Construction Accidents
Construction work is one of the most dangerous occupations in New York. Construction workers face daily exposure to hazardous job sites, heavy machinery, elevated work areas, and harmful materials. While the risks are known, serious injuries are not acceptable, especially when safety rules are ignored or corners are cut.
If you were injured on a construction site, Tokov Law’s New York construction accident attorneys are prepared to take action. We investigate what went wrong, identify responsible parties, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward after a serious workplace injury.
Call Tokov Law at (929) 235-0815 to schedule a free consultation. We assist clients in English, Spanish, Hebrew, Russian, and more.
Dangers and Hazards on Construction Sites
Construction sites are constantly changing environments, which makes them inherently dangerous. Because of these risks, property owners, contractors, and other parties are required to follow strict safety regulations designed to protect workers and the public. Unfortunately, accidents still happen due to negligence, lack of oversight, or failure to follow required safety procedures.
Common construction site hazards include:
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Top Construction Site Hazards: Falls and Structural Collapses Falls from heights, including scaffolds, ladders, and unguarded edges
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Unfinished or unstable structures that may collapse
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Heavy machinery and equipment, such as cranes, forklifts, and loaders
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Repetitive lifting leading to back and spinal injuries
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Exposure to toxic substances, including asbestos, lead, and chemical solvents
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Electrical hazards, including exposed wiring and power lines
When proper safety measures are not in place, these hazards can lead to catastrophic injuries or death.
Construction Accident Statistics
Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries nationwide and in New York. Data reported by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reflects the serious risks construction workers face:
- Over 1,000 construction-related fatalities were reported nationally in a recent year
- Construction deaths accounted for approximately 20% of all workplace fatalities
- Fall protection violations are consistently the most cited OSHA safety violations
- Scaffolding hazards rank among the top causes of serious construction injuries
These statistics highlight why safety compliance and accountability are critical on every construction project.
Common Types of Construction Accidents
Even when safety rules exist, negligence can place workers and pedestrians at risk. Construction accidents occur in many forms, including:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Fires and explosions
- Defective or malfunctioning equipment
- Structural collapses
- Being struck by falling tools, debris, or materials
These accidents can cause severe, life-changing injuries, such as:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken or crushed bones
- Severe burns
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
- Amputation or dismemberment
- Fatal injuries
Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Construction Accident
No one should be injured simply for doing their job. New York law provides strong protections for injured construction workers and pedestrians harmed by construction activity.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation through:
- Workers’ compensation benefits
- Third-party personal injury lawsuits
- New York Labor Law claims
Our construction accident attorneys evaluate all available legal options to determine the most effective path to recovery.
Who May Be Liable for a Construction Site Accident?
Construction accident cases often involve multiple responsible parties. Liability depends on how the accident occurred and who controlled the site, equipment, or work being performed.
Potentially liable parties may include:
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Top Construction Site Hazards: Falls and Structural Collapses
Property owners, who must ensure reasonably safe work conditions
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General contractors, responsible for overseeing site safety
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Subcontractors, whose work may create hazards
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Architects and engineers, when design or planning defects contribute to accidents
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Equipment manufacturers, when defective tools or machinery cause injury
Identifying liability in a construction accident is complex and requires experienced legal analysis. Tokov Law conducts thorough investigations to determine who should be held accountable.
Compensation Available After a Construction Accident
Injured workers may initially receive benefits through workers’ compensation, which can help cover:
- Medical treatment and ongoing care
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
- Partial replacement of lost income
However, workers’ compensation benefits are limited and do not compensate for pain and suffering.
When a third party is responsible, a personal injury lawsuit may allow recovery for additional damages, including:
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Loss of enjoyment and quality of life
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
- Damage or loss of personal property
- Loss of consortium affecting family relationships
Our attorneys work with medical professionals, financial experts, and vocational specialists to accurately calculate the full value of your claim.
How Tokov Law Supports Injured Construction Workers
After a construction accident, insurance companies and responsible parties often attempt to shift blame or minimize injuries. Our firm steps in to protect your interests from the very beginning.
When you choose Tokov Law, we will:
- Investigate the accident scene and safety violations
- Preserve critical evidence
- Identify all liable parties
- Handle insurer and defense communications
- Pursue maximum compensation through negotiation or litigation
We are committed to providing strong, responsive representation at every stage of your case.
Get Help from a New York Construction Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured on a construction site anywhere in New York, do not face the legal process alone. Early legal intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Call Tokov Law at (929) 235-0815 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. We represent clients across New York City and throughout the State of New York.
Dedicated to Our Clients’ Recovery
At Tokov Law, we take pride in standing up for injured workers and their families. Whether your case involves workers’ compensation, third-party liability, or New York Labor Law violations, our construction accident attorneys are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable.nYou’ve already endured a serious setback. Our goal is to remove legal obstacles and help you secure the financial recovery you deserve so you can focus on rebuilding your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we provide free, no-obligation case evaluations for all personal injury, real estate and property tax grievance matters.
Ensure your safety and seek medical attention immediately. Report the incident to your employer or site supervisor, document the scene with photos, and gather witness information.
The property owner and general contractor and in some cases subcontractors should make sure the workplace is a safe environment and must abide by all laws. They cannot delegate these responsibilities to anyone else and are strictly and absolutely liable for any violations of the statute.
In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is 3 years from the date of the accident. However, this can vary depending on the type of case. For example, wrongful death claims have a 2-year limit, and claims against government entities may have shorter deadlines. Contact an attorney right away to learn of any deadlines that apply to your case so they can file a claim for you on time.
Speak With Tokov Law Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York car accident, you deserve knowledgeable guidance and strong advocacy. Tokov Law is committed to protecting your rights, challenging insurance companies, and pursuing the compensation you need to move forward.