New York City Construction Accident Lawyer

NYC Construction Accident Statistics and Risks

Construction remains one of New York City's most dangerous industries, with accident rates exceeding national averages.

Recent data from the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) and NYC Buildings Construction Safety Report reveal that construction deaths account for 22% of all worker fatalities in New York City, compared to 21% nationwide.

This elevated risk reflects the unique challenges of building in America's densest urban environment, where workers navigate extreme heights, heavy machinery, and complex site conditions daily.

Types of Construction Accident Cases We Handle

New York City's construction industry is considered to be one of the most dangerous in the United States. Building activities, combined with the city's unique layout and ambitious vertical development, create numerous hazards for workers.

Our firm regularly handles cases involving:

• Scaffolding and Ladder Accidents: Multi-story construction projects require extensive scaffolding systems that must meet strict safety standards. When these systems fail due to improper assembly, poor maintenance, or substandard materials, construction workers face the risk of catastrophic falls.
• Crane and Heavy Equipment Incidents: New York City’s many tall buildings demand sophisticated crane operations in confined spaces. Equipment malfunctions, operator errors, and inadequate safety protocols can all result in devastating accidents.
• Electrical Injuries: Intricate power systems in modern construction pose the threat of electrocution. Exposed wiring, unmarked power lines, and improper lockout/tagout procedures frequently lead to severe burns and internal injuries.
• Falling Object Strikes: Tools, materials, and debris falling from heights present constant dangers on multi-story projects. Inadequate overhead protection, improper material storage, and missing toe boards often contribute to these preventable accidents.
• Trench Collapses: Underground utility work and foundation construction call for extensive trenching, often in unstable soil conditions. When proper shoring and excavation safety measures are ignored, workers can become buried or crushed.
• Structural Collapses: Fast-track construction schedules sometimes lead to the premature removal of temporary supports or the overloading of partially completed structures. These sorts of failures can trap multiple workers and cause catastrophic injuries.

Common Construction Accident Injuries in New York

Construction accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries due to the treacherous nature of building work. When safety protocols fail, workers can face devastating consequences, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries: Falls from heights and struck-by accidents frequently give rise to severe head trauma, leading to cognitive impairment and personality changes.
• Spinal cord damage: Compression accidents and falls can result in permanent paralysis, requiring lifetime medical care and home modifications.
• Crush injuries: Heavy equipment and falling materials can trap workers, causing severe tissue damage and potential amputation.
• Burn injuries: Electrical accidents and chemical exposures can create deep tissue burns that necessitate multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.
• Orthopedic trauma: Fractures from falls and equipment impacts often require multiple surgeries and protracted physical therapy.
• Respiratory damage: Exposure to toxic substances and construction-generated dust can cause permanent lung damage and chronic breathing difficulties.
• Psychological trauma: Being involved in a serious accident can lead to the onset of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, requiring long-term mental health support.

The combination of heavy machinery, working at heights, and proximity to high-powered tools creates risks for traumatic injuries that can end careers and impact families for generations.

How to Get Compensation After a Construction Accident in NYC

Recovering from a construction accident is about more than just healing physically — it’s about reclaiming your financial stability and protecting your future prospects. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to secure fair and adequate compensation for your worksite injury:

Workers' Compensation and Personal Injury Lawsuits

Understanding the interplay between workers' compensation and construction accident lawsuits is the key to maximizing your recovery after a job site injury.

New York’s workers' compensation system serves as an immediate safety net, delivering medical benefits and wage replacement after workplace accidents without requiring proof of fault.

For construction workers facing mounting bills and lost income, these benefits can provide crucial support during the initial recovery phase. However, the system's predetermined limits rarely reflect the true cost of serious construction injuries, especially in cases involving permanent disabilities or specialized trade skills.

Beyond the basic protections of workers' compensation, New York's unique labor laws create opportunities for additional recovery through third-party lawsuits.

Construction projects typically involve numerous entities, including property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, equipment suppliers, and design professionals, each of which may bear liability under specific sections of the labor law.

Our focused approach often uncovers multiple responsible parties, from architects who fail to identify major safety hazards to suppliers who provide defective materials. By pursuing formal lawsuits alongside workers' compensation claims, we consistently secure settlements that help offset the impacts of serious construction accidents.

Notable Labor Laws and Regulations in New York

New York has some of the nation's strongest worker protection laws, particularly for construction workers. These laws establish clear responsibilities for property owners, general contractors, and subcontractors to maintain safe working conditions. Understanding them is vital for protecting your rights after a construction accident.

