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machinery accidents

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Heavy Machinery Accidents in NY

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New York City Heavy Equipment Accident Lawyer - K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. - Heavy Machinery Accidents in NY

The construction industry remains one of the industries with the most injury occurrences in New York City. Even though strict labor laws exist to protect you, accidents involving heavy equipment and machinery still occur far too often. Many of these incidents happen because someone else was careless or negligent, putting you and your safety at risk.

If you have been injured in a heavy equipment accident on a New York City job site, we can help. At K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C., New York heavy equipment accident attorney Keetick L. Sanchez, Esq., and our skilled team of construction accident attorneys have dedicated our careers to the injured victims of construction accidents in and around New York City. Our goal is straightforward: to stand by your side, protect your rights, and get you the compensation you deserve after your injury.

To schedule a free consultation and discuss your heavy equipment injury case, please get in touch with K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. at (646) 701-7990.

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I just recently had an awesome experience with the team at K L Sanchez law office. The lawyer, Kettick Sanchez, was very professional and knowledgeable throughout the whole process, her assistant Kelly was also great at communicating and helping me with any concerns I had. Would definitely recommend their services due to their high quality of work and passion!

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New York City Construction Industry is the Most Dangerous Industry

Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, thousands of workers are injured on construction sites each year, and many tragically lose their lives. What makes these accidents even harder to bear is knowing that some of them could have been prevented.

If you are a worker or if you have a loved one involved in an accident in New York caused by the negligence of another party, you may be able to hold that party accountable. Contact construction accident lawyer Keetick L. Sanchez, Esq., and her team of experienced NYC accident lawyers to understand your rights and legal options. To schedule a free consultation with one of our accident lawyers and discuss your heavy machinery accident injury case.

Contact us at (646) 701-7990.

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I would like to thank the KL Sánchez group and the lawyer Sanchez, for helping my mother and myself to fight the lawsuit in a car accident which turned out to be favorable to us due to the experience and the good work done. Likewise for Sonita Espinoza, who is the paralegal who assisted me in this almost 2-year process. I highly recommend this defense group for car accident cases, criminal defense, construction falls. Thank you very much and God bless you for your good work. Edwin Morazan.

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New York Heavy Equipment Accident Attorney

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Keetick L. Sanchez, Esq.

Keetick L. Sanchez is a native New Yorker with a fierce dedication to justice and advocacy for her clients. With courtroom experience across all boroughs of New York City, she represents individuals injured in heavy equipment and construction-related accidents with skill, compassion, and unwavering tenacity. From administrative hearings to civil and criminal court proceedings, Keetick brings sharp legal acumen and a relentless pursuit of justice to every case she handles.

Keetick’s legal journey began as a trial litigation paralegal focusing on personal injury claims under Labor Laws 240 and 241(6), motor vehicle collisions, and slip-and-fall cases. After earning her J.D. from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law School, she quickly gained recognition as a formidable litigator in New York’s competitive legal field. Her background also includes work on criminal and immigration law matters at both state and federal levels, further broadening her legal versatility. Licensed to practice in both New York and Texas, Keetick is a trusted advocate ready to help clients navigate the legal landscape of heavy equipment accidents.

Every day, people head to work on construction sites, never knowing what the day might bring. Tragically, some don’t come home. Accidents on job sites can cause severe injuries, and in some cases, even death. It’s heartbreaking to think that many of these accidents are preventable.

Heavy machinery is a part of daily life on construction sites and factory floors. While these machines are essential for getting work done, they also come with serious risks. Workers often put in long hours just to make ends meet. With exhaustion, poorly maintained equipment, or the chaos of an accident, the dangers are real and can change lives in an instant.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a heavy machinery malfunction or while handling a piece of heavy machinery, you may be eligible for compensation. Missing work because of your injuries can be overwhelming, and the lawyers at K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. understand that. Call us today to schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer and discuss your personal injury case.

Most Workers’ Compensation claims can be made without fault. Workers’ Compensation can be received regardless of fault. However, third-party claims could be affected if someone tries to blame you. New York, which is considered a state of comparative fault, allows you to recover some damages. Your share of the fault in the accident will reduce your award.

New York’s law requires that wrongful death lawsuits be filed within 2 years. The deadline for personal injury lawsuits is three years. Workers’ compensation cases require that you report injuries to your employer within thirty days after an accident. You have two years from the date of your accident to file your workers’ compensation claim.

Large Pieces of Equipment Are the Cause of Many New York City Construction Accident Cases

The construction industry requires the skilled use of many pieces of equipment on a daily basis. Unfortunately, many of these large and heavy pieces of equipment lead to some of the most serious and often fatal accidents on construction sites in New York City today. When negligence has been a factor, the injured party may have the right to recover compensation for their damages.

