If you’re working for a construction company and part of your job is operating in the field as a member of a construction team, you must always prioritize your safety and welfare. In the unfortunate event that you experience an accident and acquire bruises, wounds, or other forms of trauma, you will require managing injury settlements to get the justice you deserve.
Many people can be blamed for a construction site accident, and for a good reason. The construction industry can be a challenging and often dangerous business for people, especially workers, exposing themselves to imminent risks that could lead to severe injuries.
Accidents come in many forms, including falling from scaffolding, contact with toxic chemicals, operating unsafe equipment, being hit by heavy machinery or equipment, and more. If you’re part of a significant construction project, you work with several people, which could be liable for your injuries. Keep reading below to find out the common parties involved in a workplace accident.
Construction Site Owner
The owner of the property for the construction could be liable for the accident, but it will depend on their control over the site. If they pass the power over the land to a contractor to oversee the entire construction process, they may not be labeled as the legal owner.
During an unfortunate accident, the person who looks after the land will have to answer for the accidents that could bring danger to the members of the construction team. Anyone in charge of the property must always guarantee all workers are safe and sound and away from potential hazards that could put their lives at risk at all times.
Contractors on the Site
A contractor must protect all workers every time they are at the construction site. The place should always be safe, and if there are any potential defects, they must strive to warn others about it to prevent putting other people’s lives at risk.
Before anything else, the employees that are part of the project should have the proper knowledge, skills, and expertise to work on the construction project.
Moreover, a contractor should see to it to do the tasks that everyone initiates safely, and they are well-informed about the hazards present on the premises.
Prime Contractor
A prime contractor is in charge of the list of work stated on their prime agreement. They should answer all the work they pass onto their sub-contractor, such as the quality of work and payment involved after accomplishing the project.
The moment an unforeseen incident occurs at the site that led workers to face injuries, the prime contractor is the principal person liable for the consequences. If they fail to cooperate, you could hire an accident lawyer to ensure the prime contractor doesn’t get away with it.
Architects and Engineers
Design professionals like architects and engineers also have roles to fill in during a construction project. Since their responsibilities involve creating a safe, practical, and properly functioning building or space, they are also responsible for construction accidents.
The responsibilities of a design expert are written down in their contract, which also involves adhering to safety rules and regulations of the construction project. Since they are expected to maintain professionalism within the project’s duration, if someone goes through an accident and obtains an injury, they will be liable for the accident.
Conclusion
The construction site owner, contractors on the site, prime contractor, and architects and engineers are the common professionals that could be held liable during a workplace accident. Although everyone knows how risky it is to be part of a construction industry, certain people should still be held responsible for the accident that took place and the employees that undergo injuries. You must never forget to have a reliable lawyer to stand up and represent you to ensure you don’t face a similar situation without acquiring what you deserve.
Are you looking to hire a construction accident lawyer in New York? Ronemus & Vilensky is a legal firm specializing in accident and malpractice for our clients in need. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation!