New York Construction Accident Attorneys

Construction site accidents, especially falls, cause devastating injuries or even death in New York. Survivors often face lifelong disabilities or permanent impairments affecting their ability to work , or forced early retirement. According to OSHA, falls account for about one-third of all construction fatalities, making them the leading cause of death on job sites.

Common Causes of Construction Site Falls

• Falls from ladders, roofs, scaffolds, or other elevated surfaces
• Unprotected sides, wall openings, or floor holes
• Improper scaffold construction or use
• Protruding or uncapped steel bars/rebar
• Falls from cranes or heavy machinery
• Unstable working surfaces
• Failure to use or misuse of fall protection equipment
• Slips due to inclement weather (rain, snow)

Even minor falls can cause serious complications, so injured workers should seek prompt medical attention and preserve all medical records for possible legal claims.

Overview of New York Labor Laws Protecting Construction Workers

New York has strong labor laws specifically designed to protect construction workers injured on the job, particularly during demolition, repair, alteration, or preparation of commercial buildings.

Labor Law § 200 — General Duty to Provide a Safe Workplace
Requires owners, contractors, and employers to exercise reasonable care to provide a safe work environment, including adequate lighting, guardrails, and protection around machinery. Applies to workers and visitors on construction sites.

Labor Law § 240 — The Scaffold Law
One of the most critical protections, this law imposes strict liability on property owners and contractors for “gravity-related” injuries caused by falls or falling objects. Key points:

• Covers construction, repair, demolition, cleaning, erection of materials, and painting on buildings, bridges, tunnels, and similar structures.
• Protects workers using ladders, scaffolds, and other elevated devices.
• Requires that scaffolds and safety devices support at least four times the expected load.
• Liability is strict — owners and contractors can be held responsible regardless of the injured worker’s own negligence.
• Exceptions are rare and limited to extreme worker negligence or specific contracts.

Labor Law § 241 — Safety in Demolition and Excavation
Mandates employers and contractors to provide reasonable safety precautions in demolition and excavation work. It incorporates safety rules from the New York Industrial Code and holds site owners and general contractors liable for violations, even without direct control over the work.

Recoverable Damages in Construction Fall Cases

If injured in a construction fall, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and permanent disability
• Wrongful death and funeral costs
• Loss of quality of life

Important Considerations

• Workers’ Compensation vs. Labor Law Claims: Injured workers may receive workers’ comp benefits but still have the right to sue third parties like property owners or general contractors.
• Insurance Coverage: Labor Law cases often involve large insurance policies, potentially leading to significant compensation.
• Liability: Extends beyond the employer to property owners, contractors, and supervisors with control over the site.
• Applicability: Labor Law § 240 also covers workers repairing, cleaning, or altering structures, such as window washers or pole repair crews.

If You Are Injured – Don’t Be a Victim Twice – Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)

If you or a loved one was a victim of a construction accident, contact experienced construction accident attorneys at Greenstein & Pittari. Our firm’s motto is “Don’t Be a Victim Twice”.  If you are a victim of an accident involving a construction accident, call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) to schedule a confidential consultation. The call is free. The consultation is free. You don’t pay us unless we are successful.  That’s our “Our Fee Guarantee – No Fee Unless Successful

We have seven convenient locations throughout New York. We maintain offices in Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County. Your convenience is our top priority!