By admin on April 20, 2012 -
Ladders are commonly used on many different kinds of jobsites. It is easy to take the strength and stability of a ladder for granted and to assume that it will not fail. Unfortunately, even when precautions are taken, there is still the potential for serious workplace accidents to occur. In fact, some ladder accidents involve defective ladders that collapse, bend, or tip even when used properly. There are many injuries suffered each year in ladder-related falling accidents in New Jersey and many of them require time away from work and medical attention.
According to the 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report on fatal work injuries, there were 645 fatal falls that occurred at the workplace in the United States. Of those fatal falls, 20 percent involved the use of a ladder. Victims who survive ladder accidents commonly suffer sprains, strains, and broken bones. In the most severe cases, victims may sustain brain damage or they may experience severe trauma to their neck or back. These types of injuries require immediate medical attention that can be covered by the victim’s workers’ compensation benefits.
When these types of accidents occur, it must be determined how they happened and how they could have been prevented. In some cases, investigators may find that the ladder was defective in some way. Perhaps it was poorly designed or assembled or the manufacturer failed to provide proper warnings as to how to use the ladder or how much weight the ladder could handle. In such cases, additional compensation may be available for the victim’s losses through civil litigation against the manufacturer of the defective ladder.
The experienced Princeton workers’ compensation attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to get injured workers and their families the compensation they need. If you or someone you love has been injured on the job, please call our offices today at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.
By admin on October 24, 2011 -
A man may have been seriously injured in a New Jersey work accident that occurred at a Conoco Phillips oil refinery on Lower Road in Linden, according to a news report in The Star Ledger. The report states that the man fell from a mobile lift in the tank field. The injuries appear to be serious but Conoco Phillips officials have not released details about how the accident happened or what type of injuries he has suffered.
Accidents involving falls continue to be one of the most common ways to suffer an injury at work. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2010, 635 people were killed in work-related falling accidents. Of the 635 people killed, 515 involved falling to a lower level. Included in the total, 129 were killed in ladder accidents and falling from a roof killed 117 workers. Whenever an employee is working from elevation, whether it is on a lift, a scaffold, a ladder, or a roof, it is crucial that they are properly trained and supervised and are provided proper fall safety devices.
Workers who are injured in accidents on the job would be well advised to immediately report their injuries to their supervisor, seek medical attention, and discuss their rights with a skilled New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney. It is common for companies to deny valid claims and for injured workers to have to fight for the financial support they need as they recover.
The experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein fight to protect the rights of our clients. We know how to get workers support for their medical bills and lost wages. Call our offices today at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation about your legal rights and options.
By admin on October 7, 2011 -
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 129 people were killed in work-related fall accidents involving ladders in the year 2010. Approximately 3 percent of all fatal workplace accidents that year involved a ladder. Many of these tragic falling accidents are entirely preventable by practicing safe work habits and ensuring that the work site is free of debris and other hazards.
There are a number of potentially dangerous situations involving ladders made of metal. First and foremost, it is crucial that metal ladders are not used near power lines. Additionally, it is crucial that metal ladders are not used in wet conditions and that the metal ladder has slip-resistant feet and steps.
It is important to remember that ladders have weight restrictions. Exceeding the maximum load rating will greatly increase the chances of a mechanical failure. It is also crucial to determine that the ladder is tall enough for the task at hand. A ladder should not be used if it cannot extend at least three feet beyond the working surface. If a New Jersey worker is using a straight, single, or extension ladder, it is important that it is placed at a safe 75-degree angle. Ladders that are used at too steep an angle may tip backward. Ladders used at too flat an angle may fall or buckle.
Ladders should not be placed in front of doors that are not blocked. Additionally, workers should try to center their weight in the middle of the ladder and to engage all locks on the ladder before using it.
A skilled workers’ compensation lawyer in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein handles all types of workers’ compensation claims. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, please call our offices today at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
By admin on August 11, 2011 -
A worker was injured at a New Jersey-based company’s construction site recently after he fell off a ladder. According to a news report in The New York Times, the accident left a 39-year-old worker with serious injuries. The report states that the man fell off a ladder and into a pit. He was unconscious at the time he was transported to a hospital. The worker was later listed in stable condition. It appears from the initial report that the ladder may have been wet. An investigation is underway.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 617 people were killed and more than 212,000 were injured in work-related falling accidents between 2008 and 2009, the most recent years such statistics are available. Of the 617 work-related fatal falling accidents, 122 of them involved a ladder, 109 fatal falls involved a fall from a roof, and 53 fatalities resulted from a worker falling from scaffolding or staging.
