New York City’s School Construction Authority says it expects to pay about $270 million to settle injury claims by construction workers for accidents that occurred in 2009. That’s about 10 times more than the authority spent about 10 years ago. While some say this indicates a growing readiness by construction workers to file claims when they’re hurt, we know that the payments may point to inadequate safety measures at construction sites.
According to the New York Post:
The surge in payouts led the agency to set aside more than 10 percent of its funds to settle 2009 workers’-compensation and liability claims.
The projected expenses of $260 million for that year, the latest for which data are available, dwarf the $28 million the SCA spent in 2000.
Department of Education spokeswoman Margie Feinberg blamed the surge on the increased cost of medical care and larger settlements that she said similarly affected the bottom line across all construction work in town.
Industry insiders say courts have recently given an even broader application to a labor law that puts the onus for accidents on construction companies and work-site owners.
Workers Deserve Protection, Compensation
The chances of construction accidents in New York and New Jersey increase as construction activity rises. Contractors are supposed to keep their worksites safe, regardless of their number and size.
Anyone who implies that an injured construction worker seeking compensation is somehow greedy obviously has never been in a similar situation. Workers compensation and personal injury laws are in place to protect against accidents that result from practices that endanger workers. They provide a legitimate way for injured workers to seek compensation for their expenses.
A construction worker involved in a serious accident would much to prefer to have never been injured than to receive a settlement.
How Ginarte Attorneys Can Help
When you’re hurt, you not only experience mounting medical bills, but you also have to deal with physical pain and the stress of being unable to work. The New Jersey and New York construction accident attorneys with Ginarte Law Firm can help.
If you fell, were injured by malfunctioning equipment or suffered from another type of on-the- job accident in New Jersey or New York, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical costs and pain and suffering. Contact our attorneys today to discuss the details of your case. Fill out our online contact form or call 888-GINARTE today.