Construction is known as one of the most dangerous jobs in the country, and that’s certainly proven to be true here in New York City.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the private construction sector accounted for over 60 workplace fatalities in 2023-4, the leading causes being transportation incidents and slips, trips, and falls.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury or even lost their life in a construction accident in New York, you may have a strong personal injury case.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the strongest types of evidence for construction-related injury cases, as well as what our construction accident lawyers serving New York think you should know about them.
Official Documentation
Incident Reports
One of the first things you should do after a construction site accident is file a formal report, which is among the strongest types of evidence in a construction case. If your workplace does not have a standard procedure, document in writing a timeline of events as soon as possible while your memory is fresh. Make sure you include all pertinent details in your incident report.
First Responder Reports
Emergency medical service (EMS) logs or police reports can also serve as strong evidence for a construction site injury. These records describe injuries and environmental factors, and they often include statements of those at the scene of the incident. These testimonies can be used to recreate and gain a consensus of what happened to cause your injuries.
Government Records
Federal or state Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) documentation often serves as strong proof of unsafe working conditions, establishing negligence directly or a pattern of negligent behavior on the part of the employer. This can include inspections records, citations, and violation logs. Typically, a personal injury attorney will gather this type of evidence; if you believe your employer has these types of violations, it may be a good idea to consult a lawyer.
Video Evidence
Construction Site Cameras
Surveillance footage is one of the strongest types of evidence in a construction site personal injury case in New York. Security cameras often can capture how an accident happened and exactly what caused it, whether that be faulty scaffolding, a worker who carelessly left a heavy tool on the edge of the scaffolding above and caused a head injury, or something else. Not only that, but security footage also often shows how long a hazard was present and demonstrates that the responsible parties failed to address the problem.
Smartphone Video
In addition to construction site surveillance cameras, cell phone recordings can add strong evidence beyond witness statements. These may be taken by coworkers or bystanders and further demonstrate how an accident happened. Smartphone video can capture poor weather conditions that workers should not have been allowed to labor in, provide a bigger picture view of the events that occurred during the accident, and more.
Preserving Video Footage
Since surveillance data is frequently deleted so tapes can be reused, you need to act quickly in the event of an accident. Reach out to a construction accident attorney in New York as soon as possible, so that they can send a formal letter of spoliation to the defendant. This is a letter that legally prevents destruction of any pertinent evidence, lest they face legal penalties, such as fines.
Further Evidence
Depending on the details of your case, there are many more types of evidence that can build a strong construction accident personal injury case in New York This can include photographs of the scene, maintenance logs, your medical records, and eyewitness testimony. A seasoned New York construction accident attorney can gather advice and use it to create a strong argument so you are maximally covered for any injuries, pain, or suffering you sustain.
To better figure out what types of evidence might build your case, get in touch with Buttafuoco & Associates.
Call 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation with an experienced New York construction accident attorney.
