Construction Site Accidents

Construction Accident Attorney in New York

Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces in New York. Heavy machinery, elevated work areas, falling objects, electrical hazards, and unsafe working conditions can lead to devastating injuries in a matter of seconds. While workers' compensation benefits may provide medical coverage and a portion of lost wages, many injured construction workers are surprised to learn that they may also have the right to pursue a separate personal injury lawsuit against negligent property owners, contractors, subcontractors, or other responsible parties.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident in Nassau County, Suffolk County, or Queens, it is critical to speak with an experienced construction accident lawyer as soon as possible. Important evidence can disappear quickly, job sites change, witnesses become difficult to locate, and legal deadlines may apply.

Understanding New York Construction Accident Claims

Many injured workers believe workers' compensation is their only option after a construction accident. However, New York law often allows injured construction workers to pursue claims against parties other than their employer.

Potentially liable parties may include:

Property owners

General contractors

Subcontractors

Equipment manufacturers

Site management companies

Third-party vendors

New York Labor Law Sections 200, 240, and 241 provide powerful legal protections for construction workers injured on the job.

New York Labor Law 240 ("The Scaffold Law")

Labor Law 240 protects workers who suffer gravity-related injuries, including falls from ladders, scaffolds, roofs, and elevated work platforms, as well as injuries caused by falling objects.

New York Labor Law 241(6)

This law requires owners and contractors to provide reasonable and adequate safety protections on construction sites and may impose liability when specific safety regulations are violated.

New York Labor Law 200

This statute addresses dangerous or unsafe worksite conditions and the duty of owners and contractors to maintain safe construction environments.

Common Causes of Construction Site Accidents

Construction accidents can occur for many reasons, including:

Falls from ladders

Falls from scaffolding

Roof falls

Falling tools and materials

Crane accidents

Forklift accidents

Electrocution injuries

Trench collapses

Structural collapses

Heavy equipment accidents

Unsafe worksite conditions

Lack of fall protection

Inadequate safety training

Defective construction equipment

Exposure to toxic substances

Common Construction Site Injuries

Construction accidents often result in severe and life-changing injuries, including:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Concussions

Spinal cord injuries

Herniated discs

Neck injuries

Back injuries

Broken bones

Crush injuries

Amputations

Severe burns

Electrocution injuries

Internal organ damage

Permanent disability

Wrongful death

These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

What to do After a Construciton Accident in New York

The steps you take immediately after a construction accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.

Your health and safety should always come first. Prompt medical treatment also creates important documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
Notify your supervisor or employer as soon as possible and ensure that an accident report is completed.
Take photographs of:

The accident scene

Equipment involved

Unsafe conditions

Visible injuries
Attend all appointments and follow your doctors' recommendations.
Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your claim. Consult an attorney before providing recorded statements.
Early legal involvement often allows for critical evidence preservation and a stronger case.

Why Choose Lisa Fine for Your Construction Accident Case?

Construction accident claims often involve complex New York Labor Laws that provide unique protections for injured workers. Determining who may be legally responsible requires a thorough investigation, prompt evidence preservation, and a detailed understanding of construction site safety regulations.

Lisa Fine works closely with clients, medical providers, investigators, engineers, and other professionals to build strong cases on behalf of injured workers. While workers' compensation attorneys focus on obtaining wage replacement and medical benefits, Lisa focuses on pursuing third-party claims that may provide compensation for pain and suffering, future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and other damages not available through workers' compensation.

Clients choose Lisa Fine because she provides:

Direct access to an attorney

Personalized attention and communication

Thorough case investigations

Aggressive representation against property owners and contractors

Strategic negotiation and litigation experience

Compassionate guidance throughout the legal process

FAQ's

Can I Sue If I Was Injured on a Construction Site?

Yes. In addition to workers' compensation benefits, many injured construction workers may pursue third-party personal injury claims against property owners, contractors, subcontractors, or other responsible parties.

What Is New York's Scaffold Law?

New York Labor Law 240, often called the Scaffold Law, protects workers injured in gravity-related accidents such as falls from heights or injuries caused by falling objects.

Can I Receive Workers' Compensation and File a Lawsuit?

In many cases, yes. Workers' compensation benefits and third-party personal injury claims are separate legal remedies.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Construction Accident?

Potentially liable parties may include:

Property owners

General contractors

Subcontractors

Equipment manufacturers

Site managers

Third-party vendors

What If I Was Partially at Fault?

You may still have a claim. New York law often allows injured workers to recover compensation even when they share some responsibility for the accident.

How Much Is My Construction Accident Case Worth?

The value of a construction accident claim depends on factors such as injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, future treatment needs, disability, and pain and suffering.

What If I Fell From a Ladder?

Falls from ladders are among the most common construction accidents in New York and may be covered under Labor Law 240. You should speak with a construction accident attorney immediately.

What If I Was Struck By a Falling Object?

New York law provides special protections for workers injured by falling materials, tools, equipment, and debris on construction sites.

What If Defective Equipment Caused My Injury?

You may have a separate product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or seller of defective equipment.

How Long Do I Have to File a Construction Accident Lawsuit?

Legal deadlines vary depending on the circumstances of the case. Because important deadlines may apply, it is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

What Compensation Can I Recover?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, compensation may include:

Medical expenses

Future medical treatment

Lost wages

Loss of future earning capacity

Pain and suffering

Emotional distress

Permanent disability

Rehabilitation costs

Home modifications

Loss of enjoyment of life

Unlike workers' compensation benefits, third-party construction accident claims may allow injured workers to recover compensation for pain and suffering.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

Many construction accident claims settle through negotiation. However, Lisa Fine prepares every case as though it may ultimately proceed to trial.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Lisa Fine?

Construction accident cases are generally handled on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney's fees unless compensation is recovered on your behalf.