New Yorkers are used to dealing with construction sites as they walk or bike around the city. They count on those responsible for the work to ensure that any surrounding areas that could be dangerous are surrounded by fencing or temporary walls and feature appropriate warning signage.
Blocked-off construction areas can cause delays in getting to work or other destinations. However, most people know better than to try to cut through them because the results could be catastrophic.
How passers-by can be injured
Unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong, and a passer-by may be injured or killed by falling debris, a construction vehicle, fencing around an area that isn’t secure, holes in the ground or tripping hazards outside the fenced in areas caused by the nearby construction or any number of other things. For example, one woman lost her life when a piece of plywood flew off a fence around a Greenwich Village construction site and struck her.
Multiple involved parties often means passing the buck
When someone is injured by activity at a construction site, it can be extremely challenging to hold the appropriate party(ies) liable. There may be a multitude of people and businesses involved in the project, including construction firms, general contractors, subcontractors and property owners. Government entities responsible for the safety of the site may also have some responsibility.
One thing you can almost always count on if you have been injured is that those involved will try to shift the blame to one another – and possibly even to you. They may try to claim that you were in an area you shouldn’t have been in – even if you weren’t. It can be extremely daunting to go up against these entities while you’re still recovering from your injuries or dealing with the death of a loved one.
Meanwhile, you may have medical bills and other financial losses piling up. It can be tempting to accept an offer for a quick settlement. However, a settlement offer may not be close to what you need over the long term and what you’re entitled to. That’s why it’s crucial to seek experienced legal guidance as soon as possible – certainly before you accept a settlement – to help ensure that you get justice and appropriate compensation for all that you have suffered and lost.