The construction accident attorneys at Hofmann & Schweitzer represent injured construction workers throughout New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, as well as New Jersey. For more than 40 years, our firm has recovered millions of dollars for workers hurt in scaffolding falls, crane accidents, and site safety failures using New York Labor Law 240 (the Scaffold Law), Labor Law 241(6), and Labor Law 200, which allow injured workers to pursue compensation far beyond workers' compensation benefits.
If you were hurt on a construction site, your union, your employer, and their insurance companies all have representation. You should too.
Please contact our office at 212-465-8840 for a FREE, personalized review of your case.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Construction Accident in New York?
If you have been involved in a construction accident in New York, it is crucial to take immediate steps to protect your health, your rights, and your potential legal claims. Here is what you should do:
Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)![injured construction worker holding leg after a New York construction accident]()
- Seek Medical Attention: Get immediate medical care, even for seemingly minor injuries
- Report the Accident: Notify your supervisor and site safety officer, and report safety violations on the construction site
- Document Everything: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and safety violations
- Collect Information: Get contact details from witnesses and identify all equipment involved
- Contact an Attorney: Speak with an experienced construction accident lawyer within 24 hours
Within the First Week
- File your workers' compensation claim
- Preserve all evidence and documentation
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies
- Keep detailed records of medical treatment
- Don't sign any settlement agreements
Why NY Labor Laws 240, 241(6), and 200 Make Construction Cases Different
Construction accidents differ from typical workplace injuries because New York Labor Laws create strict liability for property owners and contractors. This means injured workers can pursue compensation beyond workers' compensation benefits, often resulting in settlements worth hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.
New York Labor Law Protections for Construction Workers
- Labor Law 240 ("Scaffold Law"): Provides absolute liability for height-related accidents, including falls from scaffolds, ladders, and elevated work areas
- Labor Law 241(6): Requires safe working conditions and proper safety equipment under the New York Industrial Code
- Labor Law 200: Addresses general workplace safety negligence by owners and contractors who control the work
Construction Accident Cases Our NYC Attorneys Handle
Construction zones are inherently hazardous environments. Our knowledgeable legal professionals are well-equipped to manage various types of construction accident cases, including:
Scaffolding Accidents
Falls from scaffolding can lead to grave injuries. We conduct thorough investigations to determine whether appropriate safety measures were implemented and pursue Scaffold Law claims where they were not.
Crane Accidents
Crane failures and collapses can result in devastating injuries. Our attorneys meticulously identify all responsible parties in these intricate cases.
Falls and Falling Debris Injuries
Workers who fall from heights or are struck by falling tools, materials, or debris often endure serious head and spinal trauma. New York's ladder safety laws for construction sites and Labor Law 240 give these workers powerful legal claims.
Electrical Shock Injuries
Electrocutions and burns from defective wiring or exposed power sources necessitate comprehensive investigation to establish culpability.
Trench Cave-Ins
Collapses and cave-ins can lead to crushing injuries or asphyxiation. We scrutinize whether proper reinforcement and safety protocols were in place.
Equipment Failures
Faulty or poorly maintained machinery can inflict severe injuries. Our team pursues claims against both equipment manufacturers and site supervisors.
Serving Injured Construction Workers in All Five Boroughs
With construction activity spanning Manhattan high-rises, Brooklyn residential development, and infrastructure projects across the city, our Midtown Manhattan office at 212 W 35th Street represents injured workers from every borough. Our Queens construction accident lawyers handle cases throughout the borough, and we represent workers injured on sites in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island, as well as New Jersey workers through our Raritan office. Wherever your accident happened, an attorney will personally visit the site to understand exactly why it occurred.
The Legal Process for Construction Accident Claims
Initial Investigation
Our legal team immediately begins investigating your accident, preserving evidence, and identifying all liable parties. We work with safety experts, engineers, and accident reconstruction specialists to build the strongest possible case.
Filing Your Claim
We handle all legal paperwork, court filings, and communications with insurance companies. Our attorneys ensure all deadlines are met and your rights are fully protected throughout the process.
Settlement Negotiations
Most construction accident cases settle out of court. Our experienced negotiators work to secure maximum compensation while preparing for trial if necessary. We never settle for less than what your case is worth.
Trial Preparation
We're prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our attorneys are skilled litigators with a proven track record of winning construction accident cases in New York courts.
Common Injuries in NYC Construction Accidents
Construction accidents frequently result in severe, life-changing injuries. Some of the most common injuries we encounter in these cases include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Falls or impacts from objects can cause TBIs with enduring cognitive and physical repercussions.
Spinal Cord Trauma
Harm to the spinal cord may result in partial or complete paralysis, dramatically altering a victim's life trajectory.
Bone Fractures and Breaks
The intense force of construction accidents often leads to multiple fractures requiring extensive medical intervention.
