construction

What to Do in a Construction Accident Involving a Passerby

Most construction sites are equipped with barriers, netting, warning signs, and temporary walkways to protect innocent bystanders and workers. 

However, if you are one of the unfortunate innocents seriously injured by a construction material or piece of equipment, such safety measures will not alleviate your pain. 

You are not likely to be reassured by the fact that your injury was preceded by millions of others with only minor injuries. You have every right to seek legal recourse if you have suffered a severe injury.

Types of Construction Accidents Involving Passerby

Some of the most common injuries sustained by innocent bystanders in construction accidents are:

  • Broken bones
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Bruises
  • Lacerations

If you have been injured in a construction accident, you are encouraged to seek medical attention for your injuries. You should not discuss them with any insurance adjuster unless you have a lawyer at your side.

How to Protect Your Rights as an Innocent Bystander

  • Do not make any statements to any insurance adjuster before obtaining legal representation.
  • Do not settle without speaking with a lawyer.
  • Do not speak with another party’s insurance adjuster without the advice of your attorney.
  • Do not sign any releases without first consulting a lawyer.
  • Do not sign any documents without first consulting your lawyer.
  • Do not accept any settlement that your attorney does not suggest.
  • Do not say or do anything before consulting your attorney.
  • Do not trust anyone before consulting with your attorney.

The construction industry is largely unregulated. However, some laws govern the protection of innocent bystanders. Unless you have a lawyer, you will be unable to determine if those laws were violated.

What Are My Legal Options After a Construction Site Accident?

If you can prove that the party responsible for your injury was negligent, you may have recoverable damages. If a third party was injured by a construction company or the property owner hired by the company, the injured parties might recover their injuries in a civil lawsuit.

A wrongful death lawsuit might be appropriate if the construction company injured a third party. Civil liability in the construction industry depends on the exact circumstances of the accident and the harm that was inflicted.

If you or a loved one has been injured on a construction site, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your injuries.

How Can I Recover Compensation for My Damages?

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed on a construction site, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Seek legal advice from a trusted attorney or counselor with decades of experience in construction accident litigation. They will ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

You may be entitled to a substantial recovery. There may be a statute of limitations. However, that may limit how long you have to pursue a lawsuit. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Construction accidents often cause devastating injuries and can often result in the loss of life. Despite their best efforts with safety measures, contractors, workers, and property owners cannot ensure the safety of every person in a given area.

If a third party comes into an area where they are not expected or reasonably expected to be injured, they also owe no duty to protect themselves. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, consult with a lawyer as soon as possible. 

Ronemus and Vilensky is an accident and malpractice law firm attending to clients dealing with personal injury, civil rights, medical malpractice, fire injury, construction accidents, auto accidents, train accidents, and more. If you are a passerby involved in a construction accident, you need only the best accident lawyer in New York. Call us today at 212-779-7070 to get the legal assistance you need!