Employers can help prevent falling accidents by providing proper training and supervision. All equipment must be adequately maintained and fall safety devices must be provided to the workers. Injured workers may seek financial compensation while they recover through workers’ compensation benefits. Damages such as medical bills and lost wages can be recovered by filing a workers’ comp claim. Unfortunately, it is common for valid claims to be denied and for workers to struggle with substantial financial burdens during the recovery and claims process.
The experienced workers’ comp lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of helping the injured workers of New Jersey obtain the compensation they need following an accident while at work. If you have been injured on the job, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040. We provide free consultations and comprehensive case evaluations to injured victims and their families.
By admin on July 21, 2011 -
Workers who are injured in a slip-and-fall accident in New Jersey may seek financial compensation for their losses. It is important to remember that not all falling accidents automatically qualify for a premises liability claim or for workers’ compensation insurance. In fact, it is common for valid claims to be denied and for injured victims to have to fight for their rights. Anyone injured in a New Jersey slip-and-fall accident while at work would be well-advised to contact a lawyer to better understand their legal rights and options.
Workers’ compensation insurance is for individuals who are unable to work because of an injury suffered in a work-related accident. Was the victim working at the time of the slip-and-fall accident? Did the falling accident occur at work or while performing work duties away from the jobsite? Did the injury make it impossible for the victim to return to work? Injured victims who answered “yes” to any of these questions may be able to seek financial support for losses such as medical bills and lost wages through New Jersey workers’ compensation benefits. Victims should immediately report their injuries to their supervisor, seek medical attention from an insurance-approved doctor, and then file a claim for the damages suffered.
In some cases, additional compensation may be available through civil litigation. Did the slip-and-fall accident occur because of a dangerous condition caused by an employer or property owner? Was the property owner aware of the hazardous situation, but failed to fix the problem? In such cases, a premises liability claim may be filed against the negligent property owner.
The experienced workers’ compensation attorneys in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein handle all types of work-related personal injury accidents in New Jersey. Our skilled lawyers have a long history of successfully getting our clients the compensation they need following an accident caused by another person’s negligence while on-the-job. If you or a loved one has been injured while at work in New Jersey, please call us at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
By admin on May 25, 2011 -
New Jersey workers who are injured in fall-related accidents may suffer a variety of injuries. Whether the falling incident results from working far above the ground at a construction site, or from a New Jersey slip-and-fall accident at an office, the injuries have the potential to be catastrophic. These types of accidents often result in a victim suffering serious head, neck, and/or back injuries.
The 2009 Census of Fatal Occupation Injuries Summary reported that there was a 12 percent decline in fatal falling accidents during 2009 compared to 2008. Construction accidents make up about half of all work related falling accidents. The decline in the number of fall-related worksite accidents has been attributed to decreased construction activity nationwide, unfortunately, and not increased safety regulations or training.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics goes on to report that 617 people were killed during 2009 in work-related falls, as compared to 700 fatalities during 2008. Anytime someone is injured or killed in an on-the-job accident in New Jersey, it is important to determine how the accident occurred and whether it could have been prevented. Was proper training and supervision provided? Were there necessary safety devices such as restraints and fall safety equipment provided for the workers?
Workers’ compensation benefits should cover workers who are injured in workplace accidents and provide compensation for the family of someone killed in a work-related fall accident. A Princeton workers’ comp attorney at Lependorf & Silverstein works diligently to make sure that the victims of these types of accidents receive the compensation they need and rightfully deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey workplace accident, please contact us at 609-240-0040 to obtain more information about your legal rights and options.
By admin on May 9, 2011 -
Five workers were injured in a construction accident recently when the roof they were working on collapsed in the Falmouth area of Stafford, New Jersey, according to a news report on Fredericksburg.com. The workers were building a new aircraft hangar when the accident occurred, and three of the injured workers reportedly fell about 20 to 25 feet. Two other workers were on the ground when the roof fell. Critical injuries were suffered by four of workers and the fifth worker suffered a minor wrist injury. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the cause of the New Jersey workplace accident.
According to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary for 2009, 617 people were killed in work-related falling accidents in 2009, which was a decrease in the number of fall accident fatalities in 2008, in which 700 people were killed. About half of all fatal falling accidents occur on construction sites. Whenever there is a falling accident or a roof collapse on a construction site, an investigation is needed to determine the cause of the accident and whether negligence was a factor.
