Were you injured in a construction accident in New York City, New York? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers at (212) 514-5007 for a free consultation with a New York City construction accident lawyer.
Construction sites are some of the most dangerous workplaces in New York City, with hazards ranging from falls and falling objects to heavy machinery accidents and electrical injuries. Because of the risks involved, state and federal laws impose strict safety standards on contractors, property owners, and employers. When these parties cut corners or fail to follow safety regulations, workers and bystanders can suffer life-changing injuries.
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Why Should I Choose Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers for My Construction Accident Claim in New York City, NY?
Choosing the right attorney after a construction accident can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. At Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers, we bring over 40 years of experience advocating for injured workers and their families in New York City. Our legal team has recovered tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements, helping clients rebuild their lives after devastating injuries.
We understand the unique challenges of construction accident claims, from navigating New York’s complex labor laws to standing up against powerful insurance companies and contractors. When you work with us, you’ll have a dedicated team that investigates every detail of your case, consults with industry experts, and aggressively pursues the maximum compensation available.
Contact our New York City personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.
Case Results
At our firm, we are proud to have secured significant results for clients whose lives were forever changed by the negligence of others. These verdicts and settlements reflect our commitment to pursuing justice and holding wrongdoers accountable.
Here are some examples:
- $22,000,000 – Recovered on behalf of a pedestrian who suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of being hit by a motor vehicle
- $14,100,000 – Verdict for a woman who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and neck injury requiring surgery as a result of being hit by a motor vehicle
- $7,000,000 – For a baby who suffered a brain injury as a result of the defendant’s failure to diagnose a placental abruption resulting in premature labor and failure to diagnose an intraventricular hemorrhage resulting in brain damage
- $4,000,000 – For a woman who suffered permanent injuries as a result of the negligent conduct of a store owner
While no outcome can erase the harm our clients have endured, these results demonstrate our dedication to achieving the best possible recovery for those we represent.
How Can a New York City Construction Accident Lawyer Help?
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in New York City, having an experienced lawyer on your side can make all the difference in protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery.
A construction accident lawyer in NYC can:
- Investigate the accident and determine all potentially liable parties
- Gather crucial evidence, including witness statements, safety records, and medical documentation
- Navigate complex workers’ compensation and third-party claims
- Handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies
- Calculate the full value of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and future care needs
- Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
With knowledgeable legal guidance, you can focus on healing while your attorney fights to secure the compensation and justice you deserve.
Getting Fair Compensation for Construction Accident Injuries
Construction accidents often leave victims facing serious injuries, long recovery times, and financial uncertainty. Medical bills can add up quickly, and many workers are unable to return to their jobs while they heal. Getting fair compensation means pursuing the full value of your losses—not just immediate medical costs, but also lost wages, future earning capacity, rehabilitation expenses, and the pain and suffering caused by the accident.
Because construction accident claims can involve multiple parties—such as employers, contractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers—having an experienced lawyer is critical. An attorney can investigate what happened, identify every potential source of compensation, and ensure that insurance companies don’t undervalue or deny your claim. With the right legal representation, injured workers and their families can secure the financial support they need to rebuild their lives after a devastating accident.
What Is Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is designed to provide financial support and medical benefits to employees injured on the job. While it does not cover every type of loss, it does offer important protections for injured workers and their families.
A typical workers’ compensation claim may cover:
- Medical treatment: Hospital visits, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing care related to your injury
- Wage replacement: A portion of your lost income while you are unable to work
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits: Compensation if your injury limits your ability to work in the short or long term
- Vocational rehabilitation: Training or assistance if you cannot return to your previous job
- Death benefits: Financial support for surviving family members if a workplace accident results in a fatality
Understanding what workers’ compensation covers ensures you receive the benefits you’re entitled to while you focus on recovery.
Who Is Liable for Construction Accidents in NYC?
Construction accidents can be complex because multiple parties are often involved in a project. Determining liability depends on the circumstances of the accident, the safety measures in place, and the roles of the people or companies overseeing the worksite. Unlike a simple workers’ compensation claim, pursuing a third-party lawsuit can hold negligent individuals or organizations accountable for the harm they caused.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- General contractors and subcontractors – responsible for maintaining a safe work environment and complying with safety regulations
- Property owners – required to ensure the premises are reasonably safe for workers
- Equipment and machinery manufacturers – liable if defective tools or machinery cause injuries
- Architects and engineers – accountable if design flaws or unsafe plans contribute to an accident
- Other third parties – such as delivery companies, vendors, or drivers who create unsafe conditions at the site
Identifying all responsible parties is key to maximizing your recovery, and an experienced NYC construction accident lawyer can help build a strong case on your behalf.
