As everyone in New York or New Jersey knows all too well, winter often brings freezing rain, ice and snow to the area. Roads, walkways and other surfaces can turn into a sheet of ice in the blink of an eye. For most people, donning winter snow boots and limiting time outdoors help prevent injuries; however, for construction workers, keeping off the ice and snow is not an option.
As a result, New York and New Jersey construction workers frequently suffer slip-and-fall injuries during the frigid winter months. Being hardy “it’s-all-in-a-days-work” types, many injured workers simply get back up, brush themselves off and go back to work. Although this shows a commendable work ethic, ignoring a potential construction accident injury could lead to more serious injuries down the road.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics tells us that slip-and-fall injuries are among the top three most common types of workplace injuries each year. Furthermore, the National Safety Council points to slip-and-fall injuries as one of the most common reasons for emergency room visits. Not surprisingly, ER visits for slip-and-fall accidents are even more prevalent during the winter months. Although anyone risks slipping and falling on ice-covered roads and walkways, construction workers face an even greater risk because of the nature of their work and the amount of time they spend outdoors.
A slip-and-fall accident can produce serious, even life-threatening, injuries. Often, the true nature and extent of these injuries are not immediately apparent, making it important to have a complete medical examination if you suffer a slip-and-fall accident. A construction worker who is accustomed to primitive working conditions, and who accepts bumps and bruises as part of the job, may be reluctant to take a fall seriously. But a fall accidents can cause injure your muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones as well as cause back, neck and spine injuries. If you hit your head in the fall, you could even suffer a traumatic brain injury. Some serious injuries do not always produce immediate symptoms, yet the damage will worsen if the injury is left untreated.
If you have suffered construction slip-and-fall accident, or any other type of workplace accident, seek medical treatment immediately, even if you think you were not seriously injured. As the victim of a workplace accident, you could be entitled to third-party compensation in lieu of, or in addition to, workers’ compensation. Contact the New York/New Jersey accident attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez Winograd L.L.P., to find out what legal options you may have. With seven offices conveniently located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area including a new Queens office, we have an office near you. Contact the firm today by calling 888-446-2783 for your free consultation or fill out our online contact form.