Construction is an inherently dangerous industry, which is why strict safety regulations exist. Despite the required protocols, construction accidents may still occur, leaving you injured and frustrated. Medical bills can be just as devastating as the injury, and you may be wondering, what is the average settlement for a construction accident lawsuit in New Jersey?
Construction Industry Injury Statistics
The nature of construction lends itself to danger. Here are some recent statistics from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration:
- Approximately 16% of worker deaths in the United States occur in the construction industry, but construction workers make up only 6% of the U.S. labor force.
- In 2020, a total of 1,008 construction workers died on the job.
- The construction industry accounts for 6% of all injuries that result in loss of days at work.
- The leading causes of construction deaths include falls, being struck by equipment, being caught in between objects, and electrocutions. These account for over 60% of all construction-related deaths.
- Falls account for 34% of all construction-related fatalities.
- Injury and illness rates in 2020 were 24% higher in construction than they were across all industries.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a construction industry accident, you may be entitled to a New Jersey construction accident settlement.
Filing a Construction Accident Claim in New Jersey
The majority of construction accident claims are dealt with through the workers’ compensation system. For minor injuries, this is not a bad option. Workers’ compensation will cover your injuries even if you were at fault for the accident. If your injuries are serious, they may quickly exceed coverage provided by your employer. If you accept a workers’ compensation settlement, you are barred from filing construction accident lawsuits.
Filing construction accident lawsuits may be the only way to receive the compensation required to cover your damages and injuries. In some cases, multiple parties may be responsible for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, some potentially liable parties may include the following.
Construction Company
If you were injured on the job while working for a construction company, your employer could be liable for damages. There are a number of reasons an employer could be found negligent, including failure to follow safety procedures, inadequate training, and more.
Equipment Manufacturer
Construction sites require a lot of equipment, from tools like ladders and hammers to cranes and forklifts. Equipment malfunctions can have serious consequences, and the manufacturer may be legally responsible for defective products. Material contamination, such as lead or asbestos contamination, is also the responsibility of the manufacturer the material was purchased from.
Property Owner
A property owner or landlord could be liable for dangers on their property that they should have reasonably known about. This can include things like a cracked foundation, a caving roof, or even a vicious dog that bites someone.
Other responsible parties may include contractors, architects, engineers, and subcontractors. It is important to note that a New Jersey construction accident settlement received through workers’ compensation will not cover pain and suffering.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Construction Accident Lawsuit in New Jersey
There is no average settlement for a construction accident lawsuit because each case is unique. The severity of your injuries will determine the expenses associated with emergency care, treatment, loss of wages, and other financial impacts. It is also important to take the future impacts of your injuries into consideration, which may include impacts on earning potential and quality of life.
A spinal injury that prevents you from ever walking again deserves higher compensation than a broken leg that, while inconvenient and painful, is temporary. You can also be compensated for pain and suffering, post-traumatic stress, depression, and other non-monetary losses. Do not settle for less than what your claim is worth.
Trust Petro Cohen to Help with Your Workplace Accident Claim
At Petro Cohen, P.C., our attorneys have decades of experience effectively handling a wide range of New Jersey workplace accident and personal injury claims and can help advise you on which type of claim is best for your situation. Our workers’ compensation team works seamlessly with our personal injury team to determine whether you may have a third-party claim. Working together with you, our legal team will ensure you receive the medical treatment you need and the compensation you deserve. Petro Cohen, P.C. has offices to serve you in Northfield, Cape May Court House, Cherry Hill, and Hamilton, NJ. To determine if you may have a potential workers’ comp and/or personal injury case, schedule your free and confidential consultation with a Petro Cohen, P.C. attorney by calling 888-675-7607. You can contact us through our online form or via 24/7 live chat at PetroCohen.com.
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