Recent court decisions have reinforced and expanded these protections, making them more relevant than ever for today's construction workforce. Here are some of the most important regulations to be aware of:

Labor Law 200

This fundamental workplace safety statute establishes general obligations for maintaining safe working conditions. It requires property owners and contractors to provide reasonable protection to workers and visitors on construction sites.

The law covers everything from proper lighting and ventilation to safe equipment operation and hazard communication. Courts interpret this law broadly to ensure comprehensive worker protection, particularly in cases involving dangerous site conditions or equipment safety issues.

Labor Law 240 (the "Scaffold Law")

More commonly known as the "Scaffold Law," this statute specifically addresses gravity-related risks in construction, mandating adequate protection for workers performing tasks at height, including appropriate safety equipment and proper scaffold construction.

The law establishes absolute liability for owners and contractors who fail to provide adequate fall protection, making it a powerful tool for injured workers seeking compensation. Recent interpretations have expanded coverage to include injuries from falling objects and various elevation-related hazards.

Labor Law 241

Section 241 of New York’s labor laws sets out specific safety requirements for construction, demolition, and excavation work. It incorporates detailed Industrial Code Rules applying to everything from personal protective equipment to power tool safety.

The law requires strict compliance with numerous safety regulations and creates liability for violations that cause injury. Courts have consistently upheld it, noting its importance in maintaining high safety standards on construction sites.

The Statute of Limitations for Construction Accidents

Construction accident claims in New York come with strict legal deadlines that vary depending on the type of claim and the parties involved.

For standard personal injury claims against private parties, injured workers generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, this timeline can be significantly shorter for claims involving government entities or public construction projects, where Notice of Claim requirements may give you just 90 days to initiate legal action.

The complexity of construction accidents means multiple parties are often involved, each of which may present different filing deadlines. For instance, workers' compensation claims must be reported within 30 days of the accident, though some claims can be filed up to two years later if there's good cause for delay.

Third-party liability claims, meanwhile, such as those against equipment manufacturers or subcontractors, may have different deadlines based on the nature of the claim and the jurisdiction. Missing these deadlines could cause you to permanently lose your right to seek compensation.

Possible Expenses After a Construction Accident Injury

Construction accidents typically have far-reaching financial impacts beyond medical costs. From immediate emergency expenses to long-term career changes, these injuries often create hefty financial burdens that affect both workers and their families.

The costs associated with a construction injury may include:

• Emergency trauma care: Initial stabilization and treatment often involve numerous specialists coordinating care for complex injuries.
• Surgical interventions: Multiple surgeries may be required to address severe injuries, with some procedures carried out over months or years to achieve optimal outcomes. 
• Physical rehabilitation: Extensive physical therapy and occupational therapy programs may be necessary to restore function and adapt to permanent limitations.
• Psychological support: Mental health treatment can address lingering trauma, anxiety, and depression, which are common after injurious accidents.
• Home modifications: Some injuries may require home renovations like wheelchair ramps, wider doorways, and modified bathrooms to accommodate physical limitations.
• Transportation needs: Specialized vehicles or transportation services may become necessary when injuries affect a victim’s mobility or ability to drive.
• Family support services: Professional caregivers, housekeepers, and childcare services may be needed during recovery or permanently for catastrophic injuries.
• Vocational training: Career changes prompted by severe injuries may require new certifications, education, or training to transition to different types of work.

Understanding the full scope of the potential expenses can help you seek compensation that truly reflects your losses.

How Much Does a New York City Construction Accident Attorney Cost?

At Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, we understand that injured construction workers face considerable financial pressure during recovery. Our dedication to justice means removing monetary barriers that might prevent workers from exercising their rights.

We offer:

• Free case evaluation: Discuss your case with no cost or obligation.
• No upfront fees: We’ll cover all necessary case expenses for you.
• Contingency structure: You’ll only pay us only if we win your case.
• Transparent fees: We provide clear, written explanations of all costs.
• Risk-free representation: No recovery means no fees — guaranteed.

Concerns about money shouldn’t keep you from getting the legal assistance you need. When you work with Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, they don’t have worry at all.

How Our NYC Construction Accident Lawyers Can Help Your Case

Construction accident cases demand both keen legal acumen and specific industry knowledge. Our capable team combines aggressive advocacy with a deep understanding of construction practices in New York, ensuring that every aspect of your case receives the attention it deserves.

From the initial investigation to the final resolution, we deploy proven strategies that consistently deliver results for injured workers.