Craig D. Rosenbaum | October 17, 2025 | Construction Accidents
Construction jobs help keep New York City growing, but they come with serious risks. Workers face hazards every day, whether they’re repairing sidewalks in Queens, building towers in Manhattan, or renovating brownstones in Brooklyn. Unfortunately, construction accidents are all too common, and most of them could have been prevented.
Let’s take a closer look at what causes these accidents and what injured workers can do if something goes wrong.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
No two construction sites are exactly the same, but the dangers workers face are consistent. From unsafe scaffolding to careless mistakes, many accidents happen because someone failed to follow basic safety procedures.
Here are some of the most common ways construction accidents happen in NYC:
Falls From Heights
It’s no secret that working at heights is one of the most dangerous parts of construction. Whether it’s falling from scaffolding, a roof, or even a ladder, these types of accidents often lead to serious injuries.
New York has strong worker protections in place, including something called the “Scaffold Law,” which can help hold property owners and contractors accountable. If you were hurt in a fall, you may have more options than you realize.
Falling Objects
Tools, building materials, and debris can fall from above without warning. On a busy job site, even a hammer dropped from a few stories up can cause a traumatic brain injury. These incidents often occur when proper safety measures—such as nets or guardrails—aren’t used.
Unsafe Equipment or Machinery
Construction relies on heavy machinery and powerful tools, but when they’re defective or improperly maintained, they can become deadly. Workers can suffer from crushed limbs, amputations, or serious lacerations from faulty machines.
Sometimes, the issue is poor maintenance. Other times, the machine itself was flawed. Either way, an injury like this deserves a thorough investigation.
Electrocution Hazards
Live wires, exposed outlets, and unfinished electrical systems all pose serious threats on construction sites. Electrocution injuries can be fatal, but even non-lethal shocks can leave workers with burns, nerve damage, or heart complications.
Proper safety protocols are supposed to prevent these incidents, but when shortcuts are taken, workers can suffer.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Construction sites are often cluttered with tools, materials, and uneven surfaces. Factoring in poor lighting or slippery conditions, it’s easy to see how someone could trip or fall.
These “simple” accidents can lead to broken bones, back injuries, or even long-term disability. Even a seemingly minor fall can have serious consequences.
Structural Collapses
When a structure under construction isn’t properly supported—or if someone skips critical safety checks—it can collapse without warning. These types of accidents are rare, but when they happen, they’re devastating.
Collapse injuries often involve multiple victims and can trigger complex legal questions about who’s responsible. That’s why it’s crucial to act fast and speak with someone who understands these cases.
Explosions and Fires
Welding equipment, gas leaks, or improperly stored chemicals can all lead to fires or explosions on the job. These events are usually unexpected, violent, and life-threatening.
Even when the flames are controlled quickly, the damage can be permanent—burns, smoke inhalation, and emotional trauma are all common.
Lack of Proper Training
Many accidents can be attributed to one thing: workers weren’t adequately trained. Construction work involves complicated equipment and fast-moving environments. Without proper preparation, costly mistakes can occur.
It’s up to employers to ensure their team has the requisite knowledge and skills to stay safe.
Overexertion and Repetitive Injuries
Not all injuries happen at once. Constant lifting, bending, and tool use can wear down the body over time. This can lead to herniated discs, carpal tunnel, or chronic joint pain.
These types of injuries are often overlooked, but they can be just as debilitating as any fall or machinery accident.
Can I Sue After a Construction Accident in NYC?
Most injured workers in New York qualify for workers’ compensation. This helps cover medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. However, in some situations, you might also be able to file a separate lawsuit against a third party—like a property owner, equipment manufacturer, or subcontractor.
A personal injury claim allows you to recover additional compensation, including for pain and suffering—something workers’ comp doesn’t cover.
What to Do After a Construction Accident
If you were hurt on the job, your health is our top priority. However, once you’re safe, it’s essential to protect your legal rights as well. Here are several steps to keep in mind:
- Seek medical help, even if you feel okay initially.
- Inform your supervisor about the accident immediately.
- Take photos of the accident scene if you can, including any hazards or equipment.
- Collect the names of any coworkers who saw what happened.
- Don’t talk with insurance companies until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.
Construction accident cases can be complicated. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on recovery.
Contact Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a New York City Construction Accident Lawyer
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a job site injury by yourself. At Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped construction workers throughout New York City recover compensation after serious accidents. Our New York City construction accident lawyers are familiar with the laws that protect workers and know how to hold negligent parties accountable.
We offer a free consultation and don’t charge a fee unless we win. Let us help you explore your legal options.
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
100 Wall St 24th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Bronx Office
1578 Williamsbridge Rd suite 3b
Bronx, NY 10461
(212) 514-5007
(917) 905-2339
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
32 Court St #704
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(212) 514-5007
(917) 920-7332
