New York City Construction Accident Attorney

• Crane accidents
• Forklift accidents
• Ladder falls
• Scaffolding accidents
• Chemical exposure
• Electrical accidents
• Safety violations

Whether you are dealing with the aftermath of a minor injury, a life-altering disability, or a fatal accident involving your spouse or another loved one, you can count on our team to provide aggressive legal help.

Injured in a New York construction accident? Call us for a free consultation at (888) 365-4940 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. Available 24/7 for your convenience.

Why Hire a Construction Accident Attorney in New York?

When a construction accident occurs, hiring a skilled construction accident lawyer in New York is a smart first step. An attorney familiar with construction accident laws and who has represented injured workers can protect your legal rights and help you seek maximum compensation.

New York's unique labor laws and city-specific statutes can significantly influence the outcome of any construction injury case. Attorneys who regularly handle these cases know how to interpret local building codes, gather safety records, and pursue claims that reflect the city's complex legal landscape. New York Labor Laws sections 200, 240, and 241 offer some of the strongest worker protections in the country. Knowing how to use these laws can make a crucial difference in your recovery.

Pursuing legal action in construction accident claims often means dealing with multiple parties and complex state and local laws. Injured workers may not realize all available legal options, including the potential for third-party claims when another company or contractor shares responsibility. A knowledgeable attorney will guide you through the process, ensuring all avenues for compensation are explored—from workers' compensation to personal injury lawsuits. This support matters, because understanding safety rules and how they were breached can shape the outcome.

Additionally, a construction attorney can assist by:

• Filing a claim for workers' compensation benefits with your employer
• Investigating the cause of your accident to identify all liable parties
• Negotiating with insurance companies to secure the highest possible compensation
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit against a third party, when appropriate

Our New York construction accident lawyer does more than collect the necessary documentation to negotiate a fair settlement—we represent claims in court when it is needed to pursue maximum compensation. If you have suffered an injury on a construction site, we are ready to help.

What Are the Most Common Construction Injuries in NYC?

Contractors, subcontractors, electricians, and other construction workers face high risks at hazardous jobsites, using powerful machinery and heavy tools. Even if these injuries are not fatal, construction workers often suffer catastrophic injuries that can disrupt nearly every aspect of daily life.

Some injuries happen more frequently in certain boroughs or with specific types of projects. For example, Manhattan high-rise construction sites see higher risks from falling objects or scaffolding failures, while road construction in the boroughs exposes workers to increased danger from moving vehicles. Understanding these local trends enhances a legal claim by connecting site-specific conditions to recognized hazards.

Common construction injuries include:

• Being hit by falling objects
• Lifting and back injuries
• Hand and power tool injuries
• Falls from heights
• Severe burns
• Electrocutions
• Explosions
• Crush injuries and amputation

Understanding New York's Scaffold Law

New York's Labor Law 240, known as the Scaffold Law, ranks among the strictest worker protection laws in the country. This law places legal responsibility on property owners and contractors to keep workers safe while performing tasks at heights, including on scaffolds or ladders. Parties that ignore these requirements can be held liable for resulting injuries.

The Scaffold Law requires proper safety equipment such as harnesses, nets, and guardrails to prevent falls and injuries. If a worker is injured because those protections were missing, they may have grounds for a legal claim under this law. Contacting a construction accident lawyer in New York who understands these statutes is essential. Building a Scaffold Law case involves complex arguments and evidence about safety rules and site management failures.

The Role of Insurance Companies in Construction Accidents

Insurance companies play a central role in construction accident claims, managing payment of compensation to injured workers through workers' compensation or liability insurance. Insurance carriers sometimes attempt to reduce payouts or deny valid claims, which makes knowledgeable legal representation important for injured construction workers.

Construction accident attorneys negotiate directly with insurance companies to ensure all compensation options are reviewed. This process may cover medical expenses, missed income, ongoing rehabilitation, and sometimes permanent impacts. When attorneys recognize the tactics insurance companies use, they advocate for appropriate compensation so workers are not left with financial burdens after a jobsite incident.

Critical Steps to Take Immediately After a Construction Accident

After a construction accident in New York, immediate steps can affect both your health and your legal options. Your first priority should be safety—move to a secure area if you can and seek medical attention for any injury, no matter how minor it appears. Fast medical care creates a record linking injuries to the workplace event, a record that attorneys and insurance providers review during a claim.

Inform your employer or site supervisor about the accident in writing as soon as you are able. New York law requires prompt reporting, and not informing your employer within the deadline could limit your right to workers’ compensation. Keep copies of all reports or correspondence you submit. Document the scene by taking photos of the area, visible hazards, equipment, and your injuries. Gather the names and contacts of witnesses, as their observations may be key if a dispute arises about what happened.

Keep any paperwork related to the incident, such as incident reports or letters from insurance contacts. If agencies like the New York City Department of Buildings or OSHA respond to investigate, note their contact information so you can access their findings if necessary. If you are a union member, notify your union, which can provide guidance through the reporting process. These actions maintain a clear record and protect your rights under New York’s strict workplace safety rules.

Your Legal Timeline: Understanding Deadlines & the Statute of Limitations

Responding promptly after a construction accident protects your rights under New York law. For most workers’ compensation cases, you have 30 days to notify your employer of the accident and two years to file your claim with the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. If you do not act within these timeframes, you may lose access to workers’ compensation benefits. For personal injury cases against third parties, New York law generally provides a three-year period from the date of the injury to begin your lawsuit.

For wrongful death claims, the standard limit is two years from the date of death. Deadlines may be even shorter if a public agency or government entity is involved, including a possible requirement to file a notice of claim within 90 days. The complexity of New York’s legal system for construction sites and city projects makes it much easier to act early. Missing a deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation, no matter how severe your injury. Timely documentation and legal action help you keep the greatest number of options for your recovery.

FAQs

What Should I Do if My Construction Injury Isn’t Immediately Apparent?

Seek medical care as soon as you notice symptoms, even if it takes days or weeks to develop. New York law protects your right to file a claim for injuries that appear or worsen after the accident, but reporting these symptoms to your employer as soon as possible supports your case.

Do I Have to Use a Doctor Approved by My Employer for Workers’ Compensation?

In New York, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance may request that you see a network provider for the first visit. After that, you can usually choose another qualified doctor for ongoing treatment. Double-check your plan’s guidelines to see what rules apply to your case.

Can I Pursue Both Workers’ Compensation & a Personal Injury Claim?

Yes, some injured workers may receive workers’ compensation and also bring a personal injury claim against negligent third parties like contractors or property owners. Each claim type has different standards and deadlines, so it can help to consult a construction accident attorney in New York about how the claims might interact.

If you've been injured, reach out to our New York construction accident attorney today to learn how we can help make you whole. Call (888) 365-4940 or contact us online to get started.