction site injuries even when workers and supervisors take reasonable precautions. Equipment Manufacturers may be liable when a defect in tools, machinery, scaffolding, or other equipment leads to an injury. In these cases, injured workers may have a third-party product liability claim, allowing them to pursue compensation beyond what is available through workers’ compensation.
Even if the overall site is safe, individual negligence, such as careless behavior or unsafe practices, can cause injury. Other workers or subcontractors on the site may be responsible if their negligence causes harm. Poor communication, unsafe practices, or failure to follow safety rules by another worker can create dangerous situations that lead to serious injuries.
Why You Need a Skilled Construction Accident Attorney
Identifying all potential sources of liability is essential for a successful construction accident claim. However, doing so is rarely straightforward. Insurance companies often work quickly to deflect blame and limit payouts. An experienced construction accident attorney will uncover every responsible party and pursue all possible avenues for compensation. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial.
At Matera & Manley, LLP, we are well-versed in protections like New York Labor Law § 240 (the “Scaffold Law“) and Labor Law § 241, which give injured workers powerful rights. Our team aggressively advocates for construction workers across Long Island and beyond, building strong cases designed to maximize financial recovery. When your future is at stake, you need a firm that knows how to fight—and win.
Consult With a Top Construction Accident Attorney in Long Island
After a construction site injury, don’t assume you’re limited to workers’ compensation or a single defendant. Liability can be complex, and full compensation requires a strategic legal approach. If you were hurt on a Hauppauge or Long Island construction site, contact Matera & Manley, LLP today to schedule a free consultation. Let us hold the right parties accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve!
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