NYC Construction Accident Lawyer

A knowledgeable NYC construction accident lawyer can help you file a legal claim to recover monetary compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and, in some cases, additional damages caused by your injuries. Our experienced New York construction accident lawyers help clients maximize recovery.

At The Platta Law Firm, nationally recognized New York trial attorneys dedicate their careers to fighting for injured construction workers and grieving families across the city. As leaders in construction accident litigation with more than 150 years of combined experience, we have secured hundreds of millions of dollars for clients through life-changing benefits packages, settlements, and jury verdicts.

Don’t settle for less than you deserve after a construction accident in New York City. Put our extensive experience, deep knowledge of New York construction law, and passion for justice to work for you. Call our NYC, NY law office at 212-514-5100 to schedule a free case evaluation today.

A Message from the Founder of The Platta Law Firm

The Platta Law Firm Difference in Your NYC Construction Accident Case

Here are just a few of the reasons why injured construction workers in New York City regularly seek out our top-rated legal team after on-the-job accidents:

• Our attorneys have more than 150 years of combined experience handling complex legal disputes like yours.
• We’re award-winning New York litigators who have been recognized by Super Lawyers, the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys, and Lawyers of Distinction.
• We’ve forced insurance companies, employers, and other powerful adversaries to pay our clients hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation.
• Through tireless advocacy for the rights of construction workers, our verdicts have literally helped to shape construction law in the state of New York.
• Clients benefit from the approachable, transparent, personalized legal representation.
• There’s absolutely no cost to hire our construction accident lawyers in NYC unless we win your case.
• We assemble a team of expert witnesses and contact any potential witnesses at the accident scene, including co-workers and other crew members.

Choosing our New York City personal injury lawyers can have a huge positive impact on your construction accident case. Scores of reviews on Facebook, Google, and other social media platforms highlight the benefits of having our law firm in your corner. We offer a free consultation to all new clients. Do not hesitate to call our NYC law office at 212-514-5100 to speak with a member of our team today.

We’ve Won Millions for Injured Construction Workers in New York City

Our award-winning trial attorneys regularly help injured construction laborers achieve meaningful results, including multiple million-dollar cases. Notable construction accident case results for NYC laborers include:

• $48,000,000 Million for a construction worker who fell on temporary wooden stairs in Brooklyn, leaving him permanently impaired.
• $8,500,000 Million for a 41-year-old mason tender injured in a scaffolding accident due to inadequate lighting.
• $7,500,000 Million for a subcontractor struck by a metal bar during a coffee break, sustaining a traumatic brain injury.
• $7,000,000 Million for a 33-year-old construction worker who fell after a scaffold collapse and was hit by falling cinderblocks.
• $5,000,000 Million for a worker injured on the 17th floor of the Chrysler Building.
• $4,495,000 Million for a 34-year-old construction worker hurt in a Long Island demolition accident.
• $4,400,000 Million for a 34-year-old worker injured in a Nassau County demolition accident.
• $4,220,000 Million for a 62-year-old man who fell from a scaffold during commercial renovation work.
• $4,000,000 Million for a 55-year-old roofer who fell off a ladder on a school renovation project.
• $3,600,000 Million for a 53-year-old electrician hit by heavy planks during commercial building renovations.
• $3,500,000 Million for a carpenter struck by a 30-pound metal clamp while working on a staircase.

You have only one opportunity to fight for compensation after a construction accident in New York City. At The Platta Law Firm, we actively pursue every legal avenue to maximize your claim. We represent construction workers across all five boroughs and throughout the greater New York City metro area—including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Long Island, Rockland County, and Westchester County.

Don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can answer your questions, provide feedback about your potential case, and explain how our construction accident law firm can help you secure a life-changing settlement.

How Common Are Construction Accidents in NYC?

With thousands of projects underway daily, NYC construction workers constantly put their safety and lives at risk. Despite strict safety regulations, injuries and fatalities still occur on job sites every day. Construction accidents in New York often result in some of the highest verdicts and settlements nationwide.

According to the New York City Construction Safety Report, 638 construction accidents occurred citywide in 2024. At least 482 construction workers sustained injuries in these incidents, and seven fatalities were reported. While this reflected a slight decrease from the previous year, it still amounts to nearly two construction accidents daily across the boroughs.

Decades of Experience Representing Workers in All Types of Construction Accident Cases

Construction encompasses many sub-specialties. When you get injured on a New York job site, working with an attorney experienced in diverse construction accident claims can make a critical difference. Understanding each accident type and the specific New York labor and construction laws that apply can significantly impact your success.