What’s the Statute of Limitations on Construction Accident Claims in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for most construction accident personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. This means you must file your lawsuit within that time frame or risk losing your right to seek compensation.
However, different rules may apply depending on the type of claim—for example, wrongful death cases generally have a two-year deadline, and claims against a city or public agency require a notice of claim within just 90 days. Because these deadlines are strict, it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Types of Construction Accidents
Construction sites are full of hazards, and accidents can happen in many different ways, often leaving workers with serious or life-changing injuries.
Common types of construction accidents include:
- Falls from heights – such as scaffolds, ladders, or rooftops
- Falling objects – tools, debris, or materials striking workers below
- Electrocutions – from exposed wires, faulty equipment, or power lines
- Machinery accidents – involving forklifts, cranes, or other heavy equipment
- Caught-in or between accidents – when workers are trapped by collapsing structures or machinery
- Explosions and fires – caused by flammable materials or unsafe conditions
- Trench or building collapses – resulting in crushing or suffocation injuries
- Slip and trip hazards – due to unsafe surfaces or cluttered work areas
Recognizing the many types of construction accidents helps illustrate the importance of strong safety measures and the need for legal support when negligence leads to injury.
What Are Common Causes of NYC Construction Accidents?
Construction accidents in New York City often happen because safety rules are ignored or dangerous conditions are left unaddressed.
Common causes include:
- Falling objects – unsecured tools, equipment, or materials striking workers below
- Unsafe machinery or equipment – defective tools or improperly maintained heavy machinery
- Electrocutions – from exposed wiring, faulty electrical systems, or overhead power lines
- Improper training or supervision – workers not receiving the safety guidance they need
- Failure to follow OSHA regulations – violations of required safety standards
- Hazardous site conditions – cluttered walkways, poor lighting, or unmarked danger zones
By understanding the most common causes of construction accidents, injured workers can better identify who may be at fault and pursue the compensation they deserve.
Construction Accidents Often Cause Serious Injuries
Because of the dangerous nature of construction sites, accidents often result in severe and sometimes life-altering injuries.
Common injuries from construction accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – caused by falls, falling objects, or blunt force trauma
- Spinal cord injuries – leading to partial or complete paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures – often requiring surgery and long recovery times
- Severe burns – from fires, explosions, or electrical accidents
- Crush injuries and amputations – caused by heavy machinery or collapsing structures
- Internal organ damage – from falls, impacts, or being struck by equipment
- Soft tissue injuries – such as torn ligaments, sprains, and chronic back injuries
These serious injuries not only impact a worker’s health but can also create long-term financial and emotional challenges, making fair compensation essential.
NYC Construction Accident Statistics
Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries in New York City. According to the NYC Department of Buildings, hundreds of workers are injured on job sites each year, with falls from heights continuing to be the leading cause of fatalities. The most recent NYC Construction Safety Report shows there were 482 injuries, 638 incidents, and seven fatalities in 2024—the lowest totals in years.
A Safety+Health Magazine analysis also noted that construction-related injuries dropped by nearly 30% compared to 2023. Despite this progress, the City’s own press release emphasized that worker falls remain the single largest cause of construction deaths, underscoring the continued need for stronger safety enforcement and legal protections for injured workers.
Construction Accident FAQs
If you’ve been hurt on a job site, you probably have many questions about your rights, benefits, and legal options—our Construction Accident FAQs provide straightforward answers to the most common concerns.
What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Construction Accident in NYC?
Your health comes first—get medical attention immediately and report the accident to your employer or supervisor. If you can, document the scene with photos and witness details. Then, contact an experienced construction accident lawyer to protect your rights.
How Does the Third-Party Claims Process in Construction Accident Cases Work?
Workers’ compensation covers medical bills and partial wages but doesn’t allow lawsuits against your employer. If a property owner, contractor, or equipment manufacturer contributed to your accident, you may file a third-party claim to pursue additional compensation, such as full lost wages and pain and suffering.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a New York Construction Accident Lawyer?
Most construction accident lawyers in New York work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and your lawyer only gets paid if they win your case, usually as a percentage of the settlement or verdict.
What Labor Laws Protect NY Construction Workers?
New York has some of the strongest labor laws in the country to protect construction workers. These laws require safe working conditions, proper safety equipment, and compliance with workplace safety standards. When contractors, property owners, or employers fail to follow these rules, they can be held responsible for resulting accidents and injuries.
Hire an Experienced New York City Construction Accident Lawyer
After a serious construction accident, the challenges you face can feel overwhelming—from medical bills and lost income to the uncertainty of your recovery. You don’t have to face these obstacles alone. An experienced New York City construction accident attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
With the right advocate on your side, you can focus on healing while knowing that your case is in capable hands. Contact Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
