Whenever you walk around the streets of New York, you're bound to come across a few construction sites. Construction sites are quite common and they usually have numerous people working in them. This means a high percentage of people are at risk of suffering from construction site accidents. As a result, the government has put several laws in place to guarantee the safety of those who work at construction sites. While these laws haven't stopped these incidents from occurring, they usually state who is liable for compensating any injured victims. 

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General Contractors and Site Owners

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Whenever a site owner decides to carry out a new construction or renovate an old property, they have to make provisions to protect the workers. According to Section 200 of the New York Labour Law popularly known as the "Scaffolding Law", site owners and general contractors are required to “provide reasonable and adequate protection to the lives, health and safety of all persons employed therein or lawfully frequenting such places.” This law means that it's up to the general contractor or site owner to take all necessary measures to ensure that the construction environment is completely safe. 

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The Scaffolding Law carefully explains how different construction site equipment is to be set up to guarantee the safety of workers. It also allows site workers to hold owners as strictly liable for injuries suffered on hoists, scaffoldings, ladders, stays, hangers, pulleys, blocks, etc. Strict liability means the worker doesn't have to prove the negligence of the site owner or general contractor. However, this section is only applicable if you were actively involved in repairing, demolishing, altering, erecting, painting, or cleaning a structure. 

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Subcontractors 

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Most construction sites are made up of numerous sections. After a general contractor wins the bid to work on a site, he hires subcontractors to handle different sections and stages of the project. Subcontractors are also expected to create a safe working environment for construction site workers. If you get hurt due to the negligence of a subcontractor, you can hold them responsible for it. However, you may have to prove it. 

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Engineers and Architects 

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Construction workers who suffer construction site accidents may also hold site engineers or architects liable. These professionals are responsible for creating the structural design of the building, and they must adhere to laid down guidelines when doing so. If they fail to follow these guidelines, you may sue them for compensation. 

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Equipment Manufacturer 

 

Most 21st century construction sites are filled with different types of machinery and equipment. Defective equipment can cause fatal injuries for site workers. When you suffer injuries due defective machinery, you may be able to hold the seller or equipment manufacturers strictly liable. 

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When filing an injury claim after a construction accident, it may be difficult to identify who's liable for your compensation. However, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you find out this information in no time. Bendix Law is an experienced construction accident lawyer that can help you review your accident report and identify whoever is liable for your claim.