Construction sites are notorious for causing catastrophic and debilitating injuries. Because of the nature of the construction industry, many construction worksites have numerous workplace hazards. This has caused many construction workers to suffer long-term injuries.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction and extraction industry was the second most deadly industry in 2021, with 951 reported work-related deaths. The transportation industry claimed the first spot with 1,032 related deaths for the same year.
If you’re working in the construction industry or have been injured in a construction accident, you should know how to take legal action against the responsible party. Hiring an experienced New York construction accident lawyer is your first step in getting the justice you deserve.
But with many lawyers to choose from, how can you ensure you get the right one? In this blog post, you’ll learn how and what are the right questions to screen your potential construction accident lawyer and see if they’re the best fit for your case.
Contact The Pagan Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
When Should You Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer?
It’s common for many victims to wait a few days or even months before filing a construction accident case. Technically, waiting shouldn’t be an issue, since the statute of limitations for construction accident cases in New York lasts for three years.
However, waiting for too long can be a huge mistake, as crucial evidence that can further strengthen your case may no longer exist.
That’s why getting in touch with an experienced construction accident lawyer as soon as possible is recommended. They will help you properly evaluate your potential claim and determine the best action to take.
If you’re unsure whether your construction accident case is valid, you should check for the essential elements of a construction accident case:
- The incident should have happened on a construction site.
- There must be proof that the accident was caused by negligence or reckless behavior of another party, such as your employer, coworkers, or equipment owners.
- You must have sustained physical injuries or psychological damages due to the accident.
- The accident could’ve been prevented if the other party had taken proper safety procedures or caution.
Contact The Pagan Law Firm immediately if you have suffered injuries at a construction site. Call us at 212-967-8202 today.
What Should You Look For in a Construction Accident Lawyer?
Before you jump the gun and consult with the first lawyer you find, it’s essential to know the “green flags” of a good construction accident lawyer. Here are some qualities you should look for in an excellent lawyer.
Experience and Qualifications Representing Clients in Similar Cases
Generally, a lawyer with a history of winning construction site accident cases is an ideal fit to lead your case. However, you’d have a higher chance of success if you worked with a lawyer with experience working on issues similar to yours.
For example, if your case involves an injury from a fall, hiring a lawyer who has handled cases about slip and fall accidents in a construction site may help your situation more than hiring a lawyer who has never encountered one of these cases before. This allows them to have a deeper understanding of the details of your particular case.
Compelling Legal Strategy For Obtaining a Favorable Outcome
When assessing if a law firm is a good fit for your case, thoroughly review its case results page on its website. This is where attorneys outline the details of their previous cases. Often, you’ll get a gist of the legal strategy they used to win the case.
This allows you to know what they will do to obtain a favorable outcome for your case. More importantly, it’s also a great way to evaluate if they can deliver the results you expect from them.
Availability and Communication Policy
Communication is critical when dealing with legal cases. Hiring a lawyer who you can conveniently contact and discuss your case is crucial.
Lawyers can be busy attending to other cases, but they must make time to update you on your case and ensure that they respond to your questions and concerns. That’s why asking about their availability and communication policy is crucial.
Knowing how often you’ll hear from them helps determine if this lawyer suits your needs.
Reasonable Estimated Fees Associated With the Case
Before you hire a lawyer, always ask for an estimated case fee. They often give the estimate to you after the initial free consultation and it should include other associated fees, such as filing and court costs.
Also, inquire about additional charges aside from their legal fees. Knowing all of your estimated expenses helps you prepare your budget and determine if they fit into your financial situation.
Finding a lawyer who works at a contingency-based fee is advisable if you’re in a financial bind. This means the lawyer will only receive a percentage of your settlement if they win your case, and you don’t have to pay any upfront cost.
Realistic Timeline Expectations
Construction accident cases are undeniably lengthy, as there are several parties involved. However, you wouldn’t want to wait for more than two years to get a result.
Hiring a lawyer with a background in handling construction site accidents knows how long these cases can take. That’s why asking them about the timeline expectations is essential before you sign a contract with your lawyer. This helps set the right expectations and plan for the outcome of your case.
Knowledge of Prevailing Laws and Regulations Applicable to Your Situation
Not all cases involving construction accidents end after the initial negotiation. Often, your employer or other involved parties will push through with their case until it reaches court.
