Third-Party Lawsuits and Construction Accidents
By James Witherspoon -
Construction workers are exposed to potentially hazardous conditions on a daily basis as part of their occupation. While the specific dangers that a person will face with greatest frequency depend upon the nature of a worker’s position and particular trade, anyone is susceptible to injury. Most injuries that are sustained in the workplace qualify an individual to pursue workers’ compensation benefits, but these benefits may be inadequate to meet an injured employee’s needs. While the workers’ compensation generally prohibits legal action against an employer except in cases of extreme negligence or malice, in the event of defective or malfunctioning equipment it may be appropriate to file a third-party lawsuit against a negligent manufacturer.
Workers’ compensation benefits are rendered according to statutorily-defined payment structures that are based upon a partial fulfillment of an employee’s average wage in addition to compensation for medical care associated with an injury. This effectively imposes a maximum benefit value which may be inadequate to address the full range of problems incurred by an accident in the workplace. A third-party lawsuit against the manufacturer of a defective or malfunctioning device is not similarly restricted and may be the best way to ensure that you and your family have the resources you need to address your needs.
Potential Causes for Third-Party Lawsuits in Construction
The incredibly complex and impressive structures that are built today would be largely impossible without the assistance of heavy machinery and many other tools. If any of these should prove to be unsafe due to the negligence of the manufacturer then there is a genuine risk of severe injury. The following represents a partial list of potential causes for a third-party lawsuit:
- Crane collapse
- Power saw malfunction
- Defective torches
- Defective safety glasses and masks
- Defectively designed ladders
Choosing Legal Action
If you believe that you may have reason to pursue a legal action, it is important to consult with a skilled and experienced attorney. Contact the Queens product liability lawyers of Parker Waichman Alonso, L.L.P.
James Witherspoon
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Witherspoon
http://EzineArticles.com/?Third-Party-Lawsuits-and-Construction-Accidents&id=4317695
