What Is Third-Party Liability in a Construction Accident?
Over 35 years of experience. Over $100 million recovered for clients.
What Is Third-Party Liability in a Construction Accident?
Over 35 years of experience. Over $100 million recovered for clients.

What Is Third-Party Liability in a Construction Accident?

Those who work in the construction industry are asked to perform dangerous jobs. Every year, construction accidents rank among the most common New Jersey workplace accidents. Not only is the job dangerous, but due to the often-complex relationships between the various individuals and businesses involved in a large construction project, determining who is at fault in a construction accident can be challenging. Those injured while working a construction job may be able to file either a New Jersey workers’ compensation claim and/or a third-party lawsuit. However, understanding the differences between these claims is crucial.

Most people are familiar with the workers’ compensation system, which provides a quick way for employees who are injured on the job to obtain payment for their medical bills and lost wages without needing to prove that their employer was at fault. However, for those who suffered severe injuries due to the negligence of a non-employer third party, there may be an additional option.

The workers’ compensation program was designed to manage claims between an employee and their employer. However, if a non-employer is responsible for causing an accident, the claim is not governed by the workers’ compensation system. Instead, an injured worker can bring a traditional negligence lawsuit against the third-party. Examples of potentially negligent third parties include:

• Other motorists
• Customers
• Utility companies
• Outside vendors
• Manufacturers of equipment or supplies
• Independent contractors
• Sub-contractors
• Project managers
• Property owners
• Engineers or architects

A few examples of situations where a third-party claim may be appropriate include:

Injuries caused by defective safety equipment
• Falls due to improperly assembled or manufactured scaffolding
Slip and fall accidents
• Electrocution injuries
• Fires and explosions
• Heavy equipment accidents
• Collapsing buildings
• Exposure to harmful chemicals
• Collapsing walls, ditches or trenches

Anytime an employee’s injury was caused by a party other than their employer or another employee, they may be able to pursue a third-party claim against that person. Unlike a workers’ compensation claim, the injured worker must show that the third-party was negligent in a third-party claim. This requires an employee to prove that the third party:

1. Owed the worker a duty of care;
2. Violated that duty, either by some action or inaction; and
3. Caused the worker’s injuries.

Proving a third-party claim can be challenging, especially once insurance companies get involved. Injured construction workers should consult with an experienced New Jersey construction accident lawyer for immediate assistance.

Have You Been Injured in a New Jersey Construction Accident?

If you have been seriously injured in a New Jersey construction accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation through a workers’ compensation or a personal injury claim. The dedicated New Jersey personal injury attorneys at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm are here to help you discuss your options. Our attorneys provide sound advice and compassionate, zealous advocacy to accident victims across the state.

The New Jersey work injury attorneys at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm have over 35 years of experience aggressively representing construction workers and their families in all types of injury claims. Our firm’s founder, Attorney Todd Leonard, has devoted his entire legal career to helping injured workers recover the compensation they need and deserve following a serious accident. To learn more about how we can help you pursue a claim for compensation, give us a call today at (973) 920-7900 to request a free and confidential consultation. There is no risk in calling, because we never charge a fee unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries. We have offices conveniently located in Denville and Morristown.

Todd Leonard and his staff made me feel like family.

Trust me, he will take you into his hands and take care of all your personal injury legal matters. They are friendly, professional, and go out all the way for you. Thank you Todd Leonard and staff.

- Frank O.
Mr. Leonard’s law firm constantly kept in touch

and on top of my problems. They were quick to respond to my legal needs and were very attentive and showed real concern to my issues. I highly recommend them to anyone needing legal representation.

- Leslie W.
I highly recommend using this law firm.

My lawyer Paul Paravati was always available there for me and gave me first rate service.

- Richard B.
The Leonard Law Firm is truly amazing.

They go above and beyond to make sure you get what you deserve.

- Gina V.
Todd and his staff were courteous and caring about my personal well-being.

They were knowledgeable and settled my case in an expedited manner. I really felt they were on my side the whole way. Thank you Todd and staff for excellent treatment!

- B.H.
He was relentless

until the case was fully settled and all was in our favor. Thank you so much. We highly recommend his office to anyone.

- E. and M.
You are the most amazing person

and I am indebted to you forever!

- P.S.

A proven track record of success

$29.5Million
Product Liability & Auto Accident
$3.5Million
Drunk Driving Accident
$2.94Million
Car Accident Road Defect
$2.5Million
Workplace Construction Accident
$2.25Million
Fall Down Accident
$1.8Million
Car Accident State Vehicle
$1.8Million
Car Accident State Vehicle
$1.5Million
Fatal Apartment Fire
$1.36Million
Auto Accident
$1.2Million
Auto Accident
$1.0Million
Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuit
$1.0Million
Slip & Fall Accident
$1.0Million
Fall Down Accident
$29.5Million
Product Liability & Auto Accident
$3.5Million
Drunk Driving Accident
$2.94Million
Car Accident Road Defect
$2.5Million
Workplace Construction Accident
$2.25Million
Fall Down Accident
$1.8Million
Car Accident State Vehicle
$1.5Million
Fatal Apartment Fire
$1.36Million
Auto Accident
$1.2Million
Auto Accident
$1.0Million
Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuit
$1.0Million
Slip & Fall Accident
$1.0Million
Fall Down Accident
$29.5Million
Product Liability & Auto Accident
$3.96Million
Car Accident/Brain Injury
$3.5Million
Drunk Driving Accident
$3.1Million
Slip and Fall: Workers’ Compensation & Premises Liability Accident
$2.94Million
Car Accident Road Defect
$2.5Million
Workplace Construction Accident
$2.25Million
Fall Down Accident
$1.8Million
Car Accident State Vehicle
$1.5Million
Fatal Fire Apartment
$1.36Million
Auto Accident
$1.2Million
Auto Accident
$1.1Million
Slip & Fall Accident

Request a Free Consultation

Being injured or having a family member injured can have serious and lifelong consequences. We can try to ease the burden. Contact us today to learn more about how our team of experienced New Jersey accident attorneys can support you through these challenging times.