Common Winter Commercial Construction Accidents

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Many construction projects throughout New Jersey continue during the winter months. Unfortunately, it may not be financially feasible to pause certain projects, while some developers and project owners want construction completed as quickly as possible, even if that means working in winter conditions. However, the winter season comes with its own set of risks and hazards on construction sites that can lead to accidents and injuries for construction workers and innocent bystanders. If you find yourself having suffered injuries in a construction accident this winter, here is what you need to know about your legal rights. 

Common Construction Accidents During the Winter

Some of the most common accidents that occur on commercial construction sites in winter include:

• Slip/trip and fall accidents – The risk of slip or trip and fall accidents can increase in the winter due to snow, ice, and wet surfaces from winter storms
• Frostbite/hypothermia – Construction workers may also suffer from exposure to extreme cold temperatures unless provided with appropriate protection from exposure to the elements and the ability to take frequent breaks to warm up indoors
• Motor vehicle accidents – Slick roads and adverse weather from winter storms can also increase the risk of auto accidents involving vehicles traveling to and from commercial construction sites
• Carbon monoxide poisoning – Snow buildup can block the exhaust from motor vehicles or portable generators, leading to a buildup of carbon monoxide inside the vehicle or an enclosed space
• Electrocution – Power lines can be downed after winter storms, potentially leading to electrocutions; in addition, wet surfaces also increase the risk of electrocution from exposed power lines or electrical wires

Pursuing Workers’ Compensation After a Wintertime Construction Accident

A construction worker who is injured on the job in a wintertime commercial construction site accident may be entitled to file a claim with their employer to recover workers’ compensation benefits. In New Jersey, the workers’ compensation system can provide financial benefits such as:

• Medical benefits that cover the cost of all reasonable and necessary medical treatment, rehabilitation, and pain management for a work injury
• Temporary disability benefits that provide partial wage replacement to workers who cannot work while recovering from work-related injuries
• Permanent partial disability benefits that provide financial payments to workers who suffer permanent impairment, loss of bodily function, or loss of a body part or disfigurement
• Permanent total disability benefits that continue partial wage replacement so long as an injured worker remains unable to return to employment
• Death benefits that provide the family of a worker killed by an on-the-job injury or occupational illness with financial contribution toward funeral/burial expenses and wage replacement benefits

Filing a Personal Injury Claim Following a Construction Accident

A construction worker injured in a workplace accident caused by a third party’s fault, such as the negligence of another contractor or a defective tool or piece of equipment, may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim. An innocent bystander injured in a construction accident can also seek compensation through a personal injury claim, including financial recovery for:

• Medical expenses
• Costs of long-term care
• Repair/replacement of property damage
• Lost wages and income, and loss of future earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment and quality of life

Contact a Rochelle Park Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Discuss Your New Jersey Workplace Injury Case

A workplace injury can be devastating, particularly if it prevents you from returning to work for an extended period of time. Although New Jersey Workers’ Compensation laws are supposed to provide you with reimbursement for medical expenses and replacement pay for missed time at work, it is not always easy to get the Workers’ Comp benefits you deserve. That is why you should speak with a knowledgeable Workers’ Compensation lawyer about your situation and get guidance throughout the claims process. The experienced Workers’ Compensation attorneys at The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. represent clients in Mahwah, Paramus, Ridgewood, Englewood, and all across New Jersey. Call (201) 380-7687 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation about your work injury case. Our main office is located at 340 West Passaic Street, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.