Common Types of Construction Accidents We Handle

At The Platta Law Firm, our construction accident lawyers in New York have decades of combined experience advocating for workers in cases involving:

• Scaffolding Accidents: Involve falls or collapses caused by unstable, improperly assembled, or poorly maintained platforms, often leading to broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or fatalities.
• Ladder Accidents: Occur when workers fall from defective, unsecured, or improperly used ladders, frequently causing fractures, internal injuries, long-term mobility issues, or permanent disability.
• Excavation Accidents: Take place when trenches or excavation sites collapse or become unstable, potentially trapping or crushing workers and causing severe crush injuries, oxygen deprivation, organ damage, or death.
• Crane Accidents: Result from crane failures, dropped loads, or operator errors, often causing crushing injuries, severe head trauma, broken bones, or fatalities.
• Forklift Accidents: Happen when forklifts tip, collide, or strike workers, frequently causing crushed limbs, fractures, head injuries, or internal trauma.
• Hand Saw Accidents: Can result from slips, kickbacks, or improper use of power or manual saws, often causing deep lacerations, nerve damage, or partial amputations.
• Falling Object Accidents: Take place when tools, materials, or debris fall from heights, often leading to head injuries, broken bones, or blunt force trauma.
• Boom Lift Accidents: Brought on by sudden tip-overs, mechanical failures, or operator mistakes while working at height, often resulting in severe fractures, spinal injuries, or head trauma.

Supporting Families After Fatal Construction Accidents

Our compassionate attorneys represent families who have suffered the tragic loss of loved ones in fatal construction accidents in New York City. Do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced team if you or a loved one was injured. We’re here to help whenever you need us most, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Will Workers’ Compensation Pay for My Construction Accident Injuries?

Workers’ compensation usually serves as the main source of compensation for injured NYC construction workers. This no-fault system lets you claim benefits without filing a lawsuit. You qualify if your employer must carry coverage, you are classified as an employee rather than an independent contractor, and you sustain an injury on the job. Eligible workers include:

• Part-time employees
• Borrowed or leased employees
• Day laborers
• Unpaid volunteers
• Full-time employees
• W2 workers
• Temporary workers
• Transportation drivers

Benefits apply regardless of immigration status and may continue after your employment ends. Workers’ compensation can pay medical bills and replace lost wages from temporary or permanent disabilities. Although benefits have statutory limits, workers usually receive two-thirds of their average pre-injury pay until they reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) or a legally defined period, whichever comes first.

Who Can Be Liable for My New York Construction Accident Injuries?

The main exception is your employer. Employers have limited immunity under the workers’ compensation system. Depending on the circumstances, other parties may also be liable, including:

General Contractors and Subconstractors

Although you usually can’t sue your employer directly, you can pursue claims against other parties involved in the project. This includes general contractors and subcontractors of various trades. New York Labor Law and OSHA regulations require contractors to maintain safe worksites, warn of hazards, and follow safety rules. If a contractor or subcontractor’s negligence causes your accident, you can recover damages beyond workers’ compensation benefits.

Construction Architects and Project Engineers

Architects and engineers design and oversee construction projects. They ensure projects meet building codes and safety standards. If an accident happens due to a design mistake or failure to monitor the project, you may have a claim against them.

Equipment and Materials Manufacturers

Construction workers depend on tools, machinery, and materials to do their jobs. If these items are defective, manufacturers or sellers may be strictly liable for injuries or deaths.

Motorists

If a construction accident involves a vehicle, you can seek damages from a negligent driver or their insurance company. You are not limited to a single liable party. New York law holds anyone responsible who causes an avoidable injury or wrongful death. Liability depends on each party’s level of fault. The more a party contributes to an accident, the more they must pay. In some cases, you can still sue your employer for unsafe conditions, OSHA violations, or defective equipment.

What Damages Can I Recover Through a Construction Accident Lawsuit?

When you file a lawsuit, you can seek both economic and non-economic damages for:

• Current and future medical bills
• Temporary and/or permanent lost wages
• Disability
• Reduced earning capacity
• Rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Disfigurement and physical scarring
• Loss of consortium
• Reduced quality of life
• Inconvenience
• Chronic physical pain

A lawsuit may also allow punitive damages. In New York, a jury can award these if there is clear evidence of gross negligence or intentional harm. You may face pushback from employers or insurers, but our NYC construction accident attorneys fight to recover the maximum amount under New York law.

How Much Is My Construction Injury Case Worth?

No two cases are alike. Several factors determine the value of your claim.

• Severity of Your Injuries: This is the most important factor. Severe injuries affect medical care, hospitalization, return to work, and overall quality of life. More serious injuries often result in higher financial burdens. Consequently, your compensation may be greater.
• Disability: Your claim’s value may increase if you cannot work. The longer you are out of work, the more income you need to recover through your claim.
• Shared Responsibility: If you share fault for the accident, your recovery may be reduced. New York law lowers damages proportionately to your level of responsibility. The more you are at fault, the lower your potential compensation.

