New York City Workplace Accident Lawyers
Workplace accidents in New York City can leave you unable to work, facing medical bills, and uncertain about your future. While most NYC employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, injured employees may also have additional claims against negligent third parties.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our experienced New York City workplace accident lawyers help injured workers recover full compensation. This guide explains the most common workplace accidents, injuries, your rights under New York law, and how our attorneys can help.
Common Workplace Accidents in New York City
Workplace accidents happen in every industry -from construction and manufacturing to healthcare, transportation, warehouses, and offices. The most common types include:
- Slips, trips, and falls – Wet or oily floors, clutter, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or icy sidewalks cause broken bones and spinal injuries.
- Falls from heights – A leading cause of NYC construction accidents, especially involving scaffolds, ladders, and rooftops.
- Overexertion & repetitive strain injuries (RSI) – Lifting, pushing, pulling, or repetitive motions damage backs, shoulders, and wrists.
- Struck-by objects – Falling tools, equipment, or vehicles hitting workers.
- Caught-in/between & machinery accidents – Unguarded machinery and crushing injuries are common in industrial jobs.
- Work vehicle accidents – Collisions involving delivery trucks, forklifts, or company cars.
- Toxic exposure – Harmful chemicals, asbestos, or fumes causing acute and long-term illnesses.
- Electrical injuries – Contact with live wires or defective equipment.
- Fires & explosions – Often tied to unsafe storage or chemical handling.
- Workplace violence – Assaults or threats causing physical and emotional harm.
Common Workplace Injuries
Workplace accidents in New York often cause:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries
- Burns (thermal, electrical, chemical)
- Crush injuries, amputations, or puncture wounds
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injuries
- Hearing loss and nerve damage
- Respiratory illnesses from toxic exposure
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Wrongful death
Workers in construction, transportation, and healthcare face particularly high risks.
High-Risk Jobs in New York City
Specific industries have higher accident rates, including:
- Construction and demolition – Scaffolding, excavation, crane, and trench accidents
- Manufacturing and warehouses – Machinery, forklifts, and repetitive strain injuries
- Healthcare workers – Lifting patients and exposure to infectious diseases
- Delivery drivers and transportation – Vehicle collisions and loading dock accidents
- Trades – Electricians, ironworkers, and maintenance crews face falls, shocks, and burns
What to Do After a Workplace Accident in NYC
If you’re hurt at work, take these critical steps to protect your rights:
- Report the accident immediately – Notify your employer in writing within 30 days.
- Get medical care – Use emergency services first, then Workers’ Compensation Board–authorized providers. Always state the injury is work-related.
- Document everything – Take photos, gather witness statements, and save medical bills and wage records.
- Follow medical advice – Attend all appointments and adhere to restrictions.
- Consult a NYC workplace injury lawyer – Protect your claim and explore third-party lawsuits.
- Meet deadlines –
- Workers’ comp claim: 2 years
- Third-party lawsuit: 3 years
- Claims against NYC agencies: notice of claim within 90 days
Workers’ Compensation in New York
Nearly all NYC employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Benefits include:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Partial wage replacement (usually 50–67%)
- Disability benefits for permanent injuries
- Survivor benefits for families of deceased workers
Necessary: Workers’ comp does not cover pain and suffering, and insurers often deny or minimize claims. That’s why working with an experienced NYC workers’ compensation lawyer is critical.
Beyond Workers’ Comp: Third-Party & Labor Law Claims
In addition to workers’ compensation, injured New Yorkers may also pursue:
- Labor Law 200 – Requires safe workplaces and equipment.
- Labor Law 240 (“Scaffold Law”) – Protects workers injured in falls or by falling objects.
- Labor Law 241 – Sets safety standards for construction and excavation sites.
Potential defendants include subcontractors, property owners, negligent drivers, and equipment manufacturers. These claims can provide compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Full lost wages and future earning capacity
- Long-term medical expenses
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages
Your Rights as an Injured Worker in NYC
If you were hurt on the job in New York City, you have the right to:
- File a workers’ compensation claim
- Receive medical treatment without retaliation
- Appeal denied claims
- Return to work with a doctor’s clearance
- Pursue additional claims if workers’ comp is not enough
How Our NYC Workplace Accident Lawyers Can Help
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our attorneys:
- Investigate accidents and determine third-party liability
- File and appeal workers’ comp claims
- Pursue construction accident lawsuits in NYC under the Labor Law
- Work with medical experts to strengthen your case
- Protect you from retaliation or pressure to return to work too soon
- Negotiate settlements or fight for you in court
- Maximize compensation from all available sources
FAQs – NYC Workplace Accidents
What should I do after a workplace injury in NYC?
Please seek medical care, report it in writing, document evidence, and contact a lawyer right away.
Do you know if I can sue my employer in New York?
Usually no, unless the employer intentionally caused harm or failed to carry insurance. However, you may sue third parties.
How much does a NYC workplace accident lawyer cost?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency -no fee unless we win.
What if my claim is denied?
You can appeal to the NY Workers’ Compensation Board with an attorney’s help.
Can I be fired for filing a claim?
No. Retaliation for reporting injuries or filing claims is illegal in New York.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari
- Local Harlem office plus six additional NYC locations (Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, Nassau County)
- No fee unless we win – Our Fee Guarantee
- Bilingual services available
- Hundreds of positive client reviews
- Recognized by Best Lawyers & Super Lawyers
- We handle insurance companies while you focus on recovery
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today for a free consultation with a top-rated NYC workplace injury lawyer.
Don’t face employers and insurance companies alone –Greenstein & Pittari will fight for the compensation you deserve.