.webp)
The weight of a construction accident can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally.
At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, we understand the unique challenges faced by injured construction workers and their families in New City, New York. We aren’t just lawyers — we’re advocates for those who feel powerless on their own.
Our team is committed to fighting relentlessly for the rights of our clients, ensuring that they receive the justice and compensation they deserve after a devastating construction accident.
Construction work is inherently dangerous. The construction industry is notorious for its high rate of accidents and fatalities. Every year, countless construction workers are injured or killed on worksites across the country. Such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the risks construction workers face every day.
The grim reality of construction work in the U.S. and New York State is highlighted by the staggering number of fatalities caused by falls.
According to a 2020 report from the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH), falls remain the leading cause of construction worker deaths, accounting for a staggering 48% of construction fatalities over the past decade. This alarming statistic underscores the perilous nature of working at heights in New York.
Furthermore, New York has the highest proportion of construction-related worker fatalities in the country. NYCOSH reports that in 2020, construction deaths accounted for 24% of all worker deaths in New York State.
Figures like these emphasize the critical importance of knowing your rights as a construction worker in New City. It's essential to understand the potential for negligence, defective equipment, and inadequate safety measures that can lead to accidents and to be prepared to exercise your rights if you’re injured.
Whether it's a new home development, a commercial renovation, or roadwork, building projects can easily lead to injuries if proper safety protocols aren’t observed. Construction accidents in New City are often the result of a combination of factors, including the following:
Negligence may take the form of a failure to provide a safe work environment, inadequate safety training, insufficient safety equipment, or any combination thereof. It can range from a lack of proper scaffolding to an absence of protection from falling objects.
Faulty scaffolding, ladders, and other equipment can lead to serious injuries. Too often, construction companies fail to properly maintain or inspect their equipment, putting workers at unnecessary risk.
Inattentive supervision and ignored safety protocols are major contributors to accidents. A lack of qualified supervisors can result in accidents and injuries that could have been prevented.
Workers who aren’t properly trained in safety procedures are more susceptible to accidents. This is particularly true of construction projects in New York City, where the pace of work can be demanding and safety protocols are more likely to be overlooked.
Poor lighting, slippery surfaces, and other environmental hazards can increase the risk of accidents. These hazards may be missed or ignored, leading to avoidable worker deaths.
Construction sites present a wide array of hazards that can lead to various types of accidents. From falls to equipment malfunctions, the risks are numerous and often result in serious injuries.
Here's a closer look at some of the most common hazards and the accidents they can cause on construction sites:
As noted, falls from heights are among the leading causes of construction accident injuries and fatalities in New York. This can include falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and other elevated surfaces. Scaffolding accidents owing to improper assembly or maintenance are particularly prevalent.
Faulty ladders or incorrect use can lead to falls and broken bones. Ladder accidents are often the result of construction companies failing to provide proper training or safe ladders to their workers.
Malfunctioning cranes or improper operation can prompt severe injuries or fatalities. Crane accidents can have devastating consequences, pointing to the importance of proper training and maintenance of heavy equipment.
Contact with exposed electrical wires or equipment can result in electrocution. This danger is often overlooked, especially in fast-paced construction sites where safety measures may be compromised.
Unsuspecting workers can be struck by falling objects, vehicles, or equipment. Such a mishap is most likely to occur when building materials aren’t secured properly or vehicles aren’t operated safely.
Workers can also be caught in or between machinery or objects. These accidents can involve various types of objects, from job site equipment to the moving parts of a structure under construction.
Working with hazardous materials can lead to serious health problems. Construction workers are frequently exposed to asbestos, lead paint, and other harmful materials, which calls for stringent safety protocols and proper training.
The consequences of a construction accident can be devastating, impacting not just the victim’s physical health but also their future. They vary greatly in severity, from minor cuts and bruises to serious, life-altering injuries.
Here’s a closer look at the range of injuries that can result from construction accidents:
Fractures are a common outcome of falls and other accidents, especially those involving heights, heavy equipment, or falling objects. They can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, leading to lost wages and financial hardship.
Head trauma can lead to concussions, brain injuries, and even death. It can have long-term effects on cognitive function, memory, and overall health, making extensive medical care and support a necessity.
Falls or other accidents can cause paralysis, sometimes resulting in permanent disability. Such injuries can be life-changing, creating a need for specialized medical care, adaptive equipment, and ongoing support services.
Muscle strains, sprains, and ligament tears are frequent effects of construction accidents. While they may not seem as severe as broken bones or head injuries, they can still cause significant pain, limit mobility, and interfere with work and daily activities.
Burns can occur due to contact with hot materials, electrical currents, or chemicals. They’re often extremely painful and require specialized medical care to prevent infection and promote healing.
Severe injuries can be marked by the loss of limbs. Amputation is one of the most unsettling possible consequences of construction accidents, as it can severely limit functionality and often calls for extensive rehabilitation and adaptive equipment.
Sadly, many construction accidents lead to fatalities. The loss of life in a work-related incident is a terrible tragedy that impacts the victim’s family, the wider community, and the construction industry as a whole.
