Common Causes of Construction Accidents in New York

Construction accidents are among the most devastating workplace injuries in New York, with the state recording some of the nation's highest construction fatality rates. In 2023 alone, 74 construction workers died across New York State — a 48% increase from the previous year and the highest death toll in a decade.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, our experienced construction accident lawyers will fight to protect your rights and secure maximum compensation.

New York Construction Accidents by the Numbers

The statistics surrounding construction accidents in New York paint a sobering picture of workplace safety challenges. According to the NYC Department of Buildings, 2024 saw 466 construction incidents resulting in 482 injuries and 7 fatalities, representing the lowest incident count in nearly a decade, yet still highlighting the dangerous nature of construction work.

The NYCOSH "Deadly Skyline" 2025 report revealed even more concerning statewide trends: 77% of investigated construction fatalities involved non-union workers, and 74% of employers at fatal work sites had prior OSHA violations. Fall protection remains OSHA's most frequently cited construction violation nationally, with 6,557 citations and $48 million in penalties in fiscal year 2024.

If you or a loved one was injured on a construction site, contact Fellows Hymowitz Rice for a free case evaluation.

Falls from Heights Remain the Leading Killer on NYC Job Sites

Falls from elevated surfaces account for more than half of all construction accidents in New York City and consistently rank as the deadliest hazard facing construction workers. The vertical nature of NYC's construction environment, from towering skyscrapers to complex scaffolding systems, creates unique fall risks that have produced some of the largest personal injury settlements in the state's history.

Scaffold and Ladder Falls

Scaffold-related accidents represent the most catastrophic category of construction falls, often resulting in life-changing injuries or death. Common scaffold hazards include improperly erected scaffolding, defective planking, missing guardrails, and inadequate fall-arrest systems. The complexity of Manhattan's high-rise construction projects creates particular challenges for scaffold safety, as systems must often navigate around existing buildings and utility lines.

OSHA's scaffolding standard (29 CFR 1926.451) ranks as the 8th most-cited construction violation nationwide, reflecting widespread compliance challenges across the industry. In New York courts, scaffold fall cases have produced remarkable verdicts, including a $53.5 million jury award for a scaffold collapse victim and a $7.25 million settlement for a scaffold accident that left a worker with permanent disabilities.

Roof, Elevator Shaft, and Structural Falls

Falls from roofs, through floor openings, and into unprotected elevator shafts create particularly severe injuries due to the distances involved. The tragic 2021 Long Island City elevator shaft fatality highlighted the deadly consequences when proper fall protection measures are absent. These accidents often involve workers falling multiple stories onto concrete or steel surfaces.

Structural falls during the construction of high-rise buildings are another significant hazard, particularly in the early phases when floor systems are incomplete, and safety systems may not be fully installed. New York's Labor Law §240(1) — the Scaffold Law — imposes absolute liability on property owners and general contractors for these gravity-related injuries, recognizing the inherent dangers of working at heights.

Struck-By Accidents and Falling Objects in a City That Builds Upward

New York's vertical construction environment creates unique hazards as tools, materials, and building components can fall from significant heights onto workers or pedestrians below. Struck-by accidents account for approximately 10% of all construction incidents and rank as the second leading cause of construction fatalities nationwide.

The 2023 SoHo wall collapse that injured multiple pedestrians underscored the risks posed by aging building facades during construction projects. NYC's Department of Buildings has documented more than 430 parapet-related incidents between 2014 and 2024, prompting enhanced inspection and safety requirements for building exterior work.

Common struck-by hazards include improperly secured tools and materials falling from scaffolding, crane-dropped loads, falling building materials during demolition, and vehicular accidents involving construction equipment. The dense urban environment of NYC construction sites amplifies these risks, as limited space often forces workers and equipment into close proximity.

Settlement amounts for struck-by accidents vary significantly based on the severity of injuries, but traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage from these incidents have resulted in multi-million dollar recoveries for injured workers and their families.

Electrocution Hazards on New York Construction Sites

Electrical hazards rank among the "Fatal Four" causes of construction deaths and present unique challenges on NYC job sites due to the city's aging infrastructure and complex underground utility networks. Construction workers face elevated electrocution risks from contact with overhead power lines, exposed wiring in renovation projects, wet conditions combined with electrical equipment, and faulty tools or extension cords.

Manhattan's dense network of underground utilities poses particular hazards during excavation, where workers may encounter unmarked electrical lines. The prevalence of older buildings in NYC means construction workers frequently encounter outdated electrical systems that may not meet current safety standards.

Electrical accidents often result in severe burns, cardiac injuries, and neurological damage that can permanently disable workers. The complex nature of electrical injuries can result in substantial settlement values. A recent $19.7 million arc flash settlement demonstrated the severe consequences and legal liability associated with electrical safety failures on construction sites.

Caught-In/Between and Crushing Accidents

The fourth member of OSHA's "Fatal Four" (caught-in/between accidents) occurs when workers are compressed or caught between equipment, materials, or structures. These accidents often result in crushing injuries, amputations, or death due to the tremendous forces involved.

Trench collapses are among the deadliest types of caught-in accidents. The 2023 JFK Airport trench collapse, which killed two workers, and the 2022 Borough Park trench collapse underscored the catastrophic nature of excavation failures. While national trench fatality rates dropped approximately 70% from 2022 to 2024, these accidents remain among the most devastating when they occur.

