New York City Construction Accident Lawyer

NYC Construction Accident Lawyer – SWP Platta Law

Construction work in the bustling metropolis of New York City is known for its inherent dangers. If you’re a construction worker injured on a job site in NYC, it’s critical to understand your rights. You may be entitled to financial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages through a legal claim. A skilled New York City Construction Accident Lawyer can be your strongest advocate in navigating this process and maximizing your potential recovery.

At The Platta Law Firm, our nationally recognized trial attorneys are deeply committed to representing construction workers and their families across New York City. We bring decades of focused experience in construction accident litigation to your case.

With over 150 years of combined experience, our legal team has a proven track record of securing substantial settlements, verdicts, and benefits packages for our clients, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. Don’t accept less than you deserve after a construction accident in New York City. Let our extensive experience, profound understanding of New York construction law, and unwavering dedication to justice work for you. Contact our NYC law office at 212-514-5100 today to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Why Choose The Platta Law Firm for Your NYC Construction Accident Case?

When construction workers in New York City are injured on the job, they frequently turn to our highly-rated legal team for representation. Here’s why:

Unparalleled Experience: Our attorneys possess over 150 years of collective experience specifically in handling intricate construction accident claims, providing you with seasoned legal guidance.
Award-Winning Litigators: We are recognized leaders in personal injury law, holding accolades from Super Lawyers, the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys, and Lawyers of Distinction, demonstrating our legal excellence.
Proven Financial Recoveries: We have a history of successfully compelling insurance companies, employers, and other liable parties to pay our clients significant compensation, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.
Shaping New York Construction Law: Our firm’s relentless advocacy has led to landmark verdicts that have influenced and strengthened construction law in New York, underscoring our commitment to workers’ rights. For example, our work on Wilinski v. 334 E. 92nd Hous. Dev. Fund Corp. has set important precedents in the field.
Personalized and Transparent Representation: We prioritize clear communication, offering approachable and personalized legal support to ensure you are informed and comfortable throughout the legal process.
No Fee Unless We Win: You can hire our experienced New York City construction accident lawyers without any upfront costs. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we successfully recover compensation for you.
Comprehensive Case Investigation: Our team meticulously investigates every case, including assembling expert witnesses and contacting crucial witnesses like coworkers and other personnel present at the accident scene.

Choosing the right New York City personal injury lawyer is a critical decision after a construction accident. Client testimonials and reviews on platforms like Facebook and Google reflect the positive impact our firm has on our clients’ lives.

We offer a free consultation for all new clients. Call our NYC law office at 212-514-5100 to discuss your case with a knowledgeable member of our team today.

Millions Recovered for NYC Construction Accident Victims

Our accomplished trial lawyers have a consistent record of achieving substantial financial recoveries for injured construction workers in New York City, including numerous million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Some notable case results for injured NYC construction workers include:

$48 Million Settlement: Secured for a construction worker who suffered permanent impairment after a fall on temporary wooden stairs at a Brooklyn construction site. This landmark settlement highlights our ability to handle complex and high-value cases.
$8.5 Million Settlement: Obtained for a 41-year-old mason tender injured in a scaffolding accident caused by inadequate lighting. This case underscores the importance of site safety and employer negligence.
$7.5 Million Settlement: Won for a young subcontractor who sustained a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a metal bar during a break. This result emphasizes the severe consequences of construction site hazards.
$7 Million Settlement: Awarded to a 33-year-old construction worker who suffered severe injuries in a scaffold collapse, further compounded by falling cinderblocks. This verdict reflects the dangers of scaffold-related accidents.
Multiple Settlements Ranging from $3.5 Million to $4.495 Million: Achieved in cases involving demolition accidents, falls from scaffolds, and incidents involving falling objects, demonstrating our broad expertise across various types of construction accidents. These include cases for injuries sustained in Long Island and Nassau County warehouses, renovation projects, and general construction sites.

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in New York City, you have a limited window to pursue compensation. The Platta Law Firm is dedicated to maximizing your legal claim and fighting for the full compensation you are entitled to.

The Prevalence of Construction Accidents in New York City

Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries. Nationally, construction jobs constitute a significant portion of the most dangerous occupations. In New York City, despite representing approximately 5% of the city’s workforce, construction workers tragically account for 27% of all workplace fatalities.

Crane operators, mining machine operators, cement masons, ironworkers, roofers, and derrick workers are statistically among the most at-risk within the construction sector.

