Group of professional lawyers in New York City

What Compensation Can You Claim After a Construction Accident in Merrick?

A construction accident can change your life in an instant. One moment you’re focused on your job, and the next you’re facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in Merrick, you may be entitled to compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.

Understanding your legal options is the first step toward protecting your financial future. An experienced construction accident attorney can help determine what compensation may be available based on the circumstances of your case.

 

Medical Expenses

Medical treatment is often the most immediate concern after a construction accident. Compensation may cover:

  • Emergency room visits
  • Hospital stays
  • Surgeries
  • Prescription medications
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Medical equipment
  • Ongoing or future medical treatment

If your injuries require long-term care, those anticipated medical expenses should also be considered when pursuing compensation. You should not have to shoulder these costs on your own if someone else’s negligence contributed to your injuries.

Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity

Serious construction injuries often prevent workers from returning to work for weeks, months, or even permanently. Compensation may include:

  • Income lost while recovering
  • Lost overtime or bonuses
  • Reduced future earning capacity
  • Vocational retraining if you’re unable to return to your previous position

When an injury affects your ability to earn a living, it’s important to account for both your current and future financial losses.

Pain and Suffering

Not every loss after a construction accident comes with a receipt. Physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact an injury has on your daily life can be significant.

Depending on your case, you may be able to seek compensation for:

  • Physical pain and discomfort
  • Emotional trauma
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

These damages recognize the personal hardships that extend beyond medical expenses and lost income.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Most injured construction workers in New York are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of who caused the accident. These benefits typically help pay for:

  • A portion of your lost wages
  • Necessary medical treatment
  • Rehabilitation services

While workers’ compensation provides valuable financial support, it often does not fully compensate injured workers for everything they’ve lost.

Third-Party Personal Injury Claims

Construction sites typically involve multiple companies, contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners. If someone other than your employer contributed to the accident, you may have the right to file a third-party personal injury claim in addition to receiving workers’ compensation benefits.

Examples of potentially liable third parties include:

  • General contractors
  • Subcontractors
  • Property owners
  • Equipment manufacturers
  • Material suppliers

A successful third-party claim may allow you to recover damages that workers’ compensation does not cover, including pain and suffering and the full value of your lost income.

Why Hiring an Attorney Matters

Construction accident cases are often more complex than standard workplace injury claims. Multiple insurance companies, overlapping liability, and New York labor laws can all affect your case.

An experienced attorney can:

  • Investigate the cause of the accident
  • Preserve critical evidence
  • Identify all potentially liable parties
  • Calculate the full value of your damages
  • Negotiate with insurance companies
  • Pursue maximum compensation on your behalf

Many injured workers don’t realize they may have more than one avenue for financial recovery. Legal guidance helps ensure that no potential source of compensation is overlooked.

Speak with a Merrick Construction Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in Merrick, understanding your legal rights is essential. While workers’ compensation may provide immediate benefits, additional compensation may be available depending on how the accident occurred.

The attorneys at Robert K. Young & Associates can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight to recover the compensation you deserve. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.