Common large equipment used on our construction sites include:

  • Excavators
  • Dragline Excavators
  • Bulldozers
  • Backhoes
  • Graders
  • Trenchers
  • Loaders
  • Tower cranes
  • Compactors
  • Pavers
  • Dump trucks
  • Haul trucks
  • Wheel tractor scrapers
  • Pile driving machines
  • Pile boring machines
  • Forklifts
  • Mixers
  • and other pieces of large equipment
  • Heavy equipment

While any piece of equipment can cause a serious accident, the larger and more advanced the equipment, the more dangerous it becomes when not used or maintained properly. If you have been hurt in an accident involving one of these large pieces of equipment, contact heavy machinery accident attorney Keetick L. Sanchez, Esq., and the New York personal injury lawyers at K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. to understand your legal rights.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our accident attorneys regarding your heavy equipment personal injury case, contact us at (646) 701-7990.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents Involving Large Pieces of Equipment in NY

Equipment on construction sites can be highly sophisticated, requiring training and skilled use. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, publishes an extensive list of guidelines for the use of heavy construction equipment as well as job site guidelines. If these guidelines are not followed, serious injuries and fatalities can be the result. 

When unskilled, untrained, or fatigued workers are tasked with operating these pieces of equipment, it can lead to tragic mistakes and serious accidents.

These can include:

  • Improper handling and use of the machinery
  • Equipment malfunction
  • Overloading
  • Improper storage
  • Improper maintenance
  • Improper inspection 
  • Improper stabilizing of stationary equipment
  • Improper procedures during high winds
  • Failure to assess the location of surrounding equipment and other employees when operating equipment
  • Failure to replace or repair broken or defective equipment
  • Failure to properly train workers in the correct use of equipment
  • Failure to have adequate supervision to ensure that the equipment is used correctly and appropriately

For a free consultation with the accident attorneys at K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. for your personal injury case, call (646) 701-7990

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I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I will give more than 5 stars if I could! They are really so helpful and knowledgable. The team always made sure our case was up to date, especially YENNY. She’s one of a kind! She’s always there when I need her! So polite and so kind. We are so grateful to Attorney Sanchez and her team for winning our case!!! Thank you so much K L Sanchez Law Office!

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ABOGADOS QUE HABLAN ESPAÑOL!

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Who Can Be Held Liable After a Heavy Equipment Accident at a Construction Site in New York?

Most injured construction workers in NY will be covered by workers’ compensation insurance if they are injured inside their workplace. Workers’ compensation will cover the costs of injuries, regardless of fault. However, there are some drawbacks to workers’ compensation benefits.

Workers’ compensation is limited in the number of its benefits and how long you can receive them. In addition, when you accept a workers’ compensation settlement, you are waiving all rights of suing your employer.

Before you accept any settlement, contact heavy equipment injury attorney Keetick L. Sanchez, Esq., and the experienced NYC construction accident lawyers at K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. to understand your options.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our accident lawyers regarding your NY heavy equipment injury case, contact K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C at (646) 701-7990.

The Contractor’s and Owner’s Duty Under the Law

Contractors and owners in NY are required by law to provide a safe working environment for workers. Under Section 200 of the New York Labor Law, these responsibilities include ensuring that equipment and machinery are safe for use and providing reasonable and proper protection for workers. A contractor or owner also has a duty to repair or warn of dangerous conditions. If the contractor or owner has not performed their duties under the law, it can be considered negligence.

ResponsibilityDefinition
Safe Working EnvironmentEnsuring that the workplace is free from hazards and providing reasonable protection for workers.
Safe Equipment and MachineryEnsuring that all equipment and machinery are safe for use.
Repair or Warn of Dangerous ConditionsAddressing dangerous conditions by either repairing them or warning workers about them.

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The legal office of Lawyer K L Sánchez, provided us with an excellent service with very qualified personnel, Lawyer Sánchez is a very professional, very qualified and very responsible person, in the same way Ms. Yenny is a very professional and qualified person, they They show interest and concern for your case and do not rest until it is 100% resolved, which I certainly recommend. For my part you have my gratitude and thanks.

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Who Can You Seek Compensation From After a New York Construction Accident?

If you have been injured in a heavy machinery accident in New York, you may be able to seek compensation from any party who contributed to the accident and your injuries.

On construction sites, there are many potential points of liability in an accident, including:

  • Property owners
  • The contractor
  • Subcontractors
  • Other workers
  • Vendors
  • Equipment manufacturers
  • Companies that rent heavy equipment

Before you accept any settlements, it’s crucial to get the skilled legal advice of an experienced New York heavy equipment injury lawyer to understand your rights and opportunities. At K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C., heavy equipment injury attorney Keetick L. Sanchez, Esq., and our New York City construction accident lawyers work hard to get the maximum compensation from all sources possible for injuries.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our accident lawyers regarding your NY heavy equipment personal injury case, contact K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. at (646) 701-7990.