New York City’s dynamic environment means constant construction activity. Currently ranked as the fourth-largest construction industry in the nation, NYC hosts over 35,000 active construction projects across its boroughs.

This intense construction activity means thousands of NYC construction workers face daily risks to their safety and well-being. Despite regulations aimed at preventing accidents, injuries and fatalities on New York City construction sites are a daily reality. The severity of these accidents contributes to New York having some of the highest construction accident verdicts and settlements in the United States.

According to the New York City Construction Safety Report, 2022 saw 751 reported construction accidents citywide, a 5.4% increase from the previous year. These accidents resulted in 554 worker injuries and at least 11 fatalities.

These statistics translate to roughly two construction accidents occurring every day in New York City, leading to daily injuries or fatalities among construction workers.

Representing Workers in All Types of NYC Construction Accidents

The construction industry is diverse, encompassing numerous specialized trades. When a construction accident occurs in New York, it’s crucial to have legal representation from a firm with experience across a broad spectrum of construction accident types.

Understanding the nuances of different accident scenarios and the specific New York labor and construction laws applicable to each situation is vital for a successful legal outcome. At The Platta Law Firm, our New York City construction accident lawyers have extensive experience advocating for workers in a wide range of cases, including:

Scaffolding Accidents and Ladder Accidents: Falls from heights are a leading cause of injury, and we have significant experience in cases involving scaffolding and ladder collapses or failures.
Falls from Heights: Representing workers injured due to inadequate fall protection.
Slip and Fall Accidents: Addressing injuries from slips and trips caused by debris, unsecured materials, or uneven surfaces.
Trenching Accidents and Excavation Accidents: Handling the complex liabilities in trench collapses and excavation site incidents.
Crane Accidents and Hoist Accidents: Navigating the severe injuries resulting from crane malfunctions, dropped loads, and hoist-related incidents.
Roofing Accidents: Representing roofers injured due to falls, material handling accidents, and equipment failures.
Electrical Accidents: Cases involving electrocution and electrical burns due to faulty wiring or lack of safety protocols.
Toxic Exposure and Hazardous Materials Accidents: Addressing long-term health issues and immediate injuries from exposure to asbestos, silica, and other dangerous substances.
Building Collapse and Structure Failure Accidents: Handling catastrophic injuries from partial or complete building collapses.
Gas Explosions and Explosion Accidents: Representing victims of explosions and fires on construction sites.
Welding Accidents and Brazing Accidents: Injuries from burns, fumes, and equipment malfunctions during welding and brazing operations.
Struck-By Accidents: Cases where workers are injured by falling objects, moving equipment, or debris.
Motor Vehicle Accidents: Accidents involving construction vehicles on or around job sites.

Our compassionate legal team also provides representation to families who have lost loved ones in fatal construction accidents in New York City. If you or a family member has been injured, do not hesitate to contact us for immediate assistance. We are available 24/7 to support you.

Pursuing Compensation After a Construction Accident in NYC

There are generally two primary avenues for recovering compensation after a construction accident in New York.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Workers’ compensation in New York is a no-fault system designed to provide injured workers with benefits quickly. You can file a claim with your employer’s insurance to receive benefits for:

Medical Expenses: Coverage for all necessary medical treatment related to your injuries.
Lost Wage Benefits: Partial wage replacement for time unable to work, including Temporary Total Disability (TTD) and Temporary Partial Disability (TPD).
Permanent Disability Benefits: Compensation for permanent impairments resulting from the accident.
Death Benefits: Financial support for dependents in cases of fatal accidents.

While workers’ compensation provides essential benefits, it has limitations on the amount and duration of payments. Lost wage benefits are typically capped at two-thirds of your pre-injury average weekly wage and may cease when you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) or after a statutory time limit.

Construction Accident Lawsuits: Seeking Damages

New York law offers injured construction workers the possibility of pursuing compensation beyond workers’ compensation through a third-party lawsuit.

You may have grounds to file a civil lawsuit against a negligent third party, such as:

General Contractors
Property Owners
Engineers or Architects
Subcontractors
Equipment Manufacturers
Negligent Coworkers

Furthermore, you may have the right to sue your employer directly if your injuries resulted from unsafe working conditions, OSHA violations, or defective equipment. A lawsuit allows you to seek comprehensive damages, including:

Economic Damages: Covering financial losses such as medical bills (past and future), lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and diminished earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages: Compensating for intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, PTSD, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter future similar behavior.

