Construction sites across New York City are busy and fast-paced but they're also dangerous. Between ladders, scaffolding, power tools, and heavy machinery, workers are constantly surrounded by risks. If you’ve been hurt on the job, it’s not just about healing, it's about figuring out what comes next and how to protect your future.
At The Case Handler, we help injured construction workers get the support and compensation they deserve. Whether you’re dealing with a fall from a scaffold or an equipment malfunction, we’re here to guide you through what can be a frustrating and stressful process.
Common Construction Accident Injuries
Construction injuries happen in all kinds of ways. Some workers fall from scaffolding or ladders. Others are hit by falling tools or building materials. Then there are injuries from electrocution, faulty wiring, or machines that just stop working the way they’re supposed to.
Head and spinal injuries are especially serious. Even a seemingly minor accident can lead to long-term problems when it involves the neck or back. Broken bones, deep cuts, burns, and even internal injuries are also common.
If you’ve been hurt on a construction site, it’s not just the pain that’s hard - it’s also the lost income, the medical bills, and the uncertainty that follows. That’s where we come in.
Types of Construction Site Accidents
Construction sites can be unpredictable. Some of the most common accidents we see include:
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Falls from ladders or scaffolding, often due to missing safety equipment or poor conditions
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Trench collapses, which can trap workers and lead to serious injuries
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Objects falling from above, like tools, beams, or debris
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Malfunctioning or poorly maintained machinery
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Fires or explosions caused by fuel, chemicals, or wiring issues
These kinds of accidents are more than just bad luck. In many cases, they’re preventable. That’s why it’s important to look at the full picture and figure out if something—or someone—failed to keep the site safe.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims
If you’re injured on the job, workers’ comp is usually the first route. It helps cover things like medical care and lost pay, and you don’t need to prove anyone was at fault to get it.
But in some cases, there’s more than one option. If someone outside your employer caused the accident—a subcontractor, an equipment company, or even a property owner—you might be able to file a separate lawsuit. This is called a third-party claim, and it can lead to more compensation than what workers’ comp provides.
It’s not always clear what kind of claim you’re eligible for, so it helps to have someone review the details and lay out the options.
NY Labor Laws Protecting Construction Workers
New York has specific labor laws designed to protect construction workers, especially when it comes to site safety. These include:
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Labor Law 200, which requires job sites to be maintained in a safe and reasonable way
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Labor Law 240, often called the Scaffold Law, which protects workers injured in falls or by falling objects
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Labor Law 241, which focuses on keeping construction and demolition sites safe through specific rules and standards
These laws can make a big difference in your case. If a contractor or property owner violated any of them, they might be responsible for your injury.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Construction Accident?
When a construction accident happens, the blame doesn’t always fall on just one person or company. In New York, several parties might be legally responsible:
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Property owners who failed to make sure the site was safe
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General contractors who didn’t follow safety protocols
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Subcontractors who were careless or failed to communicate risks
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Equipment manufacturers who sold defective tools or machinery
Figuring out who’s liable isn’t always straightforward. It depends on how the accident happened, what equipment was involved, and who was managing the work. We look into every angle to make sure no one is let off the hook if they played a part in your injury.
What to Do After a Construction Site Injury in NYC
Right after an injury, things move fast, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are a few things you should do:
Start by getting medical help, even if the injury doesn’t seem serious. Then report what happened to your supervisor and make sure there’s a written record. If possible, take photos of where the accident happened and anything else that might help tell the story later, like broken equipment, missing safety gear, or damaged structures.
You’ll also want to talk to a lawyer as soon as you can. There’s a lot that can go wrong if deadlines are missed or if the wrong paperwork gets filed. Having someone on your side early can save you a lot of stress down the road.
How Much Is My Construction Injury Case Worth?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Every case is different, and the value depends on things like how badly you were hurt, how long you’ll be out of work, and what kind of treatment you’ll need. Settlement amounts vary widely—from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars. Some of the biggest factors are whether permanent injuries are involved, whether you’re able to return to your job, and how clearly we can show that someone else was responsible for what happened.
We’ll take a close look at your medical records, lost income, and the impact the injury has had on your daily life so we can build the strongest case possible.
Statute of Limitations for Construction Injuries in New York
There’s a time limit for filing a construction accident lawsuit in New York. For personal injury claims, you typically have three years from the date of the accident. If the injury led to someone’s death, the window is usually two years.
If the claim involves a government agency, like if the work was being done on public property—the deadlines can be even shorter, and special notices might need to be filed.
Missing a deadline can mean you lose your right to take legal action. That’s why we recommend getting legal advice sooner rather than later, even if you’re still recovering or unsure if you want to file a claim.
Why Hire a NYC Construction Accident Lawyer?
The aftermath of a construction injury isn’t just about dealing with pain—it’s also about dealing with paperwork, insurance adjusters, and complicated laws. It’s a lot to handle on your own.
An experienced construction accident lawyer can help with things like gathering evidence, dealing with the insurance companies, and making sure the right parties are held accountable. We also look out for things you might not even realize you’re entitled to, like future medical costs or long-term disability benefits.
At The Case Handler, we’ve worked with clients all over New York City and know what it takes to win tough construction injury cases. We offer free consultations, so you can talk to us with no pressure or commitment. Contact us today, we are here to help.
