In spite of safety regulations designed to protect workers from injury, unsafe conditions continue to exist in many industries, and these unsafe conditions in the workplace are often the cause of injury to workers.  According to statistics compiled by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, construction and manufacturing workers remain at the greatest risk for workplace injury.  In 2006, about 6% of workers in these industries suffered injuries on the job.   Transportation workers suffered over 1,500 fatal workplace accidents, the highest incidence of fatal workplace accidents reported to OSHA in 2006.

Substantial percentages of injuries on the job are caused by unsafe workplace equipment or by falls from defective ladders or scaffolding.  Other workers are injured as a result of violence in the workplace, exposure to toxic substances, fires and explosions.

Workplace injuries keep workers out of work for weeks, or even months, and often limit the type of work, and earning potential of injured workers even if they are able to rehabilitate sufficiently to return to their jobs.

While workers’ compensation insurance regulations, in most cases, limit an injured worker’s remedies against their own employer, a personal injury or wrongful death claim may still be possible against negligent third parties who contributed to the cause of a worker’s injury or death.  This type of third party claim may arise, for example, if the equipment used in an industrial setting was designed or manufactured improperly and created an unsafe condition when used as intended.  Sometimes, a worker may still have the right to recover damages against their own employer if the employer intentionally removed required safety devices.

If you or a family member has been hurt on the job, you may face substantial expenses at a time when your income is reduced.  Our firm can investigate your claim, work quickly to help you recover compensation for your injuries, and protect your rights.

Please contact us for a free consultation. We’re available at our New York and New Jersey offices to answer your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.