What Type(s) of Injury Claim Are You Going to File?

On the other hand, you can recover economic damages for the full scope of your financial losses and receive compensation for harder-to-value struggles like pain and suffering through a civil personal injury lawsuit. You can maximize your construction accident compensation by pursuing all available sources of compensation. Working with our construction accident law firm in New York City can help you exhaust your options and recover the full value of your injury case.

What Are the Top Causes of Fatal Construction Accidents in New York?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), four main hazards cause most construction accident fatalities. Known as the “Fatal Four,,” they include:

Falls

Falls cause the most construction worker deaths nationwide, accounting for 36.5 percent of fatalities. Workers often fall when they lack proper fall-prevention devices and guardrails. Falls can also happen because of poorly constructed scaffolding or insufficient training for working at heights.

Electrocution

Electrocution accounts for about 8.6 percent of construction accident deaths. Unsafe or defective tools, ungrounded or unmarked wires, and inadequate training commonly lead to these injuries.

Struck-By Objects

Workers face serious risk from falling or moving objects. Unsafe conditions, poorly secured equipment, or defective tools can result in debris striking workers. OSHA reports that 10.1 percent of construction fatalities occur this way.

Caught In/Between Objects

Laborers can get caught in machinery or between objects, especially when wearing loose clothing or using defective equipment. About 2.5 percent of construction deaths result from these accidents.

NYC Construction Workers Can Suffer Debilitating Injuries in Job Site Accidents

All construction workers, regardless of trade, can suffer serious injuries on the job. At The Platta Law Firm, our NYC construction accident lawyers help clients pursue compensation for all job-related injuries, including:

• Cuts and lacerations
• Burn injury
• Concussion
• Brain injury
• Crushing injury
• Degloving injury
• Amputation
• Whiplash
• Spinal cord injury
• Herniated discs
• Back injury
• Knee injury
• Broken bones and fractures
• Repetitive motion injury
• Soft tissue injury
• Internal organ damage
• Electrocution injury
• Catastrophic injury
• Wrongful death of a family member

If you get hurt on a New York City construction site, report the injury to your employer right away. You must report it within a set time—usually 30 days—to protect your right to collect workers’ compensation. Seek prompt medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can mask symptoms, and untreated injuries can worsen or lead to serious complications.

Once your condition stabilizes, contact our New York construction accident attorneys to discuss your legal options. We will review your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue compensation for your accident-related costs and suffering.

What’s the Statute of Limitations on Construction Accident Claims in New York?

The amount of time you’ll have to pursue compensation ultimately depends on the type of legal claim(s) you pursue.

• Workers’ comp claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations.
• Construction accident lawsuits are subject to a three-year statute of limitations.
• Wrongful death lawsuits must be initiated within two years of a NYC construction worker’s death.

You must file your claim and/or lawsuit before the applicable statute of limitations expires. You will lose the ability to assert your rights and recover compensation if the deadline expires before you take action.

What Should I Do if I’m Involved in a Construction Accident in NYC?

The steps you take after an accident on a NYC construction site are incredibly important. Your decisions can have a huge impact on your health and ability to recover compensation down the line. After your construction accident, make sure you:

• Report the accident to your supervisor/employer as soon as you can. You’ll lose the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits if you don’t report your accident within 30 days.
• Seek prompt medical attention. The sooner you get help, the better. Many times, the rush of adrenaline you experience in an accident can mask signs and symptoms of serious trauma. Getting to the closest emergency room can ensure your injuries are diagnosed correctly and you get the treatment you need to improve.
• Gather evidence available to you. Whether you’re filing for workers’ compensation or pursuing damages with a lawsuit, you’ll need evidence to substantiate your claims. You can help your attorney by taking pictures of the scene of the accident, recording video footage of defective or unsafe work equipment, and getting the names of eyewitnesses to your accident.
• Consult an experienced accident attorney near you in New York. You’ll increase the odds of winning your case and maximizing your recovery by hiring an experienced attorney to handle your construction accident case. Once you’ve hired an attorney, direct all communication to them.

Don’t hesitate to contact the award-winning NYC construction accident attorneys at The Platta Law Firm after you’ve been hurt on a job site. We can help you obtain medical treatment, negotiate costs of care, handle administrative aspects of your case, and be there to support you every step of the way during your recovery.

What Labor Laws Protect NY Construction Workers?

