Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces in New York. From falls and equipment malfunctions to exposure to dangerous materials, even experienced workers face daily risks. When a construction accident occurs, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and the steps you can take to protect them.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Construction accidents often result from:
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs
- Falling debris or collapsing structures
- Electrical accidents or explosions
- Equipment failures
- Lack of proper safety gear or training
Under New York law, both workers and bystanders injured at or near a construction site may be entitled to compensation.
Your Legal Options After an Accident
- Workers’ Compensation: Most employees are covered by workers’ compensation insurance, which provides medical benefits and a portion of lost wages. However, these benefits often fall short of covering the true extent of an injury.
- Third-Party Lawsuits: If your injury was caused by a negligent contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, you may be able to pursue a third-party personal injury claim for full compensation, including pain and suffering.
- New York’s Scaffold Law (Labor Law §240): This law provides special protections for workers injured in height-related accidents, holding property owners and contractors strictly liable in certain circumstances.
Steps to Take After a Construction Accident
- Report the accident immediately to your employer or site manager.
- Seek prompt medical attention and document your injuries.
- Gather witness information and take photos if possible.
- Contact an experienced construction accident lawyer before signing any paperwork or speaking with insurance representatives.
At Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C., our attorneys have decades of experience representing injured construction workers throughout New York. We work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the full compensation they deserve.
The Link Between Medical Malpractice and Delayed Cancer Diagnosis
A timely cancer diagnosis can mean the difference between a treatable condition and a life-threatening illness. Unfortunately, when medical professionals fail to recognize or properly diagnose cancer, the results can be devastating. These delays often amount to medical malpractice, and patients have the right to hold negligent providers accountable.
How Diagnostic Delays Happen
A delayed cancer diagnosis can result from:
- Misreading imaging scans or pathology reports
- Failing to order appropriate diagnostic tests
- Dismissing early warning signs or patient complaints
- Communication errors among medical staff
These oversights can allow cancer to progress unchecked, limiting treatment options and worsening outcomes.
When a Delay Becomes Malpractice
Not every delayed diagnosis is malpractice, but when a physician’s failure to act falls below the accepted standard of care, and that failure leads to harm, patients may have a legal claim. To prove malpractice, your attorney must demonstrate:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed.
- The provider acted negligently.
- The negligence caused harm or worsened the prognosis.
Pursuing Justice for Victims of Negligence
Patients who have suffered due to a delayed cancer diagnosis may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.
At Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C., we have successfully represented numerous clients in medical malpractice cases involving delayed diagnoses, radiology errors, and failure to treat. Our team works with trusted medical experts to uncover the truth and pursue justice on your behalf.