NYC Construction Accident Attorney

CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT LAWYERS SERVING NEW YORK CITY AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS

Construction workers reviewing building plansThe Greater New York Area is in the midst of a construction boom, but it comes with a heavy price: a significant rise in the number of construction accidents and worker injuries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that construction accidents resulted in the most workplace fatalities in New York City in 2017, making construction the city’s most deadly occupation. Although construction sites are inherently dangerous, workers have a right to a safe environment. 

Nonetheless, injuries occur in all types of accidents such as falls, fires, explosions, crane accidents, and trench and building collapses, among others. While workers are protected by Workers Compensation Insurance, it is possible to pursue a personal injury lawsuit in the event that injuries are caused by safety violations or the actions of negligent third parties.

The construction accident lawyers at Scaffidi & Associates have decades of experience fighting for the rights of injured construction workers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island, as well as Long Island, Rockland, Westchester and Orange Counties. We believe that injured workers should not be forced to suffer because of the negligence of others, and are dedicated to holding responsible parties accountable. Our experienced NYC personal injury and construction accident attorneys have a well-deserved reputation for helping injured workers obtain meaningful compensation.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS?

Construction workers can sustain injuries from all types of accidents caused by a number of different factors, including:

  • Falls – These are the most common construction accidents, accounting for more than 20 percent of worker injuries. Workers can fall from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, and other heights.
  • Falling Objects – Tools, equipment, and construction materials that are not properly secured can fall and strike those who are working below, resulting in serious head, brain, and spinal cord injuries, even if a worker is wearing a hardhat as required.
  • Trench and Building Collapses – Workers are routinely required to dig trenches that are at risk of cave-ins if proper precautions are not taken. In addition, buildings that are being constructed or demolished can collapse without warning, causing catastrophic injuries and even fatalities.
  • Fires and Explosions – Hazards such as exposed wiring, leaking pipes, flammable chemicals, fractured gas mains, and unattended blowtorches and welding tools can trigger fires and explosions that lead to traumatic and sometimes fatal injuries.
  • Electrocutions – Workers are frequently exposed to wires that are at risk of faulty connections that lead to electrocutions, accounting for 10 percent of deaths in the construction industry.
  • Equipment Accidents – Heavy machinery and power tools, such as table saws, nail guns, drills, etc., as well as forklift, dumpster, and crane accidents, contribute to numerous construction injuries.

COMMON CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT INJURIES

Our construction accident lawyers have seen the above incidents result in a wide range of injuries, such as:

  • Head and brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Burns
  • Amputations
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Knee injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Muscle and ligament tears
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Heart attacks and strokes
  • Death

Additionally, the physical exertion of construction work, particularly bending and lifting, can cause repetitive motion injuries, such as muscle and joint damage.

In some cases, serious injuries may result in the amputation of fingers, toes, or limbs. Construction workers are also at high risk of respiratory illnesses from exposure to dust, asbestos, and other toxic substances. 

LEGAL RIGHTS OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

Because construction workers are required to perform a variety of dangerous tasks, such as operating large machinery and equipment, lifting heavy objects, and working at elevated heights, they are at a higher risk of being injured than other workers. Nonetheless, injury risks can be minimized if safety practices are put in place, proper protection and equipment is provided, and proper protocols are followed.

It is worth noting that workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect construction workers who sustain injuries, by providing benefits such as lost wages and medical costs. In the event that injuries result from negligence, however, workers have additional protection under New York State Labor Law. In particular, Labor Law § 200 requires site owners, general contractors, and others employed by a general contractor to provide workers with a safe workplace.

Additionally, Labor Law § 241(6) imposes vicarious liability for certain code violations, upon (1) owners for the negligence of contractors, subcontractors and their agents or employees, and (2) contractors for the negligence of subcontractors if they fail to provide reasonable and adequate safety to workers. Finally, Labor Law § 240 requires contractors and owners involved in the construction or demolition of buildings to provide and properly maintain scaffolding, ladders, ropes, and other equipment in order to protect workers from elevation-related injuries.

In sum, these provisions of the Labor Law give injured construction workers powerful legal recourse to bring lawsuits against negligent parties, including owners, general contractors, subcontractors, engineers, architects, machinery and equipment manufacturers, as well as other responsible parties. In the event that a worker is killed in a construction accident, surviving family members can also pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. 

An experienced construction site lawyer is an invaluable asset when pursuing an injury or wrongful death case, and our lawyers have helped countless workers injured in construction accidents in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, and throughout the greater NYC area, including Westchester, Long Island, Orange, and Rockland, secure the compensation they deserve. Contact our team of construction accident lawyers today to schedule a consultation. 

CONTACT OUR NYC CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

At Scaffidi & Associates, we are committed to fighting for the rights of injured construction workers. Our experienced construction accident lawyers are well-versed in New York State Labor Law and the applicable negligence and insurance laws, and we work diligently to help our clients obtain compensation for their injuries. Here are some notable examples of settlements we’ve won on behalf of our clients: 

  • A $2,615,000 settlement for a 53-year old worker who suffered facial fractures and developed a cognitive disability after he fell from a scaffold while working in Queens County.
  • A $2,100,000 settlement for a worker in Manhattan who sustained fractures to his tibia and fibula when the arm of a forklift pinned his leg against the wall. As a result of his injuries, he required surgery to place a rod and screws in the leg.

We are keenly aware that site owners, insurance companies, and other responsible parties will take great measures to avoid liability. Our legal team leverages its legal knowledge and skills to ensure our clients receive the full value of their claims. If a settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to litigate any matter in the courts. If you or a loved one have been injured in a construction accident and need the guidance of a construction site lawyer, call our office today for a free consultation or complete the contact form on our website.

CONTACT US ABOUT YOUR CASE

We encourage you to take the time to explore this website as the information provided here will answer many of your questions. We believe that an educated client is our best client. We are also readily available to discuss your case in confidence, whether it’s a matter involving personal injury, medical malpractice, real estate, or other legal challenges. Regardless of the issue you are facing, we are uniquely qualified to provide you with exceptional legal representation and personal service. Call our office or complete the contact form on our website to set up a consultation.