Construction Accident in New Jersey? Get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call Attorney Michael Siddons for a FREE consultation: (609) 285-3999. No fee unless we win.
Experienced Construction Accident Lawyer in New Jersey
Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces in New Jersey. Falls from heights, scaffolding collapses, electrocutions, equipment malfunctions, and struck-by accidents cause devastating injuries and deaths on New Jersey construction sites every year. While workers’ compensation provides some benefits, it often falls far short of covering the full extent of your losses. Attorney Michael Siddons fights to identify all responsible third parties and secure maximum compensation beyond workers’ comp for injured New Jersey construction workers.
New Jersey Construction Accident Laws
New Jersey construction accident law allows injured workers to pursue claims beyond workers’ compensation when a third party (someone other than your employer) caused or contributed to your injury. Potentially liable third parties include general contractors, property owners, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and architects/engineers. New Jersey follows OSHA regulations for construction safety, and violations of these regulations are strong evidence of negligence. The statute of limitations for third-party claims is two years. New Jersey’s modified comparative negligence rule (51% bar) applies to third-party claims. Workers’ compensation benefits do not prevent you from filing a third-party lawsuit, though your employer’s workers’ comp carrier may have a lien on your recovery.
Types of Construction Accident Cases We Handle
We handle all types of construction accident cases in New Jersey including falls from scaffolding, ladders, and roofs, trench and excavation collapses, crane and heavy equipment accidents, electrocution and electrical injuries, struck-by falling objects, caught-in and caught-between accidents, construction vehicle accidents, defective equipment and tool injuries, chemical exposure and toxic substance injuries, and fire and explosion accidents on construction sites.
Compensation Available in New Jersey Construction Accident Cases
Beyond workers’ compensation benefits, a successful third-party construction accident claim in New Jersey can recover full medical expenses (past and future), complete lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering (not available through workers’ comp), emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and punitive damages in egregious cases. These claims can result in significantly higher compensation than workers’ comp alone because they include non-economic damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue my employer for a construction accident in NJ?
Generally no — New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system provides the exclusive remedy against your employer. However, you CAN sue third parties such as general contractors, property owners, subcontractors, and equipment manufacturers whose negligence caused your injury. These third-party claims can provide full compensation beyond workers’ comp.
What is the difference between workers’ comp and a third-party lawsuit?
Workers’ comp provides medical benefits and partial wage replacement regardless of fault, but does NOT cover pain and suffering. A third-party lawsuit requires proving negligence but allows recovery of full damages including pain and suffering, full lost wages, and punitive damages.
What OSHA violations are common on NJ construction sites?
The most common OSHA violations on construction sites include fall protection failures, scaffolding violations, ladder safety violations, hazard communication failures, and lack of personal protective equipment. These violations are strong evidence of negligence in your lawsuit.
What are the “Fatal Four” construction hazards?
OSHA identifies the four leading causes of construction fatalities as falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents. Together, these “Fatal Four” account for the majority of construction worker deaths nationwide.
What if defective equipment caused my construction accident?
If a defective tool, machine, or piece of equipment caused your injury, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or supplier. These claims do not require proof of negligence — only that the product was defective and caused your injury.
Ready to Fight for Your Rights? Contact Siddons Law Firm today for your FREE construction accident consultation. Call (609) 285-3999. We serve all of New Jersey. No fee unless we win.