Construction workers in New York City face grave danger each and every day they wear that hard hat and go to work. Any construction site has inherent and potential hazards. When construction companies and contractors cut corners to save time and money by failing to follow important safety standards, workers can be exposed to significant risks. The New York construction accident attorneys of the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm have obtained significant compensation for numerous injured workers and their families. One of our recent victories was obtaining a $3,375,576 settlement during trial for a 49-year-old injured ironworker. Han Soo Lee was injured when he was working at a commercial construction site at 1521 Old Country Road in Riverhead. Lee, an undocumented worker, was working on a horizontal beam that was 30 feet above the ground when the beam fell. Lee plummeted to the ground and suffered back hip, leg, and pelvic injuries. The incident happened when Lee was removing crane hooks that were attached to the beam. He was not provided with any safety devices such as harnesses that could have prevented the fall. Federal labor law requires employers to provide proper safety equipment.
Lee’s injuries were so severe that he suffered from permanent, chronic pain that prevented him from going back to work and even limited his everyday movements. His orthopedist said he would have to undergo additional surgery on his spine and right hip. However, the judge who heard the case struck Lee’s claim for the cost of future medical expenses.
The judge advised the jury that Lee was not entitled to lost earnings because he was an undocumented worker. Although the jury awarded Lee about $1,226,000, we were able to appeal the case. The appellate court agreed that the trial court judge incorrectly advised the jury about Lee’s ability to recover other damages because of his immigration status. The remaining damages claims were the subject of a new trial. But during the second week of the retrial, the parties negotiated a settlement awarding Lee $3,375,576.20.
This case bears testament to the level of tenaciousness that a winning personal injury lawyer possesses. There are many things that can go wrong and go against the plaintiff during the course of a trial. But, if you have an experienced, knowledgeable, and skilled attorney on your side, you have a much better shot at a successful outcome. The decisions you make during the course of your personal injury case can affect you for the rest of your life.
If your loved one has been injured in a construction site accident, please contact our experienced New York personal injury lawyer to schedule a free, comprehensive, and confidential consultation. Our representatives can come to your doorstep to discuss the case and get you the help you need. We can also help you with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
