Our New York Construction Lawyer Explains the Dangers of Construction Hand Injuries
Construction hand injuries may be a common risk on construction sites, but each injured construction worker suffers unique injuries that could impact their livelihood and activities of daily living. As a construction worker, you deserve to understand the most common types of hand injuries and how to seek compensation if you've suffered a hand injury on the job. The experienced New York construction accident attorneys at Hofmann & Schweitzer are here to guide you through your recovery and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Six Common Types of Construction Hand Injuries
Some of the most frequent types of hand injuries in construction include:
- Crush injuries. Heavy machinery or falling objects can trap hands, causing severe damage to bones, muscles, and soft tissues.
- Broken bones. The impact of tools or materials can lead to painful broken bones in the fingers or hand that require extensive healing time.
- Lacerations. Sharp objects and power tools can cause deep cuts that may damage nerves and tendons.
- Amputations. Severe accidents can result in partial or complete loss of fingers or hands.
- Burns. Contact with hot surfaces or chemicals can cause painful burns that may leave lasting scars.
- Repetitive strain injuries. Continuous use of vibrating tools or repetitive motions can affect the muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons in the hands and wrists, leading to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis.
Your Right to a Safe Workplace
Federal regulations and state laws are meant to protect construction workers from injuries, including hand injuries.
Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) Regulation
OSHA Regulation 1910.138 provides specific standards for hand protection. Under this regulation, employers must select and provide the correct type of hand protection whenever their workers’ hands are exposed to risks like skin absorption of harmful substances, severe cuts or lacerations, abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns, or extreme temperatures. The type of hand protection is based on factors like the specific task, the conditions in which it’s performed, how long the gear will be used, and any hazards that may be present.
New York Construction Law
Under New York Labor Law Section 200, employers have a general duty to provide a safe working environment. This includes implementing safety measures to protect workers from hand injuries, such as maintaining machinery, tools, and equipment in good working order and providing proper training on safe work practices.
New York Labor Law Section 241 outlines specific safety requirements for construction, excavation, and demolition work. This section mandates that employers must provide workers with appropriate safety equipment, including gloves and other PPE, to protect hands from potential injuries like cuts, burns, or exposure to harmful chemicals. Employers must also ensure that all safety devices and safeguards are properly used and maintained.
How a New York Construction Injury Lawyer Can Help You
Our skilled New York construction injury lawyers at Hofmann & Schweitzer will work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf and fight for the compensation you need to recover and move forward after a hand injury. We will support you by:
- Investigating the accident. Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate your accident, gathering critical evidence like photographs, video footage, witness statements, and safety records.
- Handling all paperwork and deadlines. Your lawyer will handle all necessary paperwork, ensuring that every form is completed accurately and submitted on time.
- Negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Your lawyer will be your advocate, negotiating to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to for your hand injury.
- Representing you in court. Your New York construction injury lawyer will take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. They will prepare a strong courtroom strategy, present evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.