2023 Construction Accidents: The Bronx Numbers
Almost 90 construction-related incidents happened in the Bronx during 2023. Eight construction workers suffered injuries requiring emergency treatment. One worker died.
NYC Buildings Department data shows worker falls remain the deadliest threat. Across all boroughs, falls caused 386 incidents in 2023. Material failures resulted in 75 incidents. Mechanical construction equipment contributed to 42 more.
Manhattan led with 236 construction incidents. Brooklyn saw 212. Queens had 105. The Bronx's dozens of cases represent a serious danger to our construction workers.
These numbers only capture officially reported accidents. Many injuries go unreported when workers fear losing jobs. When property owners and contractors fail to meet safety obligations, construction attorneys at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss make them pay.
Construction Accident Cases We Handle in The Bronx
Construction site injuries happen across all project phases. Our construction accident lawyers represent injured construction workers in every type of workplace accident.
We handle cases involving:
- Falls from heights: Scaffolding collapses, ladder failures, unprotected roof edges, and inadequate fall protection systems.
- Scaffold accidents: Improperly erected platforms, missing guardrails, overloaded scaffolds, and New York scaffolding law violations.
- Falling objects: Tools, materials, and debris striking workers from unsafe heights.
- Electrocution injuries: Contact with live wires, defective power tools, and inadequate electrical safety protocols.
- Crane accidents: Equipment malfunctions, operator errors, and improper load securing.
- Trench collapses: Inadequate shoring, improper excavation, and safety regulation failures.
- Construction equipment injuries: Forklifts, bulldozers, and excavators cause crushing or striking injuries.
- Structural collapses: Building failures, wall collapses, and demolition accidents.
- Roofing accidents: Falls through skylights, unprotected roof edges, and unstable surfaces.
- Caught-between accidents: Workers trapped between equipment, vehicles, or materials.

Why Construction Site Accidents Happen
Construction accidents result from specific failures by property owners, general contractors, and other responsible parties.
Common causes include:
- Inadequate fall protection and missing guardrails
- Improperly erected or maintained scaffolding
- Lack of safety equipment or defective gear
- Insufficient worker training on hazards
- Rushed schedules prioritizing speed over safety
- Failure to secure tools and materials
- Inadequate site inspections and supervision
- New York State Industrial Code violations
- Defective construction equipment
- Poor communication about site hazards
Construction Injuries We Help Workers Recover From
The construction industry's inherent dangers mean workers face life-altering harm when safety fails.
- Traumatic brain injuries: Head impacts from falls or falling objects.
- Spinal cord damage: Falls creating paralysis and permanent disability.
- Broken bones: Multiple fractures requiring surgeries and extended recovery.
- Crush injuries: Being caught between equipment causing tissue damage.
- Amputations: Loss of limbs from equipment accidents.
- Burns: Electrical, chemical, and fire-related injuries.
- Internal injuries: Organ damage from falls or equipment strikes.
- Electrocution injuries: Nerve damage and cardiac problems.
- Back and neck injuries: Herniated discs and chronic pain.
- Wrongful death: Fatal accidents leaving families without income.
Getting Compensation Beyond Workers' Comp

Workers' comp pays medical bills and partial wages. It doesn't cover pain and suffering or full income loss.
New York labor laws let injured workers file personal injury lawsuits against third parties. You pursue workers' comp while building a construction accident lawsuit.
The Scaffold Law Changes Everything
NY Labor Law Section 240 imposes strict liability for falls from heights. You don't prove negligence — just that property owners failed to provide required protection.
NY Labor Law Sections 200 and 241 require safe job sites. Violations create grounds for settlements exceeding workers' comp limits.
Damages You Can Get in a Third-Party Claim
Third-party claims provide compensation for:
- Medical costs: Emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, therapy, equipment, and future care.
- Lost income: Missed work days, reduced earning capacity, lost promotions, forced career changes.
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort, emotional trauma, psychological impact.
- Disability: Permanent limitations.
- Home modifications: Accessibility changes.
- Retraining: Vocational rehabilitation.
- Family impact: Loss of consortium.
- Wrongful death: Funeral costs, lost support, loss of companionship.
Proving Third-Party Negligence in Construction Accident Cases
Construction accident claims require demonstrating that someone else's negligence caused your injuries.
Critical evidence includes:
- OSHA inspection reports documenting violations
- Photographs showing dangerous conditions
- Witness statements from coworkers
- Equipment maintenance records revealing neglected repairs
- Safety training documentation showing inadequate instruction
- Site inspection logs demonstrating a lack of oversight
- Contractor agreements defining safety responsibilities
- Building permits and approved safety plans
- Medical records linking injuries to the accident
- Expert testimony from construction safety professionals
New York labor laws shift the burden in many cases. Under the Scaffold Law, injured workers don't need to prove property owners or contractors were negligent — we only need to show they failed to provide required protection and that failure caused your fall.
For other construction site accidents, we demonstrate how responsible parties violated occupational safety regulations, ignored known hazards, or failed to meet reasonable care standards.

Filing Deadlines
Personal injury claims have a three-year statute of limitations from the accident date. Wrongful death cases have a two-year statute of limitations. Workers’ comp claims have a two-year limit. Government contract cases need notices within 90 days.
Construction sites get cleaned quickly. Evidence disappears. Early investigation preserves your case.
Steps After Your Accident
To ensure full compensation for your injuries, follow these steps:
Step 1. Get Medical Help
Report injuries to supervisors and visit emergency rooms even if harm seems minor. Medical records created promptly establish clear connections between accidents and injuries. Follow all treatment recommendations.
Step 2. Report Properly
Notify your employer immediately. File written incident reports. Request copies of all documentation. Report to OSHA if you witnessed serious safety violations.
Step 3. Document Everything
Photograph accident scenes showing dangerous conditions. Get coworker contact information. Save damaged safety equipment and torn clothing. Keep all medical bills and pay stubs.
Step 4. Contact Construction Accident Lawyers
Consult personal injury lawyers before accepting settlements or signing documents. Bronx injury attorneys at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss handle both workers' compensation claims and third-party lawsuits simultaneously, maximizing total compensation.
Don't Settle for Workers’ Comp Alone
New York labor laws give you rights beyond workers’ comp. Contact our Bronx construction accident lawyers at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss for a free consultation!
You will receive a response from us within 1-2 business days


How We Strengthen Your Case
We investigate through site inspections and interviews. We identify all liable parties. We work with construction safety experts. We calculate full damages. We handle workers’ comp coordination. Our trial reputation gives us leverage.





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