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NYC Construction Accident Caused by Defective Products

Sometimes, injuries are not caused by anything an employer or other party has done but by how the equipment was manufactured. In this case, if a piece of equipment has failed due to a design or manufacturing flaw or a missing or defective part, the equipment or parts manufacturer may be held accountable.

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I had a really good experience working with my lawyer Keetick Sanchez. She greatly helped me through a stressful time in my life and made the whole process go very smooth. Ms. Sanchez’s paralegal Sonia Espinoza was always available and took the time to answer all of my questions. Neither of them ever rushed me through anything, rather they provided me with thoughtful support and advice.

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Getting Fairly Compensated for Your Injuries After a Heavy Machinery Accident in New York City

If you have been injured in a construction accident, workers’ compensation benefits will cover your medical expenses, part of your lost wages, benefits for a permanent disability, or death benefits in the case of a fatality. Unfortunately, this may not be enough. 

Pursuing a personal injury or third-party claim can help recover compensation for:

  • All your current medical costs
  • Any additional costs to treat your injuries, such as physical therapy, required medical devices, and even in-home care
  • Potential future medical costs as they may be related to your injuries
  • The entire amount of your lost wages
  • Any loss of future earning capacity if you cannot return to the job you had
  • Emotional trauma
  • Pain and suffering
  • and other potential damages

Unlike workers’ compensation, however, it is necessary for negligence to be proven to successfully recover compensation from a personal injury or third-party lawsuit.

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Typical Settlement Values in NY Heavy-Machinery Accidents

Settlement payouts after a heavy-machinery accident in New York can swing widely. There is no simple calculator for this. The final value of your case depends entirely on the specific facts of your accident and the full impact it has on your life.

For example, a minor crush injury that heals completely might resolve for somewhere between $50,000 and $150,000. But the name of the injury doesn’t tell the whole story. A crush injury to your hand that results in permanent nerve damage and prevents you from returning to your trade could result in a settlement well over $1 million. The long-term consequences are what truly matter.

We see this reflected in actual case results. The family of a worker who was tragically killed by an excavator wheel received a $4.5 million settlement. In cases involving catastrophic harm like severe head or spinal trauma, awards can push past $10 million. In one rare instance, a jury delivered a $110 million verdict for a cyclist who was paralyzed by falling debris from a worksite.

These numbers climb so fast because heavy machines cause devastating harm. A brief lapse in safety can mean a lifetime of challenges for you and your family. Your settlement must be large enough to cover all of your past and future medical care, the income you have lost, and the wages you will be unable to earn down the road. It also must account for the physical pain and the day-to-day help you may now need for the rest of your life.

Serious injury cases often fall under Labor Law §§ 200, 240(1), and 241(6). These laws place a strict duty on property owners and general contractors to maintain a safe work environment. Federal OSHA rules also help by defining clear safety standards for heavy machinery. When these rules are broken, it provides strong grounds for holding the responsible parties accountable.

Every case turns on its own facts, but you do not have to settle for less than you deserve. A New York heavy equipment accident attorney can investigate the accident to show how safety rules were ignored and work with medical and financial professionals to detail the complete impact the injury has had on your life. This dedication is aimed at recovering the full and fair compensation you need to move forward.

What Can You Do If You Are Injured While Working On A Construction Site?

Seek immediate medical attention if you sustain an injury on the job. You will be taken to the emergency room if you are in serious condition. Even if the injury does not appear serious, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. If left untreated, even minor injuries can lead to serious consequences that could endanger your career.

Most construction sites have their own doctor, sometimes even on-site. Sometimes they don’t have all the tools necessary to do a complete assessment. They will ask you for a statement while you are still experiencing pain or before you have an idea of the severity of your injury. This statement will be used against you by the insurance company.

Some insurers offer to send a nurse to your doctor’s appointments in order to coordinate care. This is because the nurse has to lower the cost of the expensive treatments that you are approved for, which the insurance company must pay for.

You should seek out a trusted doctor if you’re injured while on the job. You should immediately go to the emergency department if your injury is serious. The insurance company will not give you a statement unless you have a lawyer.

Getting Skilled Legal Assistance From an Experienced NYC Construction Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a heavy machinery accident in New York City, you deserve fair compensation for your injuries. Whether you were hit by a car, suffered injuries from heavy equipment, or are a victim of construction site accidents, NYC construction accident lawyer Keetick L. Sanchez, Esq., and the New York machinery accidents attorneys at K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. are here to help any client with personal injury cases.

Call us at (646) 701-7990 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with one of our injury lawyers.

k l sanchez team

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Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident was tough, but having this Keetick by my side made all the difference. Her skill in the courtroom and compassion during my recovery period were more than I could have asked for. Truly the best in Queens.

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