Regardless of the circumstances of a New Jersey construction accident, injured workers should be covered by workers’ compensation benefits that are provided by their employer. Unfortunately, many New Jersey workers’ comp claims are denied and those that are accepted often result in inadequate settlements that do not fully cover the damages suffered.
The Princeton workers’ compensation attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein make sure that the injured workers of New Jersey receive fair compensation for the losses they have suffered in a workplace accident. Workers should be compensated for all medical expenses, earnings lost during the recovery process, and any additional treatment expenses, such as physical therapy or chiropractic care. To discuss your legal options and to learn how the lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein can help you, call 609-240-0040 today.
By admin on March 18, 2011 -
A New Jersey maintenance man was injured while working on the roof of an apartment building. According to The Times of Trenton, the workplace incident occurred on the Barclay Village Apartments in Hamilton. The man was working alone on the roof when he fell between vent stacks and was knocked unconscious. The man had to be rescued by local firefighters and was brought to a nearby hospital for treatment. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of this accident and how it could have been prevented.
According to the 2009 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary, 617 workers were killed in falling accidents. This is a slight drop from the 700 fatalities as a result of workplace falls in the year 2008. The majority of fatal falling accidents occur on construction sites where workers are on roofs, scaffolds or ladders. Whenever someone is killed or injured in a falling accident, it is important to determine who is responsible for the accident.
New Jersey falling accidents can occur at any time, but there are certain circumstances that make a property particularly dangerous. It is the legal obligation of property owners to provide safe environments for their workers and visitors. Workers who are injured on the job can seek workers compensation benefits to cover the cost of medical expenses and loss of wages. In accidents involving negligence on the part of someone other than an employer, additional compensation may be available by filing a third-party claim.
A workers’ comp lawyer in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein help the injured workers of New Jersey obtain fair and full compensation for all their injuries, damages and losses. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, please contact our experienced personal injury lawyer at 609-240-0040 to discuss your legal rights and options.
By admin on February 18, 2011 -
Two men, ages 49 and 51, were killed in a construction accident fall at their work site. According to a news report in The New York Times, the two workers were 65 feet above the ground, as part of a four-man crew working at a church construction site. A beam they were working on rolled and the two men fell to their death. The supervisor of the site told officials he is not sure why the two men were not wearing safety harnesses or why there was no safety platform in place. The field supervisor for the construction company stated that all of the required safety equipment was available to the workers and that it is not clear why that safety equipment was not used.
Anytime there is a fall accident at a construction site, an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will take place to determine why it occurred, who was at fault, and how it can be prevented in the future. Investigators must search for answers to a number of questions. Were the right safety procedures followed? Were the workers given proper training? Was appropriate safety equipment used? Did supervisors and managers on the premises ensure that all necessary safety procedures were followed?
Workers’ compensation benefits exist not only for injured victims, but also for the surviving family members in case of a fatal accident. Compensation may be sought for medical bills, funeral expenses and lost future wages. In cases where negligence contributed to the accident, additional compensation may be available by filing a civil third-party claim. An experienced Princeton workers’ compensation attorney can help families determine the best way to seek fair and full reparation for their losses.
The reputed workers’ compensation attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help families get the compensation they need following a fatal workplace accident. If you have lost a loved one in a New Jersey construction accident, please call our office at 609-240-0040 immediately to discuss your legal rights and options.
By admin on January 27, 2011 -
A New Jersey construction worker was seriously injured in a workplace accident when he fell 30 feet from a building. According to a report on MyCentralJersey.com, the construction accident occurred near Arthur Street in East Brunswick. The 40-year-old man fell off the roof of the building and suffered a head injury. It is unclear from the report if the worker was properly secured to the building or if adequate safety procedures were followed. The New Jersey construction accident is under investigation.
Construction work continues to be one of the most dangerous careers in New Jersey. Workers are in constant danger of fall accidents, electrical burns, defective equipment accidents, scaffold accidents, and crane crashes. It is the legal obligation of the property owner and employer to provide safe work conditions and proper safety training to workers. Failure to meet federal and state safety standards can result in serious New Jersey construction accidents.
Workers who are injured on the job are entitled to receive New Jersey workers’ compensation benefits. However, workers’ compensation benefits rarely cover the true cost of a workplace injury. In such cases workers could file what are known as third-party claims if a party other than an employer caused the accident. Examples of third parties include contractors, sub-contractors, property owners, and manufacturers of defective products.
The reputed Princeton workers’ compensation attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein serve the injured workers of New Jersey. We understand how a workplace injury can place severe emotional and financial strain on families. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job in New Jersey, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your injury claim.
