New York City Construction Tool Injury Lawyers
NYC Construction Accident Attorneys Representing the Rights of Workers Injured by Tool Accidents
Construction tools have become more powerful and, as a result, more dangerous. Long gone are the days where construction workers only needed a hammer and some nails to erect a building. Today, power tools increase the speed of construction and have expanded the materials that can be used. However, tools can also malfunction and injure workers.
If you’ve suffered a tool injury, please contact a Queens construction accident attorney today. We can help you navigate the claims process to receive the compensation you need.
Construction Tools
There are many tools used at modern construction sites, so this list is not exhaustive. However, we have seen or heard of the following tools malfunctioning:
- Nail guns
- Hammer
- Drills
- Sanders
- Blowtorches
- Circular saws
- Chain saws
- Screwdrivers and other hand tools
Any construction tool that requires power can also malfunction and lead to electrocution, which can cause falls, burns, and other injuries.
Even small tools can malfunction in ways that injure a worker. For example, the wooden handle on a hammer could come off or shatter, causing pieces to become lodged in the worker’s eyes. The head of the hammer could also fly off and strike another worker.
Tool Injuries
The injuries that workers suffer will largely depend on how the tool malfunctions. Some of the more common injuries include:
- Eye injuries
- Head injuries
- Facial disfigurement
- Burns
- Electrocution
- Cuts or lacerations
- Amputations
- Nerve damage
Safety equipment can prevent some injuries, though many workers lack adequate equipment or wrongly believe that they don’t need it. Some employers also fail to provide updated safety equipment, increasing the vulnerability of their employees.
Some tool accidents can also lead to more serious accidents, such as falls. A worker who falls could end up paralyzed or suffering from a serious brain injury that impairs the worker permanently. Speak with a Queens construction accident lawyer if a tool caused you to fall.
Tool Safety
A worker can reduce the chances of an accident by taking certain precautions. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends the following:
- Inspect hand tools before using them and replace any that are damaged. For example, a worker should not use a circular saw that has a cracked blade.
- Check safety equipment and replace any that is worn or defective. For example, gloves could be worn through, which reduces the grip but also exposes the worker to an increased risk of injury.
- Keep power tools away from heat and anything with a sharp edge.
- Follow all OSHA guidelines regarding tool safety.
Also, don’t neglect noise hazards. Many tools, such as pneumatic tools, can generate terrific noise on a construction site. As a result, workers can lose their hearing if they do not have effective earplugs. Make protecting hearing every bit as much of a priority as protecting your vision.
Contact a Queens Construction Accident Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
Fortunately, compensation is often available for those injured in tool accidents. At Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman, our team has brought many successful claims for compensation, including lawsuits against a defective product manufacturer. Contact us today at 212-285-3300 to schedule a free consultation with an NYC personal injury lawyer.
