Construction sites in New York are dangerous and workers are at a high risk of suffering serious injuries, especially when property owners and contractors fail to provide for the safety of those workers. In the construction of new buildings, as well as the renovation or modernization of existing buildings, workers who are injured due to negligence have the right to pursue compensation for their medical bills and lost wages.
At The Stein Law Group, PLLC, we have the experience to handle construction accident cases in New York, including those involving third-party claims, as well as workers’ compensation. We have built a strong reputation in New York for our high-quality personal injury representation and have obtained some of the largest verdicts and settlements in the state on behalf of injured construction workers.
Experienced New York Construction Accident Attorneys
In New York, a law known as Labor Law 240 governs the rights of construction workers who have been hurt on the job. If your accident and injuries qualify, the owner of the site or building and/or the general contractor are strictly liable for your injuries. This includes construction accidents such as:
- Scaffolding and ladder accidents
- Heavy machinery accidents
- Falls from heights
- Falling debris
- Forklift and crane accidents
- Burns and electrocution
While our firm can represent workers hurt on any size of construction job, it is important to know that you do not have to be hurt on a gigantic construction site to recover compensation. Even an accident that occurs while putting in a new light fixture in a retail store can qualify for compensation.
Common Construction Accidents Across New York City
Falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and other elevated work areas remain the leading cause of construction fatalities in the city. New York Labor Law Section 240, often called the Scaffold Law, imposes strict liability on property owners and general contractors for gravity related injuries when proper safety equipment was not provided. Struck-by accidents involving falling materials, swinging loads, or moving equipment are also common, along with electrical injuries from exposed wiring, faulty equipment, or improper lockout and tagout procedures.
Our attorneys have represented injured construction workers throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, including scaffold collapses at Manhattan high-rise projects, ladder accidents at Brooklyn residential developments, trench cave-ins at Queens infrastructure sites, crane accidents at Bronx construction projects, and electrical injuries at Staten Island commercial developments. We also represent workers injured on job sites in parts of New Jersey.
What to Do After a Construction Accident
Taking the right steps after a construction accident can help protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately: some injuries have delayed symptoms even when they seem minor at first
- Report the accident: notify your supervisor and confirm an accident report gets filed
- Document the scene: photograph the accident location, equipment involved, and any unsafe conditions if you are able to
- Preserve evidence: keep damaged equipment, torn clothing, or other items connected to the accident
- Speak with an attorney: consult a construction accident lawyer before speaking with insurance representatives
Following these steps helps preserve the evidence needed to support a strong claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Construction Accident Claim in New York?
The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in New York, including construction accidents, is three years from the date of injury. This window can be shorter when a government entity or public authority is involved, since notice of claim requirements may apply. Workers compensation claims generally must be filed within two years, and notice to your employer should be given within thirty days of the accident. Speaking with an attorney soon after an injury helps ensure deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.
Can I Recover Compensation Beyond Workers Compensation?
In many cases, yes. Workers compensation provides benefits regardless of fault, but those benefits are limited and do not cover pain and suffering or the full extent of lost wages. Construction workers often have additional claims against parties other than their employer, such as property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or material suppliers. These third-party claims can provide substantially more compensation than workers compensation alone.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover?
Construction accident victims may be entitled to compensation depending on the circumstances and liable parties involved, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability or disfigurement, and rehabilitation and therapy costs.
Learn More About Our Experienced Construction Representation
If you have been injured on a construction site in New York, we can help you understand your rights and options. Contact one of our offices in New York City to schedule a free initial consultation with The Stein Law Group, PLLC. Fill out the form below to request an appointment.
Legally reviewed by Adam J. Stein, Esq.
Last Updated:
Adam J. Stein, Esq. is the Founder and Managing Director of The Stein Law Group, PLLC, where he represents injured clients throughout New York City and New Jersey. A graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law, he is admitted to practice in both New York and New Jersey and handles personal injury cases including car accidents, medical malpractice, workers' compensation, and construction accidents.