Craig D. Rosenbaum | December 18, 2025 | Construction Accidents
Manhattan is constantly under construction. Residents and visitors alike encounter new scaffolding setups every other week and frequently have to maneuver around crews operating heavy machinery.
As exciting as it may be to see new buildings rise to join the city’s iconic skyline, being exposed to the dangers of construction sites can be a significant problem. Learn more about the personal injury issues you could face.
Ongoing Construction Sites in Manhattan and Their Risks
There are constantly numerous buildings and roads under construction in Manhattan, with Project Commodore at 175 Park Avenue being one of the largest at the time of writing. When completed, it will replace the Hyatt Grand Central Hotel. It’s set to be one of the city’s tallest buildings.
All large-scale construction projects pose certain risks. Being aware of them can help keep you safe and prepare you to take appropriate action if you suffer an injury. Here are some common causes of injuries in construction areas:
Falling Objects
In construction zones for tall buildings, which are extremely common in large cities like New York City, tools and building materials can fall from many floors above. This hazard can cause severe crush injuries or traumatic brain injuries, which can lead to lasting cognitive issues, along with mood disturbances and personality changes.
In the worst case, an object falling on a passerby could be fatal.
Even if you survive, living with a brain injury can mean not being able to work or enjoy your life as you used to. These are often catastrophic injuries that require ongoing medical care.
Tripping Hazards
Even the sidewalks around construction sites tend to be busy and cluttered. There may be electrical cables, tools, and various debris scattered around. Slip and fall accidents can easily occur, potentially leaving you with broken bones, facial injuries, and even spinal cord damage.
Collisions
Trucks hauling materials may be constantly moving in and out of the construction site, and there may be road deviations to keep the crew safe. All of these issues can result in serious auto accidents. Manhattan already has a significant traffic problem; adding cement trucks, cranes, and other vehicles to the mix only exacerbates these issues.
As dangerous as collisions with trucks or heavy machinery are for the drivers of passenger vehicles, they can be catastrophic for pedestrians and cyclists. Even wearing all of the right bicycle safety gear isn’t enough to protect you from a direct impact.
Structural Issues
Developing structurally sound buildings is the primary goal of any construction project; however, that’s not always the outcome. Any errors made in the process of planning the building, selecting materials, or constructing the structure can expose anyone working, living, or even walking nearby to a serious risk.
The city has seen its fair share of buildings with structural engineering flaws, including the former Citicorp Center building. This building was at serious risk of collapsing until it was repaired. More recently, the facade of 432 Park Avenue has started to crack.
Contact Our Manhattan Construction Accident Lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve suffered injuries because of negligence at a construction site, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim to recover your losses. However, these claims are challenging to pursue due to the numerous potentially liable parties involved, which can include construction workers, contractors, and the building site manager. As such, you may not know who to blame.
By working with an attorney, you can get the guidance and support you need to pursue fair compensation. Your lawyer will help you understand the full scope of the losses you’ve incurred and gather the necessary evidence to present a strong case against the construction company or another liable party.
If you need help after a construction site injury, call Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Manhattan construction accident lawyer.
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
About The Author
Craig D. Rosenbaum is licensed to practice in New York. He is part of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association of Justice. Click here to view some of the amazing case results that Craig has successfully handled.
