For many construction workers, taking precautions to prevent injuries is critical. However, when others do not share the same safety concerns, it can leave employees injured or killed. One such area that is incredibly dangerous is trenching and excavations. Unfortunately, these incidents are often preventable, making them all the more tragic. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed as a result of another person’s negligence, a New York trench collapse and excavation lawyer with the Bell Law Group can help fight for the justice you deserve.
Trench Collapse and Excavation Lawyer: Fighting For Injured Workers in NYS
Recovering compensation for injuries endured on the job can be a difficult process. That’s why our team is here to assist you. Our dedicated attorneys understand the impact sustaining an injury due to a trench collapse can have on someone and their loved ones.
Recent Results: 4.2 Million Dollar Construction Accident
The team at the Bell Law Group has experience handling construction accident cases and we have worked tirelessly to secure compensation for injured workers around New York. In one of our recent victories, we helped secure a $4.2 million settlement for injured construction workers. While working on a job site, these workers sustained injuries after falling off scaffolding, with all sustaining severe injuries.
Bell Law Group fought to help them recover the compensation they deserved. Our experienced firm will examine the different factors of your case to determine the best course of action to fight for the funds you deserve if you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to negligence on a construction site.
How Trench Collapses Happen
It’s no secret that trenching and excavation can be incredibly dangerous. However, this is only compounded by the fact that many employers do not follow and implement proper safety protocols and standards, leaving their workers to suffer for their carelessness.
When excavating, several critical factors must first be taken into consideration. A competent person must first assess the soil to determine the soil type, how much moisture the soil is holding, rock stability, and the weather. These factors all impact the stability of the soil. If the soil is too wet, it may be too heavy to hold the trench walls up, and if it is too dry, the soil can crumble.
If the soil is not adequately tested for stability and proper precautions are not taken, even something unassuming like rain or vibrations from nearby machinery can lead to a trench collapse. Similarly, if the trench is not regularly inspected and safe entry and exit access is not suitable, it can lead to a collapse. As such, employers must ensure protective measures are in place to prevent a collapse.
What Protective Measures Are There to Prevent Collapses?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires trenches more than 5 feet deep to have protective systems in place, while trenches more than 20 feet deep must be designed by a registered engineer.
The most common protection systems are shoring and sloping the walls. Shoring involves installing support to prevent the soil from moving while sloping requires the trench walls to be dug at a certain angle to minimize the risk of a collapse.
Additionally, benching can be used to prevent collapses. This works by horizontally excavating the trench to create steps that penetrate the soil.
What Injuries Can Workers Endure?
Unfortunately, many trench collapse accidents are fatal. These incidents often happen within seconds, leaving workers with no time to leave the trench. Unfortunately, the extreme weight of the soil can bury workers, making it nearly impossible to escape. As such, many workers suffer from asphyxiation or suffocation. Those who do not succumb to being buried under the soil may still sustain fatal injuries as a result of the weight of the soil crushing their bodies.
Workers who survive these accidents can face many life-long injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, neck and back damage, and crush injuries. Additionally, workers may face emotional damages, as the trauma of being buried alive can have considerable impacts on a person.
Who Can Face Liability?
If you or a loved one were injured or killed during a trench accident in New York, it’s important to understand who can face liability for the injuries sustained. Typically your company will face liability for the injuries you’ve sustained.
In the large majority of trench collapses, negligence is the leading factor. When employers and companies do not implement proper safety procedures in favor of expediting a job and saving money, they risk the lives of their employees.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
When pursuing a lawsuit against a negligent employer, company, or contractor for the negligence that led to a trench collapse, it’s important to understand what compensation you may be able to recover. Typically, you can fight for the following:
- Healthcare expenses
- Medication and medical equipment
- Physical therapy
- Disabilities
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- End-of-life care
- Loss of financial support
- Funeral expenses
It’s imperative to understand that the compensation you can recover will vary based on the unique circumstances of your case. As such, it’s important to discuss your circumstances with an attorney to gain a better understanding of what you may be able to recover.
Contact a Trench Collapse & Excavation Accident Lawyer Today
When you’ve been injured because of another person’s negligent actions, ensuring you have someone ready to fight for the compensation you deserve is critical. These cases can be incredibly complex, so letting the experienced team at the Bell Law Group handle these matters can provide you with peace of mind that your case is in competent hands. We’ve fought tirelessly for construction workers like you. Contact us today to learn why so many have trusted us to represent them in the fight for justice.