Other common caught-in/between hazards include workers trapped by unguarded machinery, individuals caught between construction equipment and fixed structures, and crushing injuries from improperly stored materials or equipment tip-overs. The confined spaces common on NYC construction sites can exacerbate these dangers.

Crane Collapses and Heavy Equipment Failures Across NYC

Crane accidents occupy a unique place in New York construction safety discussions due to their high-profile nature, catastrophic consequences, and the substantial legal settlements they generate. NYC's skyline transformation depends on massive crane operations, but these powerful machines pose significant hazards when safety protocols are violated.

Recent crane incidents include the July 2023 Midtown crane fire and collapse, which injured 12 people and underscored how quickly crane emergencies can escalate in dense urban environments. The April 2025 Ninth Avenue crane collapse near Times Square reminded New Yorkers of the 2008 crane disasters that killed 9 people and led to enhanced regulations.

New York's response to crane safety concerns includes the 2024 HMO (High-Risk Construction Operations) licensing requirements and the requirement for mandatory diesel crane fire suppression systems. These regulations acknowledge the unique risks that large construction equipment poses in NYC's confined job sites.

The financial stakes in crane accident cases are enormous. The $272 million Tribeca crane collapse settlement is among the largest construction accident recoveries in New York history, reflecting both the severity of injuries and the complex liability issues that arise when heavy equipment fails.

Construction equipment failures often involve multiple liable parties. Our attorneys can identify every responsible party in your case.

How New York Labor Laws Give Injured Workers Powerful Legal Protections

New York's construction accident laws provide some of the strongest protections for injured workers in the United States. Understanding these legal frameworks is crucial for construction workers and their families in the event of an accident.

Labor Law §240 — The Scaffold Law's Absolute Liability Standard

New York stands alone among U.S. states in imposing absolute liability for gravity-related construction injuries through Labor Law §240(1). This statute holds property owners and general contractors strictly liable for accidents involving workers who fall from heights or are struck by falling objects, regardless of the property owner's or general contractor's fault.

The Scaffold Law covers all elevation-related work and safety devices, including scaffolds, ladders, hoists, stays, hangers, blocks, pulleys, braces, irons, ropes, and similar devices. Importantly, the law's protections extend to all construction workers, regardless of immigration status, as undocumented workers are entitled to full compensation under New York Labor Law.

The absolute liability standard means that property owners and general contractors cannot escape responsibility by claiming the worker was careless or that they followed safety protocols. The only defense available is to prove the worker was the sole proximate cause of the accident, which is an extremely difficult standard to meet.

Labor Law §241(6) and Industrial Code Violations

Labor Law §241(6) creates a non-delegable duty for property owners and contractors to comply with specific Industrial Code provisions found in Rule 23 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations. When a specific code provision is violated, and the violation contributes to a worker's injury, it creates negligence per se, meaning the defendant’s negligence is presumed.

The Industrial Code covers a vast range of construction safety topics, including scaffolding requirements, excavation safety, crane operations, demolition procedures, guardrail specifications, and worksite lighting standards. The breadth of these regulations means that many construction accidents involve potential Rule 23 violations.

Workers' Compensation and Third-Party Claims — Pursuing Both Cases

New York's legal framework allows injured construction workers to pursue dual recovery through both workers' compensation benefits and third-party personal injury lawsuits. Workers' compensation provides immediate no-fault benefits, including medical coverage and approximately two-thirds of wages, while third-party claims against property owners, general contractors, or equipment manufacturers can provide full compensation for pain and suffering, future earnings, and loss of quality of life.

This dual-recovery system recognizes that construction sites involve multiple parties beyond the worker's direct employer, creating opportunities for additional compensation that can be crucial for workers facing permanent disabilities or long recovery periods.

Steps to Take After a Construction Accident in NYC

Taking prompt action after a construction accident can significantly affect your health outcomes and legal rights. Follow these critical steps to protect yourself and preserve your claim:

1. Seek immediate medical attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated by medical professionals who can identify internal injuries or complications that may not be immediately apparent.
2. Report the accident: Notify your employer immediately and ensure the accident is properly documented. Request copies of all incident reports and safety violation reports filed in connection with your accident.
3. File a workers' compensation claim within 30 days: New York law requires reporting workplace injuries within 30 days to preserve your right to workers' compensation benefits.
4. Preserve evidence: Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any defective equipment. Collect contact information from witnesses and document hazardous conditions that contributed to the accident.
5. Avoid recorded statements: Insurance adjusters may contact you seeking recorded statements. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney, as these statements can be used to minimize your claim.
6. Contact an experienced construction accident attorney: New York's statute of limitations provides three years for personal injury claims, two years for wrongful death claims, and 90 days for notice of claim requirements against government entities.

Talk to a New York Construction Accident Lawyer Today

Construction accidents can devastate workers and families, but New York's legal framework provides powerful tools for recovery and accountability. Our experienced legal team has successfully handled countless construction accident cases, securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for injured workers throughout New York.

Don't let the insurance company minimize your claim or allow liable parties to escape responsibility. We offer free consultations, work on a contingency fee basis (no fee unless we win), and have extensive experience with Labor Law §240/241(6) cases. Our multilingual support team can assist Spanish-speaking clients and other non-English speakers.

Time limits apply to construction accident claims, and preserving evidence is crucial to the success of the case. Contact Fellows Hymowitz Rice today for your free case evaluation. We're here to fight for the compensation you deserve.