Did you know that over 88,000 workplace injuries occur every week? This startling statistic from the National Safety Council highlights the importance of workplace safety regulations, especially in the construction industry, where the risks are particularly high. New York Labor Law 200 aims to reduce the number of workplace accidents that occur by imposing safety regulations.
How does this legislation impact construction zone workers? Learn more about the law’s regulations and the protections it offers injured workers.
Comparing New York’s Important Labor Laws
An experienced construction accident attorney in New York should understand the distinct provisions in the state’s labor laws. Construction workers have some protections in place via the following laws:
- Labor Law 200: Workplaces must follow general safety requirements to protect employees from unsafe conditions that may cause foreseeable harm.
- Labor Law 240: Also known as the Scaffold law, this law outlines legal liability for injuries impacting workers on elevated surfaces, such as scaffolding or ladders.
- Labor Law 241: According to this law, all construction, demolition, and excavation sites must abide by the state’s Industrial Codes to enhance safety and minimize injury risks.
Of these statutes, Labor Law 200 has the broadest definition. It states that property owners, employers, and contractors must provide a reasonably safe environment for employees. Maintaining a safe workspace may include steps like preventing injuries from falling objects and managing potentially hazardous equipment or machinery.
What Happens if a Construction Worker Is Injured on the Job?
Suppose someone is working on a new build when they are struck by a falling object. A piece of construction debris hanging from an unstable scaffold falls off, hits the worker, and leaves them with a serious head injury and lacerations. If a lead contractor from the construction company notices the unstable platform but doesn’t recommend removing the objects or stabilizing it, the injured worker may have grounds to sue.
To file a lawsuit citing New York Labor Law 200 violations, the plaintiff must show either a contractor’s, property owner’s, or employer’s responsibility and negligence. Their potential damages may be reduced if their own actions prove negligent, such as entering an area that’s marked as unsafe, under New York’s comparative negligence rule.
Another legal option for those who sustain workplace injuries is filing a workers’ compensation claim. According to the New York Workers’ Compensation Board, injured employees can receive up to $1,222.42 in weekly benefits as of 2025. Workers’ comp benefits include lost wages and medical expenses, with survivor benefits also available for the families of fatal accident victims.
Why Safety Regulations Matter for Construction Sites
Working in a construction zone can be extremely dangerous, as injury data shows. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry accounts for 20.8% of all workplace deaths.
New York has one of the highest numbers of fatal construction injuries, per CPWR. Over a seven-year period, New York amassed 471 construction fatalities. Only Florida, California, and Texas had more fatal injuries within the industry.
Injuries commonly stem from falling objects, unsafe machinery, and falls from high elevations. These accidents can cause significant injuries, such as:
- Crush injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Deep lacerations
- Amputation
Labor Law 200, along with related statutes, aims to make construction sites safer. Having set regulations can hold employers and property owners to a certain standard, as well as offer peace of mind to employees.
How a Construction Injury Lawyer May Be Able To Help
Were you hurt at a construction site and believe the accident was due to your employer’s negligence? Speak with a construction injury lawyer in NYC about your options. An experienced attorney can explain the criteria for both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims so you understand the difference.
A construction accident attorney often assists clients with the following:
- Reviewing workers’ rights: Learn about your rights and how various labor laws protect you.
- Gathering evidence: In an effort to prove liability, attorneys look for compelling evidence supporting their client’s claim.
- Evaluating damages: Legal counsel also reviews a plaintiff’s losses to calculate economic and non-economic damages. Many injured workers seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiating settlements: Let a legal professional negotiate on your behalf in an attempt to settle the case out of court.
- Preparing for trial: Cases may proceed to a trial if settlement negotiations are unsuccessful. To prepare for litigation, attorneys continue to review the case and craft their arguments.
- Undergoing a trial: If your case ends in a trial, an experienced lawyer will guide you through the process and represent you in front of a judge and jury.
Meet With a Construction Injury Lawyer in NYC if You’ve Been Hurt on the Job Site
A workplace accident can impact your earnings and create physical limitations. However, you may have grounds to sue a negligent contractor or property owner if your injury stems from a violation of Labor Law 200. Reach out to Dervishi Law Group, P.C. if you’re unsure of your options.
Led by founding attorney Fatos Dervishi, our legal team has a deep understanding of labor laws for construction workers. We explore all legal options to find a strategy that suits a client’s unique needs. To schedule a consultation, contact our firm at (718) 484-4757.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about New York’s labor laws, construction accident lawsuits, and more below.
Why Should I Consult a New York Construction Accident Attorney?
Meeting with a New York construction accident attorney means a qualified legal professional can review your case and assess if you have the grounds to file a lawsuit.
How Can I Support My Injury Claim?
Evidence to support your injury claim may include photos of the worksite, witness statements, equipment maintenance logs, and testimony from expert witnesses.
Does New York Labor Law 200 Only Apply to Construction Workers?
No. Workplace safety protections in Labor Law 200 also apply to independent contractors as well as employees who may face hazardous conditions in the workplace, such as manufacturers or transportation workers.
