Construction Accidents in New Jersey
Construction accidents involve injuries that occur on or around active construction sites. These sites may include residential developments, commercial buildings, roadwork projects, bridges, and large infrastructure projects throughout the state.
New Jersey construction accidents frequently involve:
- General contractors and subcontractors
- Property owners and developers
- Equipment manufacturers and suppliers
- Multiple insurance policies and coverage disputes
Because of this complexity, construction accident cases are often very different from standard workplace injury claims.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents in New Jersey
Construction injuries often occur due to unsafe conditions, lack of proper training, or failure to follow safety regulations. Some of the most common causes include:
Falls From Heights
Falls remain the leading cause of serious and fatal construction injuries. These may involve:
- Scaffolding collapses
- Ladder failures
- Roof falls
- Unprotected edges or openings
Struck-By Accidents
Workers may be struck by:
- Falling tools or debris
- Moving construction vehicles
- Cranes or hoisting equipment
- Building materials
Electrocution and Electrical Hazards
Electrical injuries may occur due to:
- Exposed wiring
- Faulty equipment
- Contact with overhead power lines
- Improper lockout/tagout procedures
Caught-In or Caught-Between Accidents
These accidents involve workers being caught:
- Between heavy machinery
- In trench collapses
- Between moving parts of equipment
Equipment and Machinery Failures
Defective or poorly maintained equipment can cause devastating injuries, including amputations and crush injuries.
Serious Injuries Common in Construction Accidents
Construction accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Severe burns
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations
- Permanent disability
These injuries frequently require long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and significant time away from work.
No matter what type of vehicle was involved, Sarofiem & Antoun Law Firm conducts detailed investigations to determine liability and maximize your recovery.
Construction Accidents and New Jersey Workers’ Compensation
Many construction workers are covered by New Jersey workers’ compensation, which may provide:
- Medical treatment
- Temporary disability benefits
- Permanent disability compensation
However, workers’ compensation does not provide compensation for pain and suffering and may not fully address the long-term impact of serious injuries.
Even if your injuries seem minor at first, seek medical evaluation immediately. Some internal injuries may not appear until days later.
When a Construction Accident May Involve a Third-Party Claim
In many New Jersey construction accident cases, injured workers may have additional legal options beyond workers’ compensation.
Third-party claims may arise when injuries are caused by:
- Negligent subcontractors
- Property owners
- Equipment manufacturers
- Engineers or architects
- Vendors or delivery companies
These claims may allow injured workers to pursue compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Full lost wages
- Future medical expenses
Identifying third-party liability is a critical part of construction accident case evaluation.
OSHA Violations and Construction Accident Claims
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets safety standards for construction sites. OSHA violations may involve:
- Lack of fall protection
- Unsafe scaffolding
- Inadequate training
- Failure to provide protective equipment
Nearly 991 construction accident deaths occurred in 2016, While OSHA violations alone do not automatically result in compensation, they may play an important role in establishing negligence in certain claims.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics
Construction Accidents Involving Non-Workers
Construction accidents can also injure:
- Pedestrians
- Nearby residents
- Drivers passing construction zones
- Visitors to construction sites
Non-workers injured at or near construction sites may have personal injury claims under New Jersey premises liability or negligence laws.
We handle communication with insurance companies and ensure evidence is preserved to strengthen your case.
Why Construction Accident Cases Are Legally Complex
Construction accident cases often involve:
- Multiple defendants
- Overlapping insurance policies
- Contractual liability issues
- Safety regulations and compliance standards
Because of this complexity, careful investigation and documentation are essential to understanding how the accident occurred and who may be responsible.
How Liability Is Determined in New Jersey Construction Accidents
Liability may be determined by examining:
- Site safety practices
- Contractual responsibilities
- Equipment maintenance records
- Witness statements
- Surveillance footage
- Accident reports
New Jersey follows comparative negligence rules, which means fault may be shared among multiple parties depending on the circumstances.
What to Do After a Construction Accident in New Jersey
If you are injured in a construction accident, consider taking the following steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Report the injury to your employer or site supervisor
- Document the scene if possible
- Preserve any evidence related to equipment or conditions
- Avoid giving recorded statements without legal guidance
Early documentation can be critical in construction accident cases.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we win your case.
How a New Jersey Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help
A construction accident lawyer may assist by:
- Reviewing accident details and employment status
- Identifying potential third-party claims
- Handling insurance communications
- Evaluating long-term injury impact
- Ensuring compliance with legal deadlines
Each case is evaluated based on its individual facts and applicable New Jersey law.
New Jersey Construction Industry and Local Relevance
New Jersey has one of the busiest construction industries in the region, with active projects in:
- Hudson County
- Essex County
- Bergen County
- Middlesex County
- Union County
Urban redevelopment, transportation projects, and commercial construction contribute to increased accident risks statewide. Understanding local construction practices and court procedures can play a role in effective representation.
Why Choose Sarofiem & Antoun, LLC
Sarofiem & Antoun, LLC focuses on representing individuals injured due to negligence throughout New Jersey. Our firm approaches construction accident cases with:
- Careful legal analysis
- Client-focused communication
- Attention to detail
- Professional, ethical advocacy
We work to help clients understand their rights and options under New Jersey law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Accidents in New Jersey
How long do I have to file a construction accident claim in New Jersey?
Most personal injury claims in New Jersey must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Certain exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances.
Can I sue my employer after a construction accident?
In most cases, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy against an employer. However, third-party claims may be available against other responsible parties.
What if I was injured while working as a subcontractor?
Subcontractors may still have legal options depending on employment classification, insurance coverage, and third-party involvement.
Are construction accident cases different from other injury claims?
Yes. Construction accident cases often involve multiple parties, safety regulations, and complex liability issues.
Do OSHA violations guarantee compensation?
No. OSHA violations may support a claim but do not automatically result in compensation.
Contact Our New Jersey Construction Accident Lawyers Today
Construction accident injuries can have long-term physical, financial, and emotional consequences. If you were injured on a construction site or near one anywhere in New Jersey, you may want to speak with an attorney to understand your legal options.