Construction in New York City places demands on workers that the city’s residents can’t possibly understand. It is not only dramatic falls, collapsing scaffolds, or heavy machinery accidents that leave workers injured. Many of the most serious construction injuries develop slowly, quietly, and relentlessly through overexertion and repetitive stress.
If you spend your days lifting, carrying, hammering, drilling, pulling, pushing, climbing, or working in awkward positions, your body accumulates strain and scars over time. Eventually, the cumulative effect of repetitive stress and overexertion can prove disastrous. The pain and physical limitations can be so significant that you are unable to work, and that’s when you should seek compensation that you have earned through your hard work.
At The Perecman Firm, we represent injured construction workers throughout New York City who face these realities. Whether through a workers’ compensation claim or a lawsuit, we will fight to secure the compensation you deserve. Call us today or contact us online for your free, no-pressure consultation.
Key Takeaways: Construction Work Injuries and Your Legal Rights
- Overexertion and repetitive stress injuries are common in New York City construction work and often develop over time rather than from a single accident.
- These injuries can affect your back, shoulders, knees, wrists, hands, neck, and nervous system, though every part of your body may be vulnerable.
- Lifting, repetitive motions, awkward postures, vibration, and long hours without adequate rest are major contributors to these types of injuries.
- Workers of all ages and experience levels can suffer these injuries, especially on fast-paced job sites.
- Medical treatment and proper documentation are crucial after any work-related injury, even if symptoms seem minor initially.
- Getting fair compensation must be a priority, so call The Perecman Firm or contact us online to complete your free consultation about how we will seek that compensation for you.
How Overexertion and Repetitive Stress Injuries Happen on (and Off) New York City Construction Sites
Construction jobs in New York City are made more difficult by urgent schedules, limited space, and constant pressure to keep projects moving. Workers in the city often require workers to maneuver materials through stairwells, elevators, scaffolds, and narrow corridors. These conditions place a unique strain on the body.
Overexertion injuries occur when the physical demands of a task exceed what the body can safely handle. Repetitive stress injuries develop when the same motions or postures are repeated day after day without sufficient recovery time. They are among the leading causes of injury in the American workforce, and construction workers are particularly vulnerable.
On city construction sites, these kinds of injuries can result from (and be triggered by):
- Lifting and carrying heavy materials
- Performing the same motions, such as hammering, drilling, or fastening, for hours at a time
- Working overhead or in crouched positions for extended periods
- Handling vibrating tools such as jackhammers, grinders, and drills
- Climbing ladders or scaffolds repeatedly (especially while carrying equipment)
- Working long shifts with few breaks
Because these injuries develop gradually, many workers try to push through the pain. Unfortunately, doing so often worsens the condition and makes it more difficult to treat.
It is critical that you cease work, seek medical attention, and contact The Perecman Firm as soon as you experience any symptoms. This is critical not only to prevent further injury but also to protect your case for injury-related compensation.
Specific Injuries That Can Be Caused by Overexertion and Repetitive Stress
Construction activities tend to affect virtually every part of the body. You might have numerous injuries, some of which may heal with proper care. Other injuries can permanently change your ability to work and live comfortably.
Some of the work-related injuries we see among New York City’s construction workers are:
- Lower back injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Neck injuries
- Knee injuries
- Wrist and hand injuries
- Elbow injuries
- Nerve damage, which can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders known to occur often among the private workforce
- Chronic joint inflammation
These injuries often worsen over time, especially when workers feel compelled to continue working despite the pain. What starts as soreness can lead to permanent impairment if you do not seek immediate care and prioritize your health.
Who Is Most at Risk for Overexertion and Repetitive Stress Injuries?
There is a misconception that only older workers, those who handle the most grueling labor, or those with pre-existing conditions suffer overexertion and repetitive stress injuries. In reality, anyone on a construction site can be injured due to their repetitive job duties.
Some workers may be at a heightened risk of injury, though, and that includes:
- Laborers who regularly perform heavy lifting
- Tradespeople who rely on repetitive hand or arm movements
- Workers assigned to physically demanding tasks without rotation
- New workers who may be hesitant to ask for help or voice their injury symptoms
- Experienced workers who feel pressure to keep pace with a younger generation of workers (who may not feel the same aches and pains that come with years on the job)
In a city like New York, where construction never seems to slow down and competition for contracts is fierce, even highly skilled and careful workers can be pushed beyond their physical limits.
The Devastating Health Consequences of Repetitive Stress and Overexertion Injuries
Officials responsible for workplace safety testify that overexertion and repetitive stress injuries can have “life-changing” consequences for those afflicted. We have seen it firsthand in the injured construction workers we have represented.
Yet employers and insurance companies often downplay these injuries as “part of the job.” Overexertion and repetitive stress injuries are often dismissed as minor or inevitable, and those suffering their effects may feel peer pressure to ignore their own ailments.
Such dismissal is dangerous. These injuries can change every aspect of your life, and potential consequences include:
- Chronic pain that may never subside, especially if you don’t prioritize your recovery
- Reduced mobility
- Loss of strength
- Inability to perform your trade at the same level (or at all)
- The need for surgery or long-term physical therapy
- Permanent work restrictions
- Permanent disability
We regularly represent clients whose injuries result in the end of their careers. Too often, injuries diminish quality of life, even after they become fully focused on their health.
It is painful to have to stop working in a career they have built over years and even decades. The emotional and physical toll of these injuries is a reality we never overlook, and it is a factor that entitles many injured workers to compensation.