In this case, you must find a lawyer who is knowledgeable and comfortable enough to represent your construction accident lawsuit in court.
They should have an excellent track record of successfully defending clients throughout the entire litigation process and have familiarity with the relevant laws and regulations applicable to your situation, such as workers’ compensation benefits.
Here at The Pagan Law Firm, we have decades of experience working with construction accident victims. With a proven track record of successful cases, we can help you attain the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, fill out our online contact form or call us at 212-967-8202 today!
Questions to Ask a Construction Accident Lawyer
Now that you know the qualities of an ideal construction accident lawyer and what qualifies as a valid construction accident case, you need to know what kind of questions to ask.
If you want to book your free initial consultation with a lawyer of your choice, here are some questions you would want to ask to make sure they’re a good fit for you and your case.
What Should I Do if I’m Injured in a Construction Accident?
This question allows you to gauge the knowledge of your chosen lawyer about the standard workflow of construction accident cases. An attorney should advise injured construction workers to seek immediate medical attention and document evidence relevant to the case.
This will also help you backtrack if you follow the proper steps after your accident. If you weren’t able to secure medical documentation or other evidence, your lawyer might be able to provide alternative solutions.
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Injuries?
This question allows you to see if your chosen lawyer understands the nature of your situation. Many parties are usually involved in most construction site accident cases.
If the accident happened because your employer failed to set up adequate security measures, your lawyer should know that you’re qualified for a workers’ compensation claim.
In contrast, if the accident was caused by a mechanical failure or another coworker’s negligence, your lawyer will advise you on the appropriate strategy moving forward.
What is Your Fee Structure?
Of course, you can’t leave a consultation without knowing a law firm’s fee structure. Most personal injury lawyers, or lawyers handling accident-related cases, offer a contingency fee structure. This means that you won’t have to pay any legal fees unless your lawyer wins the case.
Other fee structures commonly seen in the personal injury practice are hourly and flat rate fees. Knowing this ahead of time can help you manage your expectations and finances more effectively.
What Are the Chances That My Case Will Go to Trial?
As mentioned in earlier sections, not all construction accident cases conclude at the initial negotiation phase. It’s common for construction companies to deny any liability for an injured construction worker, especially if the evidence isn’t compelling enough.
That’s why asking your lawyer about their experience in court hearings and trials is essential. Knowing their success rate in these types of cases can give you a better idea of whether or not you can count on them when your case goes to trial.
How Long Have You Been Practicing Construction Accident Law?
Experience is one of the critical factors you should consider before closing a deal with New York construction accident lawyers. The longer a lawyer has been in practice, the better their chances of winning your case.
Ask your lawyer how long they have practiced construction accident law and their specific success rate in handling similar cases. This will give you a better idea of their competency and help you make an informed decision.
What is Your Strategy For Handling Construction Accident Cases, and How Would it Benefit My Case Specifically?
As mentioned before, different parties may be held liable for your case, which entails different strategies depending on who’s at fault for your accident.
By asking your lawyer about their strategy for handling your case, you can ensure that they are familiar with the complexities of your construction accident case.
This question also allows you to better assess the benefits that their strategy can bring to your case. Knowing their approach and how it can help you attain an ideal outcome enables you to decide if you’ll be working with the right law firm.
What Are the Likely Outcomes of My Case Based on the Evidence I Have Provided and the Possible Risks or Benefits of Each Outcome?
Having a clear understanding of how your lawyer plans to approach your case is one thing, but knowing the potential outcomes and their corresponding risks or benefits is another.
Your chosen lawyer should be able to provide you with an overview of the various results that may come from taking specific legal actions. This shows they clearly understand the strategy and possible risks they want to take with your case. You also want to ensure they are providing you with realistic expectations throughout the whole process.
How Will I Be Able to Stay Updated on the Progress of My Case Throughout the Legal Process?
Communication is vital in any legal endeavor. You want to be sure that your lawyer keeps you informed about the progress of your case and any updates or changes that may arise in the process.
Ask your lawyer how they plan on communicating with you throughout your claim and what channels they will use (e.g., email, phone call) to ensure that you are always in the loop. This will ensure that you can stay updated and make timely decisions when necessary.
What Kind of Trial Experience Do You Have?
