At Shebell & Shebell, we understand the devastating impact a construction accident can have on your life. Our experienced New Jersey construction accident lawyers are dedicated to helping injured workers following a workplace incident.

With decades of experience and a deep understanding of New Jersey labor laws, we’re here to get you the compensation and justice you deserve.

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Common Construction Accidents in New Jersey

Construction sites are inherently dangerous environments, with numerous hazards that can lead to serious accidents. Some of the most common types of construction accidents we see include:

1. Falls from heights: Whether from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs, falls are a leading cause of construction injuries and fatalities.
2. Struck-by accidents: Workers can be hit by falling objects, swinging equipment, or vehicles on the construction site.
3. Electrocutions: Contact with exposed wires, faulty equipment, or overhead power lines can result in severe electrical injuries or death.
4. Caught-in/between accidents: Workers may become trapped between heavy machinery, crushed by collapsing structures, or caught in moving equipment parts.
5. Trench collapses: Improperly secured trenches can cave in, potentially burying workers alive.
6. Equipment accidents: Malfunctioning or improperly operated heavy machinery can cause severe injuries.
7. Explosions and fires: Gas leaks, chemical spills, or electrical issues can lead to devastating explosions or fires on construction sites.
8. Repetitive motion injuries: Continuous use of vibrating tools or repetitive tasks can cause long-term musculoskeletal disorders.
9. Exposure to hazardous materials: Asbestos, lead, or other toxic substances can cause serious health issues over time.
10. Slip and fall accidents: Uneven surfaces, debris, or wet conditions can lead to dangerous slips and falls.

Understanding these common accidents plays a role in determining liability in the event of an injury. At Shebell & Shebell, we have experience handling construction accident cases and can help you with the legal process regardless of the nature of your injury.

Common Construction Accident Injuries

Construction accidents often result in severe injuries. Some of the most frequent injuries we encounter include:

1. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Falls or struck-by accidents can cause concussions or more severe brain trauma, potentially leading to long-term cognitive impairment.
2. Spinal cord injuries: Falls from heights or heavy equipment accidents can damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
3. Broken bones and fractures: The force involved in many construction accidents often leads to multiple fractures, which may require surgery and extended rehabilitation.
4. Crush injuries: When workers are caught between objects or machinery, they may suffer severe crush injuries that can lead to amputation or permanent disability.
5. Burns: Electrical accidents, fires, or chemical exposures can cause severe burns, leading to disfigurement and long-term medical complications.
6. Eye injuries: Flying debris, chemical splashes, or welding accidents can cause vision impairment or complete loss of sight.
7. Respiratory issues: Exposure to toxic substances like asbestos or silica dust can lead to chronic respiratory problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
8. Hearing loss: Prolonged exposure to loud machinery or sudden explosions can result in partial or complete hearing loss.
9. Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common in construction work and can lead to chronic pain.
10. Psychological trauma: The stress of a serious accident can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health issues.

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and may result in permanent disability. At Shebell & Shebell, we do everything we can to make sure our clients receive compensation that covers their immediate medical expenses and future care needs.

Liable Parties in a New Jersey Construction Accident

Multiple parties may share responsibility in a construction accident. Potential liable parties may include:

1. Employers: While workers’ compensation typically limits an employee’s ability to sue their employer directly, there are exceptions in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm.
2. General contractors: They have overall responsibility for site safety and can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe work environment.
3. Subcontractors: Specialized subcontractors may be responsible for accidents related to their specific area of work.
4. Property owners: In some cases, the owner of the construction site may be held liable, especially if they maintained control over the work being performed.
5. Equipment manufacturers: If faulty equipment or machinery caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held responsible through a product liability claim.
6. Architects and engineers: Design flaws that lead to structural failures or unsafe conditions may result in liability for these professionals.
7. Material suppliers: Suppliers of defective materials that contribute to an accident may be held liable.
8. Third-party workers: Other workers or companies on the site who are not directly employed by the same employer may be liable if their negligence caused the accident.
9. Government entities: In some cases, local or state government agencies may share responsibility.
10. Safety inspectors: If an inspector failed to identify or report hazardous conditions, they might be held partially responsible for resulting accidents.

A New Jersey construction accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation so that all available avenues for compensation are pursued.

Workers’ Compensation After a Construction Accident

In New Jersey, most construction workers are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. This system provides benefits to injured workers regardless of fault, including:

1. Medical benefits: Coverage for necessary and reasonable medical treatment related to the work injury.
2. Temporary disability benefits: Partial wage replacement while you’re unable to work due to your injury.
3. Permanent partial disability benefits: Compensation for permanent impairment resulting from the work injury.
4. Permanent total disability benefits: Long-term benefits if you’re unable to return to any type of work.
5. Death benefits: Compensation for dependents in cases of fatal work accidents.

While workers’ compensation provides benefits, it’s important to note that these benefits may not fully cover all your losses. This is where Shebell & Shebell becomes invaluable. Our legal team can help you:

• File your workers’ compensation claim correctly and on time
• Appeal denied claims or insufficient benefit determinations
• Negotiate with insurance companies so you receive fair compensation
• Explore additional legal options beyond workers’ compensation when applicable

Accepting workers’ compensation benefits doesn’t necessarily prevent you from pursuing other legal actions against third parties who may have contributed to your accident. Our legal team can help you decide on the best course of action to maximize your recovery.

Talk to Our New Jersey Construction Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident in New Jersey, don’t face this time alone. The experienced legal team at Shebell & Shebell is here to guide you through every step of the process, from filing your initial claim to representing you in court if necessary.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us put our experience, resources, and dedication to work for you.

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Shebell & Shebell, LLC – Shrewsbury Office

Address: 600 Broad St Suite 100
Shrewsbury, NJ 07702

Phone: 732-663-1122