Specific Losses Injured Construction Workers May Receive Compensation For
Our New York City construction accident lawyers must compile clients’ substantial damages into a clear, organized list. Those who may pay for the cost of your injuries typically demand this, so we will determine if you’re suffering from (or will suffer from):
- Lost income (which may be permanent if you’re unable to return to gainful employment)
- Reduced earning capacity (which affects workers who resume employment but in an altered capacity)
- Medical expenses
- Physical pain, discomfort, and limitations
- Psychological distress
- Emotional anguish
- Diminished quality of life
Work-related injuries that prove disabling can be particularly devastating, but any injury warrants fair compensation for the suffering worker. Your loved ones may also be a key consideration when we are determining how much compensation you are entitled to.
At The Perecman Firm, we focus on the complete picture of how an injury affects your life, not just what can be seen on a medical chart.
What You Should Do After a Work-Related Injury
Spoiler: The answer is not “keep working” or “suck it up.” As tough as construction workers are, they often need someone to tell them to stop, seek medical care, and put themselves (and their health) first, for once.
Here is precisely what we urge you to do once you recognize that a work injury is impeding your quality of life:
- Seek medical care as soon as symptoms appear
- Report the injury to your employer in a manner consistent with company policy
- Document your symptoms, job duties, and work conditions (writing them down and photographing them when possible)
- Avoid minimizing your pain to supervisors or insurers (being “tough” can only hurt your case for fair compensation)
- Speak with an experienced construction injury lawyer from The Perecman Firm as soon as you can
You owe it to yourself and your loved one to protect your health and put your case in a strong position. Following these steps will accomplish just that.
Claims and Lawsuits: How Injured Construction Workers Get the Money They Deserve
Most construction workers in New York are covered by workers’ compensation. This insurance provides benefits regardless of fault, and covered losses typically include:
- The cost of all medical treatment related to the work injury
- A portion of lost income
- Disability benefits
- The cost of vocational retraining, in some cases
Sometimes, additional compensation may be available through a lawsuit if a third party contributed to your injury. If your injury occurred (at least in part) because of defective safety equipment, machinery, or any other type of third-party negligence, you may be eligible to sue.
Your attorney from The Perecman Firm will carefully evaluate your case and explore all available avenues that might lead to fair compensation.
Never Assume You’ll Get Paid Fairly by Insurers. Instead, Hire Us to Demand It.
Insurance companies often challenge claims for overexertion and repetitive stress. They may argue the injury is not work-related, blame pre-existing conditions, or even accuse you of exaggerating your symptoms.
Having a lawyer from our team leading your case will help ensure:
- Your injury is properly documented and proven
- There is an irrefutable link between the injury and your job
- Insurance carriers do not undervalue your claim
- You are not adversely affected by insurance companies’ bad-faith tactics (which can be distressing)
- All case-related deadlines are met, and your rights are preserved
At The Perecman Firm, we have decades of experience handling complex construction injury cases in New York City, including those arising from repetitive-use injuries. Our nearly $1 billion in recoveries reflect our commitment to fighting for injured workers.
We Protect You from Threats to Their Health (and Their Case)
After an injury, workers often face pressure that jeopardizes their physical and financial recovery. These common threats include:
- Being pushed to return to work too soon (possibly accompanied by threats of professional retaliation)
- Receiving low settlement offers from insurance companies
- Having their insurance claims denied
- Employers who downplay injuries
Some employers might even suggest that if an employee is absent for an extended period, their job won’t be available when they return. The Perecman Firm team does not stand for such subtle or overt abuse. We will step in immediately to shield you from these pressures so you can focus on healing.
How Our New York City Construction Accident Lawyers Build High-Caliber Cases for Injured Workers
We lead by listening. We will take the time to understand your job, injury, and how your life has been affected since the symptoms of repetitive stress arose.
You build physical structures. We build cases.
Our approach to leading cases like yours involves:
- Reviewing medical records
- Becoming familiar with your work history
- Documenting your injury-related losses
- Calculating a precise case value
- Negotiating for a fair insurance settlement
- Handling all duties related to any lawsuit you elect to file
When injured workers file lawsuits and liable parties don’t pay them fairly, we don’t hesitate to fight for them at trial.
Questions You Might Have After Your Work-Related Injury
Some of the questions we hear most often from injured construction workers are:
What if I had a prior injury that relates to the one I’m seeking compensation for?
You may still have a valid claim if work activities aggravated or worsened a pre-existing condition.
Do I need to prove fault to receive a workers’ compensation payout?
No. Workers’ compensation is generally a no-fault system. However, insurance companies can claim horseplay, impairment, and other conditions if they decide they don’t want to pay your claim.
How long do I have to take action after an injury?
Strict deadlines apply to both claims and lawsuits, so speaking with a lawyer promptly is critical.
Call a NYC Construction Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation About Injuries from Overexertion and Repetitive Stress on the Job
If you are suffering from injuries caused by overexertion and repetitive stress in construction work, you deserve experienced legal guidance. You’ll find that guidance at The Perecman Firm, where we are proud to represent New York City construction workers who need a fighter in their corner.
New York law imposes strict statutes of limitations and notice requirements for work-related injuries. Missing a deadline can cost you your right to compensation, so don’t wait.
Call The Perecman Firm today or contact us online, and we’ll complete your free consultation right away. You have no upfront or out-of-pocket costs when you hire us, as we are paid based on the results of our cases.