Hurt on a NYC Construction Site? Here’s What New York Law Says You’re Owed

Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Construction Accident in New York City

New York City’s skyline never stops growing — and neither does the danger for the workers building it.

According to the  NYCOSH Deadly Skyline Report , construction worker fatalities in New York State have been climbing year over year, with falls remaining the #1 cause of death on job sites. In a city that never stops building, the risks are everywhere — and they’re real.

If you or someone you love was injured on a construction site in New York City, Long Island, or Westchester County, you need to know one thing: New York law is on your side. But only if you act fast — and only if you have the right team fighting for you.

New York’s “Scaffold Law” — The Most Powerful Protection for Injured Workers in the Country

New York is the only state in the nation with an absolute liability law for construction workers injured in falls. It’s called  Labor Law Section 240  — commonly known as the Scaffold Law — and it’s one of the most powerful legal tools available to injured workers anywhere in the country.

Here’s what it means for you:

• If you fell from scaffolding, a ladder, a roof, or any elevated surface — the property owner and general contractor are strictly liable, regardless of whether they claim you were at fault.
• If you were struck by a falling object — same rule applies.
• You don’t have to prove the owner knew about the danger. The law places the responsibility squarely on them.

 Labor Law Section 241(6)  adds another layer — requiring construction sites to follow specific safety regulations. Violations of those regulations can form the basis of a powerful lawsuit.

These laws exist because construction workers take on enormous risk every day. When employers and property owners cut corners, workers pay the price — with their bodies, their livelihoods, and sometimes their lives.

The Most Common Construction Accidents We See in New York

At  Chaikin Trial Group , we’ve handled construction accident cases across New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. The injuries we see most often include:

• Falls from scaffolding or ladders —  Unsafe scaffolding remains one of the leading causes of serious injury on NYC job sites 
• Falling debris and objects from above —  A danger that’s far more common — and far more serious — than most people realize 
• Crane and rigging accidents
• Forklift accidents
• Electrocutions
• Trench collapses

These aren’t minor incidents. These are life-altering injuries — broken spines, traumatic brain injuries, shattered limbs — that can end careers and devastate families.

Workers’ Comp Isn’t Enough. Here’s Why.

Many injured construction workers assume workers’ compensation is their only option. It’s not.

Workers’ comp covers some medical bills and a portion of lost wages. But it doesn’t compensate you for pain and suffering, permanent disability, loss of future earnings, or the full cost of long-term care.

Under New York’s Labor Laws, you may be able to file a third-party lawsuit against the property owner, general contractor, or subcontractor — in addition to a workers’ comp claim. That’s where real compensation lives.

Our  construction accident lawyers  have recovered millions for injured workers who were told workers’ comp was all they could get. Don’t accept that answer.

What to Do After a Construction Accident in New York

Time is critical. New York has strict deadlines — called statutes of limitations — for filing personal injury claims. Here’s what you should do immediately:

1. Get medical attention — even if you feel okay. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
2. Report the accident to your supervisor and make sure it’s documented in writing.
3. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any equipment involved.
4. Get witness information — names and contact details of anyone who saw what happened.
5. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking to a lawyer.
6. Call a construction accident attorney immediately.

Construction sites change quickly. Equipment gets removed, scaffolding gets dismantled, and evidence disappears. Acting fast can make all the difference.

Why Chaikin Trial Group?

At Chaikin Trial Group, we prepare every case for trial from day one. That’s not a slogan — it’s our strategy. Insurance companies know which firms are willing to go to court and which ones will fold. Our reputation for aggressive litigation means our clients consistently receive higher settlements.

Founder Ian Chaikin is personally involved in every case — available seven days a week, from the first call to the final resolution. Our firm has recovered over $100 million for injured New Yorkers, including a  $5.45 million settlement for a construction injury .

We work on a contingency basis — you pay nothing unless we win.

The Bottom Line

If you were hurt on a New York construction site, the law gives you real options — options that go far beyond workers’ comp. But those options have deadlines, and the clock starts the moment you’re injured.

Contact Chaikin Trial Group for a free case evaluation. We serve clients across NYC, Long Island, Westchester County, and beyond.