Construction workers in New York are protected by both federal and state law. Federal protections come from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). New York has also passed several laws specifically designed to enhance construction worker safety. These include:

• Labor Law 200: This law ensures general safety at work sites. It requires that all areas where people work are safe and that equipment is used properly. For example, if a construction site has a faulty piece of machinery that the owner knew about but didn’t fix, and a worker gets injured, the owner could be held responsible. This law applies when the owner or contractor has control over the work and is aware of the unsafe condition.
• Labor Law 240(1): Known as the “Scaffolding Law,” this law is very strict about work done at heights. For instance, if a worker is on a scaffold that collapses because it wasn’t properly secured, the owner or contractor is automatically liable for any injuries. This law requires them to provide safety equipment like harnesses and guardrails. Even if the worker made a mistake, the owner or contractor is still responsible if they didn’t provide the right safety measures.
• Labor Law 241(6): This law requires following specific safety regulations during construction, excavation, or demolition. For example, if a site fails to put up proper barriers around a deep excavation and someone falls in, the owner or contractor can be held liable. The law mandates compliance with detailed safety rules, such as wearing hard hats and using proper lighting, to prevent accidents.

Employer Responsibilities and Accountability

These laws aim to keep workers safe and hold employers accountable. Employers must provide proper training, supply adequate safety gear, inspect premises and equipment regularly, and take special care of workers on elevated platforms. Employers who violate New York labor laws can be held liable if a worker is injured or killed on the job.

Construction Accidents FAQ

What Should I Do Right After a Construction Accident?

If your injuries are severe, call 911 right away. If you’re physically incapable of making the call, ask for someone else to do so. Otherwise, follow the steps below:

• Report the incident to your supervisor immediately.
• Get medical care, even for minor injuries.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions and keep records of treatment and lost wages.
• Don’t sign statements or agreements before talking to a lawyer.
• Contact an experienced NYC construction accident attorney promptly.

What Happens When OSHA Looks Into a Construction Accident?

OSHA may investigate after a construction accident either because someone reported it or due to the severity of the incident. Advance notice is uncommon, except in special situations like after-hours inspections, imminent danger, or fatality investigations. During an inspection, both a management representative and a worker’s authorized representative can accompany OSHA officials.

How Long Do I Have to File a Construction Accident Claim in NYC?

Generally, you have up to three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Certain claims, particularly those involving city or state agencies, may have much shorter deadlines. Contacting an attorney promptly ensures you don’t miss critical filing windows.

Can I Get More Than Just Workers’ Comp After a Construction Accident?

Yes. Even though workers’ compensation prevents suing your employer directly, you may have claims against third parties such as contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers. A personal injury lawsuit under New York Labor Law or common law could help you recover additional damages for pain and suffering, lost income, future medical expenses, and other losses that workers’ comp doesn’t cover.

Do I Really Need a Lawyer for a Construction Accident Claim?

Yes! Construction accident cases often involve multiple parties, complex safety regulations, and detailed investigations. An experienced NYC construction accident attorney knows how to navigate these challenges, work with expert witnesses, and pursue all available compensation. Legal representation ensures your case is handled properly from start to finish.

When Should I Contact a Lawyer After a Construction Accident?

As soon as possible. Early legal involvement allows your attorney to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and preserve records before they disappear. Strict filing deadlines and insurance company tactics make timely legal help essential for maximizing recovery.

How Can I Choose the Right Construction Accident Lawyer?

Schedule a consultation to review your case and evaluate the attorney’s experience, approach, and communication style. Useful questions include:

• Have you handled cases like mine before?
• Who will manage my case day-to-day?
• What’s your approach for settlement negotiations or going to trial?
• Can you provide examples of past results or client references?
• How are fees structured, and what costs should I expect?

Do I Have to Provide a Recorded Statement After my Construction Accident?

No. You are not obligated to give a recorded statement right away. Insurance companies may try to use your words to limit your claim. Speak with an attorney first so all communications are managed carefully and don’t harm your case.

How Much Will It Cost to Hire a NYC Construction Accident Lawyer?

Most construction accident lawyers, including those at The Platta Law Firm, work on a contingency basis. You don’t pay anything upfront or during your case. The attorney collects a percentage only if you win, making professional legal help accessible while you focus on recovery.

Call Our Experienced New York Construction Accident Lawyers for Help Today

Getting into an accident on a New York City construction site can have immediate and potentially long-lasting consequences. Injuries can be incredibly painful and adversely affect your ability to do your job and earn a living. Fortunately, you have the option of taking legal action and fighting to recover compensation to make your road to recovery less challenging.

The Platta Law Firm can help you make the most of your pursuit of workers’ compensation benefits and/or damages in a lawsuit with the guidance of an experienced NYC Construction Accident Lawyer. Our New York construction accident lawyers have over 150 years of combined experience and a proven ability to help injured laborers recover life-changing monetary awards. We have successfully recovered hundreds of millions in damages for our clients and are prepared to fight to get you every cent you deserve.

Contact us at our New York City, NY law office or call (212) 514-5100 to set up a time for a free consultation. We represent injured construction workers across the city in Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and surrounding areas.