Our experienced New City lawyers understand the dangers and challenges involved in construction site accidents. Contact us for a free consultation today to discuss your situation.
New York has a comprehensive system of laws and regulations designed to protect construction workers and ensure their safety. Various agencies enforce these laws, including the aforementioned NYCOSH and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which both play a vital role in setting safety standards and investigating accidents.
Here are some key New York laws that protect construction workers:
This foundational law obligates owners and contractors to provide a safe work environment. However, it’s a negligence-based statute, meaning the injured worker must prove that the owner or contractor was negligent in causing the accident.
New York Labor Law 240, more commonly known as the "Scaffolding Law," requires property owners and contractors to provide reasonable and adequate protection to workers from the risk of falling objects and from falling from heights.
This law is a strict liability statute, meaning an injured worker doesn’t have to prove negligence on the part of the owner or contractor to recover compensation.
Section 241 of New York’s labor code requires owners and contractors to comply with specific safety regulations outlined in the New York State Industrial Code. These regulations cover a wide range of safety issues, including scaffolding, ladders, hoisting, and excavation.
It's important for workers to be aware of these laws and to understand their rights in case of an accident on the job.
It’s critical to take action immediately after you’re involved in a construction accident. Here's what you should do:
If you intend to pursue a claim for compensation after your accident, having compelling evidence and hiring an attorney to present it is the best way forward.
A personal injury claim is a powerful tool to seek compensation for your injuries and losses following a construction accident in New City. It allows you to take legal action against those responsible for your accident and demand repayment for your injuries and losses in full.
By exploring this avenue with a trusted personal injury lawyer, you can focus on recovering and rebuilding your life without the added burden of having to handle your legal claim on your own.
The state of New York has designated deadlines within which accident victims must formally file claims.
If you’re seeking workers’ compensation benefits, you must submit your claim to the state’s Workers' Compensation Board within 30 days of the accident. If you decide to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault party, you have three years to file the suit.
If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else's negligence, you might be entitled to compensation for the various hardships you’ve faced. This compensation (formally known as “damages”) aims to help you recover financially and emotionally from the accident.
A successful personal injury claim can provide financial relief for the following:
The actual payout you receive will depend on many factors, including the nature and severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical expenses, the length of your recovery, the negligence of the responsible party, and applicable state laws. It's crucial to consult an experienced personal injury attorney to better understand your potential compensation.
Several parties could be legally liable for a construction accident, including:
Your attorney will investigate the circumstances of your accident to assign fault to the appropriate parties and pursue legal remedies against them.
To present a compelling argument for compensation, it’s essential to gather the following types of evidence:
One of your lawyer’s main objectives will be to use this evidence to demonstrate a causal link between the at-fault party’s actions or negligence and your injuries. Making this connection is crucial for securing the compensation you need.
At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, we’re committed to providing the highest level of legal representation and support to clients across New York State. Here are a few reasons to work with us:
Our construction accident attorneys have extensive experience handling construction accident cases, including those involving falls, scaffolding errors, crane mishaps, and other injuries. We pride ourselves on giving our clients the one-on-one attention and forceful advocacy they deserve.
We have a long track record of success in obtaining significant settlements and verdicts for our clients. This success is the product of our deep understanding of New York labor laws and proven ability to navigate the complexities of construction accident litigation.
We’re steadfast advocates for our clients' rights and will fight tirelessly to protect their interests and well-being. We do everything in our power to hold negligent parties accountable and ensure that our clients recover essential compensation for their injuries.
We take a personalized approach to each case, making sure our clients are aware of their legal options and keeping them informed throughout the process. We promise to provide the compassionate support you need during this difficult time.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have. We want you to feel comfortable and confident in your decision to choose us as your legal team.
Rob Fellows is more than just a lawyer; he's a seasoned advocate and a respected leader in the legal community. With over 40 years of experience, he's earned a reputation for meticulous preparation, unwavering advocacy, and a genuine commitment to his clients.
Steve Hymowitz is a champion for the underdog, specializing in medical malpractice and construction accident cases. He’s known for his warmth and unwavering dedication, relentlessly pursuing justice for those who feel powerless against insurance companies.
Matthew brings an unparalleled level of energy and drive to every case, earning a reputation for achieving exceptional results. He goes beyond financial wins, building deep connections with clients and becoming a trusted advisor during their most difficult times.
Joanne Horowitz is a skilled legal strategist and a strong advocate for those facing injuries due to negligence, construction accidents, and medical malpractice.
Margaret is a seasoned negotiator, expert in civil dispute resolution, with extensive experience handling homicide cases.
Don't let an injury define your future. Get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Our firm is dedicated to serving communities across New York State, including New City, Manhattan, Westchester, and beyond. We understand the setbacks injury victims are forced to deal with and are determined to connect them with the resources they need.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward recovery, contact the experienced New York construction accident lawyers at Fellows Hymowitz Rice today to arrange a free consultation. Let us help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries!
