Workers’ Compensation Attorneys for Ironworkers

New Jersey ironworkers deal with on-the-job hazards every day, from climbing great heights, handling heavy tools, and being exposed to hazardous materials. Ironworkers play an essential role in creating the infrastructure that is vital to our communities. Common job duties include installing iron and steel on large structures, unloading materials, and using equipment to weld metals. The nature of their job, however, exposes ironworkers to the risk of sustaining severe injuries.

Ironworkers who are injured at work are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. All too often, injured ironworkers are taken advantage of by their employers, or insurance companies, and end up with much less than they deserve. With an experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney representing their interests, ironworkers can increase their chances of getting maximum compensation for their injuries, while ensuring their rights are protected.

Hazards of an Ironworker’s Job

The construction industry is known for having one of the highest injury rates across all occupations. Ironworkers have the ninth most dangerous job in the United States, with a fatal injury rate of 27 per 100,000 workers in 2019. The leading cause of fatal on-the-job injuries that year was slip and fall accidents.

An iron worker’s job comes with unique dangers, whether it involves working on tall skyscrapers or repairing roofs. While the risks vary depending on the conditions of each job site, common ways in which work injuries occur include:

• Falls: Workers may fall off ladders, from scaffolding, or through unprotected floor openings.
• Defective Equipment: Poorly maintained machinery or electrical equipment can cause injuries.
• Toxic Exposure: Ironworkers may be exposed to toxic fumes or hazardous chemicals that can cause occupational illnesses if inhaled. Exposure to asbestos and lead can also lead to serious illness.
• Electrical hazards: Coming into contact with high-voltage power lines can result in electrocution or death.
• Falling objects: Workers may be hit by falling objects such as tools, debris, or construction materials.
• Caught between objects: Getting caught between two objects, such as heavy equipment and a steel beam, can cause debilitating, crushing injuries.
• Burn Injuries: ironworkers are often involved in welding, and hence are exposed to very hot materials and temperatures, and potentially, flammable materials.

Types of Injuries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, New Jersey’s construction industry had 2,900 recordable cases of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in 2020. Of those, around 1,500 cases required employees to take time away from work. While some injuries can arise from an on-the-job accident, others can manifest over time. For example, repetitive stress injuries occur when workers frequently engage in the same movements, such as pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying heavy objects. The physically demanding nature of an iron worker’s tasks can lead to muscle strains that build gradually over a period. 

No matter the type of injury or occupational illness a New Jersey ironworker sustains, they are entitled to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. Common injuries sustained by iron workers include:

• Cuts and lacerations
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Burn Injuries
• Electrocution
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck & Shoulder injuries
• Fractures
• Crush injuries 
• Eye injuries
• Amputations
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Injuries from Falling Objects
• Death

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Injured Ironworkers 

The New Jersey workers’ compensation system allows injured workers to obtain benefits regardless of who was at fault for their on-the-job accident. Benefits are also available for occupational illnesses and other work-related injuries that are not the result of an accident.

When an iron worker suffers an illness or injury, they will likely require medical treatment. They may also have to take time off work, depending on the injury’s severity. Workers’ compensation benefits should cover medical expenses, as well as a portion of the employee’s lost wages.

Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if the injury is severe. An experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney can help you navigate the system and ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.

Third-Party Claims

Sometimes a negligent third party may be to blame for a workplace accident. For example, an ironworker may get injured due to defective machinery or because a contractor failed to provide proper safety equipment, such as hard hats and boots.

In such cases, it may be possible to seek damages from the responsible party through a personal injury lawsuit. A New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyer can evaluate your situation to determine whether you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against a third party in addition to receiving workers’ compensation benefits.

Contact the Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm Now!

If you were injured while employed as an ironworker, this is undoubtedly a difficult time for you and your family. The workers’ compensation lawyers at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm understand the challenges you face and want to help protect your rights. We aggressively represent every client we serve, ensuring they recover the benefits they need to move on with their lives after a serious accident while on the job. 

Whether it be through a workers’ comp claim and/or a third-party personal injury case, our worker’s compensation and personal injury lawyers will help you navigate the complexities of the process, so you can focus on your recovery. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients and can effectively negotiate on your behalf with even the largest insurance companies. We have successfully served thousands of clients throughout New Jersey. To learn more about how we can help you pursue a workers’ compensation claim, give us a call today at (973) 920-7900 to request a free and confidential consultation. You can also connect with us through our online form. There is never a fee unless we win. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey.