Fatal Four Construction Accidents in New York

The Fatal Four construction accidents, as identified by OSHA, are falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents, which together account for nearly 65% of all construction worker deaths in the United States. New York has specific labor laws, including Labor Law Sections 200, 240, and 241, that are designed to protect construction workers from these dangerous conditions. If you or a loved one was injured in one of these accidents, contacting an experienced New York construction accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights.

In New York, workers’ compensation typically limits direct lawsuits against employers, but you may still be able to file a claim against third parties such as property owners, general contractors, or equipment manufacturers who contributed to the accident. New York’s unique scaffold law and other labor statutes can provide powerful legal protections for injured construction workers beyond standard workers’ compensation benefits. Consulting with a construction accident attorney can help you identify all potentially liable parties and maximize your recovery.

After a construction accident, you should seek emergency medical attention right away, report the incident to your supervisor, and document the scene with photos if you are safely able to do so. It is also important to gather witness contact information and preserve any evidence related to the accident, such as defective equipment or unsafe conditions. Speaking with a qualified New York construction accident lawyer as soon as possible can protect your rights and ensure critical evidence is not lost.

In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including construction accidents, is generally three years from the date of the injury. However, if your claim involves a government entity or municipality, the deadline can be significantly shorter, sometimes requiring a notice of claim to be filed within just 90 days. Because these deadlines are strict and missing them can bar your claim entirely, it is important to contact a construction accident attorney as soon as possible after your injury.

Injured construction workers in New York may be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages depending on the circumstances of the accident. In wrongful death cases involving a fatal construction accident, surviving family members may also be able to pursue a claim for loss of financial support and companionship. An experienced New York construction accident lawyer can evaluate your case and help you pursue the full compensation you are entitled to under the law.