Buffalo Lawyers Ross and Timothy Cellino Detail the Risks of Construction Site Accidents
Construction sites, while essential for urban development, remain some of the most dangerous workplaces in the United States. Recognizing the severity and complexity of injuries stemming from these environments, prominent Buffalo, NY personal injury attorneys Ross Cellino and Timothy Cellino recently lent their expertise to HelloNation, breaking down the most frequent causes of construction site injuries and offering critical legal guidance.
The High Stakes of Workplace Safety
The attorneys emphasize that construction accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and even wrongful death. These cases require a deep understanding of complex labor laws, OSHA regulations, and specific New York State statutes like the ‘Scaffolding Law’ (Labor Law 240).
According to the insights shared by Ross and Timothy Cellino, the majority of serious incidents typically fall into a few key categories, often referred to as the “Fatal Four” in the industry: falls, struck-by-object incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between incidents. However, the lawyers noted that hazards like poorly maintained scaffolding, equipment malfunction, and failure to provide adequate safety training are root causes that allow these immediate incidents to occur.
Navigating the Legal Landscape After an Injury
A crucial distinction highlighted by the Cellinos is the difference between standard workers’ compensation claims and third-party liability lawsuits. While workers’ compensation generally covers medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault, it limits the injured worker’s ability to sue their direct employer for pain and suffering.
Timothy Cellino explains that true compensation is often found by identifying negligent third parties—such as contractors, subcontractors, property owners, or manufacturers of faulty equipment—who contributed to the unsafe conditions. Pursuing these third-party claims allows victims to seek damages far beyond what workers’ compensation provides, including compensation for pain, suffering, and future loss of earning capacity.
Immediate Steps for Accident Victims
The advice from the Buffalo legal duo is clear: time is of the essence. Injured workers must prioritize medical treatment, but they must also secure prompt legal representation. Expert attorneys can immediately begin the investigation process, which includes preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses, and ensuring that statutory deadlines are met.
Their detailed analysis underscores the reality that victims need specialized representation to successfully cut through the red tape and negligence often found on large construction projects. For a full breakdown of the legal analysis provided by Ross and Timothy Cellino, you can view the original news release here: Source: GlobeNewswire.
The guidance provided by the Buffalo legal experts serves as a vital reminder for anyone working in the construction sector: understanding your rights and the potential avenues for compensation is paramount to recovery after a serious incident.
