5 Fall Risks Explained by Our Construction Accident Lawyer in Staten Island

After a construction site fall, you should seek medical attention right away, report the incident to your employer or site supervisor, and document the scene with photos if possible. Preserving evidence such as witness contact information and any unsafe conditions that caused your fall is critical to building a strong case. Contact an experienced construction accident lawyer in Staten Island as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.

In New York, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including construction site fall accidents, is three years from the date of the injury. However, if your claim involves a government entity or municipal property, you may have as little as 90 days to file a Notice of Claim. Speaking with a construction accident lawyer promptly ensures you do not miss any critical deadlines that could bar your recovery.

Injured construction workers in New York may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and pain and suffering resulting from a fall accident. New York Labor Law Sections 240 and 241 provide strong protections for construction workers injured in elevation-related falls, often holding property owners and general contractors strictly liable. A skilled construction accident lawyer can evaluate your case and identify all available sources of compensation.

While workers’ compensation generally limits direct lawsuits against employers in New York, construction workers may have the right to pursue third-party claims against property owners, general contractors, or other responsible parties under New York Labor Law. New York’s Scaffold Law, also known as Labor Law Section 240, is particularly powerful because it holds owners and contractors liable for gravity-related fall injuries regardless of the worker’s own negligence. Consulting with a construction accident lawyer in Staten Island can help you understand all available legal options beyond a workers’ compensation claim.

Common causes of construction site falls include unguarded scaffolding, unsecured ladders, unprotected floor openings, wet or slippery surfaces, and failure to provide proper fall protection equipment such as harnesses and safety nets. These hazards are often the result of OSHA safety violations or negligence by property owners, contractors, or site supervisors who fail to maintain a safe work environment. If you were injured due to any of these dangerous conditions, a construction accident lawyer can help determine who may be held liable for your injuries.