Amputation Trauma
Crushing incidents or equipment malfunctions may necessitate limb amputation, resulting in permanent disability.
Burn Trauma
Electrical accidents, fires, or chemical exposure can inflict severe burns with long-lasting consequences.
Respiratory Ailments
Exposure to toxic substances or particulates can lead to chronic respiratory conditions impacting long-term health.
Construction Accident Case Results
Results matter when choosing a construction accident law firm. Recent recoveries by our attorneys include a $7 million settlement for a dock builder injured by a mooring cable on an offshore wind project, a $1,425,000 settlement for an injured surveyor under Longshore 905(b), and a $950,000 recovery for a construction worker's neck and shoulder injuries. Review more of our construction accident case results to see what our clients have recovered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Accident Claims
How much compensation can I get for a construction accident in New York?
Construction accident settlements vary widely, from tens of thousands of dollars to several million, depending on injury severity. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. Because New York Labor Laws allow claims beyond workers' compensation, serious injuries such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries often result in substantially higher recoveries.
What compensation can construction workers get for permanent injuries from falls on the job?
Workers who suffer permanent injuries in construction falls may recover damages for lifetime medical care, lost earning capacity if they cannot return to their trade, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life. Under New York Labor Law 240, property owners and contractors face strict liability for most height-related accidents, which often makes these among the strongest construction injury claims.
How long do I have to file a construction accident lawsuit in New York?
In New York, you typically have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a construction accident lawsuit. Claims against government entities have much shorter deadlines, sometimes as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim. Contact an attorney immediately to make sure every deadline is met and evidence is preserved.
Can I sue if I'm already receiving workers' compensation?
Yes. Workers' compensation does not prevent third-party lawsuits against property owners, general contractors, or equipment manufacturers. These lawsuits can provide significantly more compensation than workers' comp alone, including pain and suffering damages that workers' compensation never covers.
Can undocumented workers file injury claims after getting hurt on a construction site?
Yes. New York law protects all construction workers regardless of immigration status. Undocumented workers injured on New York construction sites can pursue workers' compensation benefits and third-party lawsuits under the Labor Law, and it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against a worker for filing a claim. Our office assists Spanish-speaking clients throughout the process.
How do I compare construction injury attorneys?
Look for a firm with decades of experience specifically in New York Labor Law 240, 241(6), and 200 claims, published case results in construction cases, trial experience rather than settlement-only practice, and a contingency fee structure with no fee unless you win. Ask who will personally handle your case and how quickly the firm returns client calls.
Compensation for Your Construction Accident Claim
Construction accidents often impose significant financial strain. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Including hospital charges, surgical procedures, medications, and future treatment requirements
- Lost Income: For time away from work due to your injuries
- Diminished Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from resuming your construction career
- Pain and Suffering: For the physical and emotional toll of your injuries
- Reduced Quality of Life: If your injuries have restricted your ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, particularly for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Our NYC construction accident attorneys will vigorously pursue maximum compensation for you.
Why Choose Hofmann & Schweitzer for Your Construction Accident Case
Proven Track Record
For over 40 years, we've exclusively represented injured workers, never insurance companies or employers. Our attorneys understand construction site hazards, safety regulations, and the tactics insurance companies use to minimize claims.
Specialized Expertise
- Deep knowledge of New York Labor Laws 240, 241(6), and 200
- Experience with OSHA regulations and safety standards
- Network of construction safety experts and medical specialists
- Understanding of construction industry practices and equipment
Maximum Compensation Strategy
We identify all potentially liable parties including:
- Property owners and developers
- General contractors and subcontractors
- Equipment manufacturers and rental companies
- Architects and engineers
- Safety consultants and supervisors
Our Reputation as Construction Accident Attorneys Is Built on Client Satisfaction
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"From day one, I was confident in my choice to have Paul Hofmann represent me in my lawsuit. He has many years of experience, knowledge, and proven success with cases similar to mine, but most importantly, his integrity, professionalism, and pride in what he does are over the top! Paul worked diligently and aggressively right from the very first day. He always took the time to answer my questions and alleviate my concerns throughout the entire process, which included many of them. I remain grateful and have the utmost respect for Paul Hofmann for all his tireless work and personal commitment to the end. Paul told me the most rewarding part of the process is hearing from his clients and knowing they are living the best life possible long after their case is resolved. So we plan to do just that!"
Schedule Your Free Consultation Now
Contact Our New York Construction Accident Attorneys Today
The construction accident attorneys at Hofmann & Schweitzer aggressively protect the rights of employees and subcontractors who were hurt by the misconduct of a general contractor, property owner, equipment manufacturer, or another negligent party. Call us today at 212-465-8840 or visit us at our New York City or New Jersey office. Learn how a New Jersey and New York construction accident lawyer can help you get the recovery you deserve by requesting our FREE guide, Hurt in a Construction Accident? You're Not Alone.