Most Common Workplace Injuries in New York

Lever & Ecker, PLLC September 22, 2022 Construction Accidents,Personal injury

No matter where you work, your employer is responsible for keeping your workplace safe and providing proper training and tools to reduce the risk of injuries. Despite these safety requirements, it is not uncommon for workers to suffer injuries in the workplace. Heavy machinery, elevated work areas, falling objects, faulty tools, toxic substances, and otherwise dangerous working conditions may result in employee injuries, through no fault of the employees.

If you have been hurt in a workplace accident, you deserve an attorney who will advocate for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Our award-winning team at Lever & Ecker, PLLC has 60+ years of combined legal experience representing people who have been injured in workplace accidents of all kinds. We are here to help you understand the most common workplace injuries, and what rights you have following such accidents.

6 Common Injuries in New York Workplaces

New York is continually growing, and with constant construction and changes, the state sees a large number of workplace accidents every year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private industry employers in New York reported 129,000 workplace injuries and illnesses in 2020. Some of the most common workplace injuries include the following:

Construction Site Accidents

Workplace accidents are unfortunately common in positions where work is performed in high-risk settings, such as construction sites. These types of accidents can include:

  • Roof and ladder falls
  • Falls from scaffolding
  • Dangerous tools and machinery
  • Electrocution
  • Equipment malfunction
  • Falling objects and debris
  • Forklift accidents

Those who own and oversee a construction project have an obligation to provide proper equipment and a safe working environment. Unfortunately, accidents still occur, resulting in and causing construction workers suffering severe injuries to construction workers, including broken bones, burns, concussions, crush injuries, neck injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Contact an experienced construction accident lawyer as soon as possible if you suffer injuries in a construction workplace accident.

Slip/Trip and Fall Injuries 

Slips/trips and falls are some of the most frequently occurring workplace accidents. The following are just a few examples of the causes of these types of accidents:

Depending on the circumstances of your fall, these types of workplace accidents may cause you to sustain injuries to your head (brain), neck, back, knees, shoulders, ankles, and/or internal organs.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Because so many people travel in vehicles during the course of their employment, car accidents are among the most common workplace injuries. Crashes can cause many different types of injuries, from brain injuries to broken bones and severe back and neck injuries. In these cases, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and document/photograph as much of the scene as possible. Pictures and videos of the damage, the police report, and eyewitness information may significantly benefit your case and help clear up details of the incident.

Fire/Explosion Injuries

Many New York workers sustain injuries from fires or explosions in the workplace. These injuries may result from the following:

  • The initial blast
  • Debris or flying objects from the blast
  • A structure collapse caused by the blast
  • Toxic substances or other hazards present after the incident

Fires and explosions can cause serious injuries like burns, toxic exposure, broken limbs, head injuries, and other bodily harm. 

Toxic Substance Exposure

Depending on your job, you may be exposed to toxins that can lead to severe injuries. These toxic materials may include the following:

  • Asbestos
  • Benzene
  • Lead
  • Mercury

If you are injured due to exposure to these or many other toxins, the toxin manufacturer of can be liable for your injuries. The experienced attorneys at Lever & Ecker, PLLC, may be able to support you in discovering the at-fault party and achieving fair compensation.

Muscle Strains

Muscle strains are another common injury, especially if your job involves physical labor. When you overuse your muscles or stretch them beyond their capacity, they can tear. This can result from hazards, such as unsecured equipment, something falling or collapsing objects, or heavy lifting on top of you., potentially making it another party’s fault. You may experience numbness, swelling, or spasms if you suffer a muscle strain.

Consult an Experienced New York Workplace Accident Attorney at Lever & Ecker, PLLC

If you have sustained injuries in a workplace accident, contacting our legal team is one of the best steps you can take. We understand the legal process can be stressful, so we are here to relieve your worries and work on your behalf. At Lever & Ecker, PLLC, we commit ourselves to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Our dedicated and driven legal team has over 65 years of legal experience advocating for New Yorkers’ rights. We are prepared to take on any case, no matter the scope. Our lawyers are prepared to proceed to trial if necessary, especially if the opposing parties and insurance companies refuse to negotiate toward an appropriate settlement in good faith. To schedule a free case consultation, fill out our contact form or call us at (914) 288-9191 or (718) 933-3632.

memberships + accolades