Most people know that construction work can be dangerous. On construction sites throughout New York City, workers try to be careful, professional and vigilant. But injuries happen all the time.
If you or your loved one gets injured on the job, won’t workers’ comp cover everything? Who is responsible for accidents caused by subcontractors or defective equipment? What if the accident is fatal? What if the injury doesn’t seem serious enough?
After a construction accident, is it ever too soon to seek out an attorney with questions about an injury? What are the advantages and disadvantages of reaching out for legal advice right away? These are important questions that call for correct answers.
Benefits and risks
Meeting with an experienced lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, which may include your right to money damages through a third-party claim. A third-party claim or lawsuit against a negligent party is a separate matter in addition to workers’ compensation benefits.
Obtaining legal counsel — sooner than later — can help you safeguard your rights and protect your family. Delaying can lead to:
- Not identifying a serious problem: Injuries that initially may seem minor sometimes prove to be more serious than originally thought.
- The loss of important evidence: Evidence (like photos of the accident site) that is easily accessible early on may be impossible to obtain with the passage of time.
- Jeopardizing your claim: In New York, there are statutory deadlines for filing claims and starting lawsuits. These deadlines must be complied with. So, any delay in checking with an attorney can have disastrous effects for any legal claim you may have.
Every injury case is different. It is important to get your questions answered as promptly as possible.
