As a construction worker, you are exposed to workplace hazards that most other employees do not have to think about. Your risk of experiencing an accident on the job is elevated, and your life can completely change in the blink of an eye.
Whether you experienced an accident on a New York construction site or just want to better understand your legal rights as a construction worker, seeking legal assistance can be beneficial. Learn how a New York construction accident lawyer can help you in 2026.
Explore How New York Labor Laws Apply to Your Accident Case
New York has several local and state laws that apply directly to construction workers. For example, Local Law 196 dictates which construction workers and supervisors need to complete site safety training and how many hours of training they must undergo. Labor Law 240, known as the “Scaffold Law,” holds employers directly liable for certain scaffolding and ladder accidents and mandates certain safety precautions for working at heights.
Understanding all relevant labor laws is important to upholding your rights as a construction worker. If you were injured in an accident on the job, a New York construction accident attorney can explain which laws may apply to your accident case and how they could impact the process moving forward.
Explain Your Options for Seeking Compensation
Construction accidents can lead to steep medical bills, time off work, and other expenses. When an accident happens while you are performing your job duties, you generally shouldn’t have to pay for these expenses out of pocket. But you may not know how to seek compensation or reimbursement.
A construction injury lawyer in NYC can assess your case and help you understand your options for pursuing compensation. These may include:
- Workers’ compensation claim: The majority of New York construction companies are legally required to provide workers’ compensation benefits. This is a no-fault system, meaning you likely qualify if your injury happened at work, regardless of who was at fault. Workers’ compensation can reimburse you for medical expenses and two-thirds of your lost wages.
- Third-party claim: If someone other than your employer was negligent in the accident, you may be eligible for a third-party personal injury claim against them. This type of claim could allow you to gain compensation beyond what you could seek through a workers’ compensation claim.
It is important to explore all of your options for seeking workplace injury compensation before proceeding, but you must also meet certain deadlines for claiming funds. Your New York construction accident lawyer can help you protect your right to compensation and keep your case on track.
Assess Liability in Your Accident Case
Did an OSHA or labor law violation play a role in the accident? Was your employer exhibiting gross negligence? Could an equipment manufacturer have been liable for a malfunction that led to your injury? All of these are important questions to ask in a construction accident case. But without legal experience, you may not think to ask them or know where to find the answers.
Your New York construction accident lawyer can explore these and related questions to assess who may have been liable for your worksite accident, if anyone. Determining the liable party is important for pursuing a third-party liability claim when applicable to your case.
Represent You in Settlement Negotiations
In cases where construction workers are seriously injured, some construction companies offer a settlement to avoid any legal claims or further action from the employee. These settlement offers are not always adequate or comprehensive.
A construction accident attorney can represent you in settlement discussions and negotiate a higher offer with your employer. They can present evidence of your need for compensation, such as medical bills and documentation. They can also cite relevant labor laws and statutes that showcase your employer’s negligence or legal violations that contributed to the accident.
Help You Understand and Protect Your Rights
Many construction workers are unaware of their rights after workplace accidents. They may fear reporting their employer or even filing for workers’ compensation because they are concerned about their job being negatively impacted.
However, New York gives construction workers a wide range of rights, and your employer cannot legally retaliate against you for upholding those rights. A construction accident attorney can make sure you understand all of your rights and options and provide knowledgeable guidance as you pursue a construction accident claim or lawsuit.
Contact a Construction Injury Lawyer in NYC Today
You don’t have to be facing impending legal action to benefit from working with a construction accident lawyer. An attorney can provide valuable legal guidance about your construction accident or workplace rights. This knowledge can help you stay safe on construction sites and seek adequate compensation after accidents.
Dervishi Law Group, P.C., represents the rights and interests of construction workers across New York City. We can investigate your case, assess how much it may be worth, and work hard on your behalf.
Contact us today at 718-484-4757 to request a free case evaluation with our New York construction accident lawyers. Then read our guide to understanding common construction accident injuries and what to do after these incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are construction accidents in New York?
New York construction accidents are more common than many people realize. Approximately 692 construction-related injuries happened in New York City alone in 2023, while 482 injuries happened in 2024. Working with an experienced construction accident attorney can help you protect your rights before or after an accident.
What are the biggest causes of construction fatalities?
OSHA reports that the top four causes of construction fatalities are falls, struck-by accidents, caught-in and -between accidents, and electrocutions. If you experienced one of these accidents, seek assistance from a New York construction accident lawyer.
Does the construction industry see more fatalities than other industries?
Yes, the construction industry sees more fatal occupational injuries than other industries in New York, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2023, a total of 24 construction sector fatalities occurred in New York City alone.