Pursuing either workers’ compensation or a lawsuit can be complex, often involving resistance from employers and insurance companies. Our experienced NYC construction accident attorneys are prepared to advocate fiercely for your rights and maximize your financial recovery under New York law.

Leading Causes of Fatal Construction Accidents

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies four primary hazards, known as the “Fatal Four,” responsible for the majority of construction worker fatalities:

Falls

Falls are the leading cause of death in construction, accounting for over 36% of fatalities. These accidents often result from inadequate fall protection, improperly erected scaffolding, and insufficient training for working at heights.

Electrocution

Electrocution accounts for approximately 8.6% of construction fatalities. Common causes include contact with overhead power lines, unsafe electrical tools, and improper grounding.

Struck-By Objects

Being struck by falling objects or equipment causes around 10% of construction deaths. Failure to secure materials properly, equipment malfunctions, and unsafe lifting practices are major contributing factors.

Caught-In/Between Objects

Around 2.5% of fatalities occur when workers are caught in or between machinery, equipment, or collapsing structures. Entanglement in machinery and being crushed between objects are typical scenarios.

Common Injuries in NYC Construction Accidents

Construction site accidents can lead to a wide range of severe injuries. The Platta Law Firm is dedicated to helping you obtain compensation for all job-related injuries, including:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Concussions
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Bone Fractures and Crush Injuries
Amputations and Degloving Injuries
Severe Burns and Electrocution Injuries
Internal Organ Damage
Back and Neck Injuries, including Whiplash and Herniated Discs
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Soft Tissue Injuries
Catastrophic Injuries leading to permanent disability
Wrongful Death

Following a construction site injury in New York City, it is crucial to immediately report the incident to your employer, typically within 30 days to protect your workers’ compensation eligibility. Seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries, as accident-related trauma symptoms can be delayed.

Once your medical condition is stable, contact our experienced New York City construction accident attorneys to explore your legal options. We will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries and suffering.

Statute of Limitations for Construction Accident Claims in NY

The time limit for filing a construction accident claim in New York depends on the type of claim:

Workers’ Compensation Claims: A two-year statute of limitations applies from the date of the accident.
Personal Injury Lawsuits: A three-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits: A two-year statute of limitations from the date of the worker’s death.

Missing these deadlines will permanently bar your ability to recover compensation. It is crucial to act promptly and consult with a New York City construction accident lawyer to protect your rights.

Steps to Take After a NYC Construction Accident

Your actions immediately following a construction accident in NYC are crucial. Take these steps to protect your health and legal rights:

Report the Accident: Immediately notify your supervisor or employer. Report the accident within 30 days to preserve your right to workers’ compensation benefits.
Seek Medical Attention: Get immediate medical evaluation, even if you believe injuries are minor. Emergency room care ensures prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Gather Evidence: If possible, document the accident scene with photos and videos. Collect names and contact information of witnesses.
Consult a New York City Construction Accident Lawyer: Contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. An attorney will protect your rights, investigate the accident, and guide you through the legal process. Direct all communication regarding the accident through your attorney.

Contact The Platta Law Firm immediately after a construction accident. We can assist with medical care, navigate complex claims processes, and advocate for your maximum financial recovery.

New York Labor Laws Protecting Construction Workers

Both federal OSHA regulations and specific New York State labor laws are in place to protect construction worker safety. Key New York Labor Laws include:

Labor Law 200: Provides general workplace safety standards for employers.
Labor Law 240 (Scaffolding Law): Specifically protects workers from gravity-related risks, such as falls from heights.
Labor Law 241: Outlines safety requirements for construction, excavation, and demolition work.

These laws mandate employers to prioritize worker safety through proper training, adequate safety equipment, regular site inspections, and specific precautions for elevated work. Violations of these New York labor laws can establish employer liability if a worker is injured or killed.

Contact a New York City Construction Accident Lawyer Today

A construction accident in New York City can have devastating and long-lasting impacts on your life and livelihood. Seeking legal recourse is essential to obtain the financial support needed for recovery.

The Platta Law Firm’s New York City construction accident lawyers offer over 150 years of combined experience and a proven history of securing substantial compensation for injured workers. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights and maximizing your recovery.

Contact our New York City, NY law office at 212-514-5100 for a free, confidential consultation. We represent construction workers throughout all NYC boroughs, including Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, and Brooklyn. Let us help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.