Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces in The Bronx. Every year, many workers suffer serious injuries due to falls, equipment malfunctions, collapsing structures, and other hazards.
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in The Bronx, you may be wondering how to get the financial support you need to recover and rebuild your life.
Should you file for workers’ compensation, or do you have a personal injury claim? An experienced Bronx construction accident lawyer can help you make the right choice.
Workers’ Compensation for Bronx Construction Injuries
If you were injured while working on a construction site, workers’ compensation is usually your first option. It’s a no-fault system, meaning you don’t have to prove negligence to get benefits.
But there’s a catch: workers’ compensation only covers medical bills and a portion of lost wages. You won’t get compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or the full financial impact of your injury.
Workers’ comp benefits include:
- Medical treatment
- Wage replacement (about two-thirds of your average weekly pay)
- Disability benefits (if your injury is long-term or permanent)
Sounds straightforward, right?
Unfortunately, it’s rarely that simple. Insurance companies try to minimize payouts and employers sometimes push back on claims. If your benefits are delayed, denied, or cut off too soon, you’ll need to consult a Bronx construction injury lawyer.
When Can You File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Workers’ compensation might cover the basics, but it won’t fully compensate you for your entire loss. That’s when you need to consider a personal injury lawsuit.
You may have a personal injury claim if your accident was caused by someone other than your employer or a co-worker. This is known as a third-party claim.
Common examples include:
- A subcontractor’s negligence caused your fall
- A defective tool or piece of equipment malfunctioned
- A property owner failed to keep the site safe
If another party’s negligence led to your injury, you can file a lawsuit to recover damages beyond what workers’ comp provides. That includes pain and suffering, full lost wages, and future medical expenses.
A construction accident attorney in The Bronx can investigate your case and determine if a lawsuit is the right option for you.
The Difference Between Workers’ Comp and a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Factor | Workers’ Compensation | Personal Injury Lawsuit |
Fault Required? | No | Yes (must prove negligence) |
Compensation Type | Medical bills, partial lost wages | Full lost wages, pain & suffering, medical costs |
Who Can You Sue? | Employer (through insurance) | Third parties (subcontractors, manufacturers, property owners) |
Pain & Suffering Covered? | No | Yes |
Can You Be Denied? | Yes, insurance companies often push back | Must prove fault, but potential for higher payout |
Many injured workers don’t realize they may have both a workers’ comp claim and a personal injury case. That’s why it’s so important to talk to a construction accident lawyer in The Bronx to explore your options.
You can find the right attorney for your case by searching online for the best construction accident lawyer near me in Bronx. Or maybe you’d want to ask your friends or family members who have been through similar situations for recommendations.
Why You Need the Best Construction Accident Lawyer in The Bronx
Construction accident claims are complicated. Insurance companies and big corporations don’t have your best interests in mind. They care about their bottom line. Without the right legal representation, you could end up with far less than you deserve.
Also, both workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits have strict deadlines for filing. Waiting too long could jeopardize your ability to recover your rightful compensation.
As a top Bronx construction accident attorney, Jesse Minc is here to guide you through every step of the process.
Contact us for a free consultation. Call us at (718) 354-8000.