Construction site are risky places to work. Massive machinery, weighing tens of thousands of pounds, hydraulic arms capable of exerting incredible pressure, sharp blades, drills, cranes lifting all manner of beams, panels and equipment, all of which can cause horrific injures and kill workers when something goes wrong. This is one reason workers’ compensation is available for these workers.
This week in Jersey City, a construction worker was injured and required surgery for his injuries, when a concrete slab fell on him as he worked under the Pulaski Skyway. The man was positioned on a lift bucket when the concrete hit him. He was apparently wedged between some beams after the accident, but he was extract before the emergency medical technicians (EMT) arrived at the accident site.
The news story did not describe how the accident happened, nor did it say what the injuries were or how extensive they were. No matter how it occurred, should be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for the injuries he suffered.
It is important to note that workers’ compensation benefits cover the employee/employer relationship. If in this case, the falling concrete was caused by the negligence of another contractor or entity working on the site; it may be possible to file a “third-party” lawsuit against that sub-contractor or company.
A third-party suit is similar to a normal personal injury tort case. If you have questions about your accident and if it may allow a third-party case, you should speak with an experience workers compensation attorney. They can review your facts and help determine if you may have an additional source of compensation.
Source: The Jersey Journal, “Worker injured by falling concrete under Pulaski Skyway undergoes surgery,” Ron Zeitlinger, March 6, 2013