A lawsuit is different from a regular construction accident claim as it involves a lot of courtroom procedures. As mentioned in the sections above, most construction accident cases push through to the trial stage. It is vital to ask your lawyer about their experience leading a personal injury lawsuit to trial.
Hiring a lawyer with a good trial background can give you an edge in the courtroom. Lawyers with an impressive trial success rate know how to properly present and argue before a judge or jury.
What is the Estimated Timeframe?
Your case’s timeline largely depends on your accident’s inherent complexities. If you sustained catastrophic injuries, incurred expensive medical bills, or involved more than one party, your case will take longer to resolve.
Ask your attorney how long they anticipate the legal process to take and what milestones they plan to achieve to reach a favorable settlement. This will allow you to manage your expectations better and prepare for any financial concerns related to the case.
Most construction site accident cases take less than two years to resolve. If your lawyer estimates anything longer than that, clarify why or consult with another lawyer to ensure you’re given a reasonable timeline.
What Are the Potential Challenges?
All personal injury cases come with inherent risks and challenges you might miss at first glance. But a professional and experienced lawyer can help you identify potential problems before they escalate.
Some of the most common challenges injured workers encounter are insufficient evidence for their case, lack of knowledge about the legal process, and problems related to insurance coverage. Your lawyer should be able to provide you with an overview of these challenges and help you identify any potential solutions or alternatives.
What is My Job as a Client?
The success of your case lies in the collaboration between you and your lawyer. Ask the lawyer what your role is and what they expect from you during the legal process.
Your lawyer should give you an outline of your responsibilities and explain how they can help guide you through the process. Knowing what’s expected from each party will improve communication and ensure your case remains on track.
Generally, it’s your job to provide them with the necessary information and evidence they need for legal proceedings. You should also ensure that you keep all appointments and meetings, as this will help your attorney better understand the details of your case.
After learning about the key questions to ask a potential law firm, contact The Pagan Law Firm to schedule a free consultation. We will address any questions you may have and provide you with expert advice and realistic expectations for your construction accident case.
Why Should You Choose The Pagan Law Firm?
At The Pagan Law Firm, our experienced construction accident attorneys are dedicated to helping New York City construction workers, and their families get the justice they deserve. We combine decades of experience and a comprehensive understanding of the law to help you fight for your rights.
Here are some of the reasons why we became the top choice of many New Yorkers for their construction accident and personal injury cases.
Over Thirty Years of Legal Experience
With over thirty years of legal expertise, our lawyers have the necessary background to provide attentive and knowledgeable service. We use this experience and knowledge to develop a customized strategy tailored to your situation.
We carefully assess the facts and nature of your case to devise the best legal strategy and ensure that you get the best outcome possible.
Strong Record of Success
Our attorneys at The Pagan Law Firm are highly experienced in handling high-profile and multimillion-dollar cases. Our team has consistently achieved favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients, setting a high standard of excellence in the legal industry.
With our strong record of success and dedication to our clients, we continue to be the best option for construction accident cases in New York City.
Compassionate and Assertive Lawyers
Our entire legal team combines compassionate legal assistance and assertive legal representation to ensure our clients get the justice they deserve.
We understand that construction accidents can devastate your life and well-being, and we will do everything in our power to help you get the compensation you are entitled to.
Contingency Fee Basis
We understand the financial repercussions of a construction case, so we offer our services on a contingency fee basis. Just because you can’t afford expensive legal representation with your current financial situation doesn’t mean you should settle for less.
With our contingency fee structure, you won’t have to worry about spending a dime unless we win your case.
Contact Our Construction Accident Law Firm Today and Schedule Your Free Consultation!
Dealing with construction accident cases can be a long and demanding process. And halfway through the legal proceeding, you might get frustrated or tempted to settle for less because you do not see any results yet. But you don’t have to go through the entire process alone.
Having the right legal partner can make all the difference. By knowing the qualities you should look for and asking the right questions, you can ensure that you have the ideal legal representative to take on your case.
The questions we provided above should help bring you closer to finding the best construction accident lawyer for your case.
At The Pagan Law Firm, we understand how difficult and complicated construction site accidents can be without an experienced legal representative.
Our experienced New York City construction accident lawyers are here to help you fight for your rights and get the just compensation you deserve. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our knowledgeable attorneys.