HVAC Accident Attorneys

New York Work Injury Lawyers Who Have Your Back

Living in New York means dealing with cold winters and hot summers, and HVAC contractors and technicians do important work to keep New Yorkers healthy and comfortable. Unfortunately, anyone can get injured while working on heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

When HVAC workers are injured on the job, the New York workers’ comp lawyers at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP are there to help navigate the complicated path to benefits. Our attorneys know how to handle such complex legal cases and can demand the workers’ compensation benefits you rightfully deserve after your HVAC injury in New York.

Common causes of HVAC accidents

Just about every building has temperature control equipment, so HVAC work accidents happen at some familiar places: schools, colleges, stores, office buildings, homes, garages, power plants, manufacturers, restaurants, nursing homes, hospitals, etc. They are also common around new and updated construction, so busy neighborhoods like the Upper East Side, Yorkville, Chelsea, Hudson Square, and the Financial District can see a lot of action.

So why do these workplace accidents happen? Sometimes, it’s because of unsafe working conditions. Other times, it’s because employers do not provide HVAC workers with safety equipment or training. Whatever the reason, sick or injured HVAC workers in New York should be treated with respect and receive the financial compensation they deserve. That’s why you need our New York workplace injury lawyers on your side.

Common injuries in the HVAC industry

People working in HVAC are more at risk for some injuries than others. Employees are often injured when using or transporting the bulky and heavy tools of the job. Employees also face electrical hazards, chemical exposure and the potential to develop respiratory sickness.

Common HVAC injuries include:

Overexertion — Pushing your muscles too hard, or overexertion, is the number one injury suffered by HVAC workers. This can include lifting loads too that are too heavy and repetitive motion injuries. Typical injuries that result from overexertion include sprains, strained tendons, torn muscles, and persistent soreness and pain.

Getting struck by an object — Fractures, cuts and lacerations, contusions, bruises, heat and thermal burns, soreness and pain, amputation, and traumatic injuries are often the result of impact.

Slips, trips and falls — The most common types of injury to sustain from a slip and fall are fractures, strains, tears and traumatic injuries.

Exposure to harmful substances or environments — Exposure to industrial chemicals can cause respiratory illnesses, skin damage and hearing loss.

Vehicle accidents – HVAC repair and maintenance work often involves traveling between job sites. Workers’ comp doesn’t just cover you at the job site itself; it also applies to injuries sustained while driving from site to site during your workday.

HVAC safety regulations in New York

The heating and cooling industry in New York must abide by many local, state and federal safety regulations designed to protect the health and well-being of HVAC contractors and service technicians.

On the federal level, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) enforces federal laws designed to protect workers’ health and safety. On the state level, the New York Department of Labor enforces safety regulations. And in New York City, the Office of Labor Policy & Standards (OLPS) enforces the city’s workplace safety rules and regulations.

But it’s also important that injured HVAC workers have someone who works just for them. That’s where our New York law firm comes in. Our focus is simple – to make sure your HVAC injury receives the attention it rightfully deserves and compensation you need to fully recover.

How long do I have to sue for an HVAC work-related injury?

First, to file for workers’ compensation benefits, you need to notify your employer within 30 days of the injury. Then, you have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a workers’ compensation claim. Our attorneys can help you with this process.

What about filing a lawsuit? With rare exceptions, you can’t sue your employer if you were injured on the job. Workers’ compensation is the “exclusive remedy” against your employer and any co-employees of the same employer. However, there are many situations where an injured HVAC worker can file a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent third party. For example, if you were injured due to defective equipment or unsafe conditions on a customer’s property, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. In these situations, you typically have up to three years from the date of the accident.

However, other deadlines can apply in some situations. That’s why it’s in your interest to speak with an experienced work injury attorney about your legal rights and options as soon as possible. We can investigate your HVAC accident and identify all possible sources of compensation for your injuries.

Our experienced HVAC accident lawyers will fight for you

When people are injured on the job and need time to heal, workers’ comp pays for your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. If you have a permanent injury, you may be eligible for disability and schedule loss of use (SLU) benefits. However, getting the benefits you’re entitled to receive by law can be a difficult process. The insurance company may downplay your injuries or deny your claim. You need someone who knows the process on your side.

An experienced New York work injury lawyer can put you in a position to win. Your lawyer can investigate your claim, file the correct paperwork, meet legal deadlines, and argue on your behalf to get you the most money for your claim. If your application is rejected, a knowledgeable lawyer can take the next step and exhaust all legal options to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP has been fighting for the rights of injured New York workers for more than 90 years. We know how the legal system works here, and we know how to navigate the system to help our clients recover.

Call us today, toll-free at (866) 840-6709 or contact us online for a free legal case review. Every discussion is confidential and there is no obligation. We are ready to hear from you now.