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New York City Construction Accident Lawyer | Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm
Passionately Pursuing Justice

New York City Construction Accident Lawyer

Injured on a New York City construction site? You may be entitled to significant compensation — and the law may be on your side even if your employer says otherwise. At the Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC, our New York City construction accident lawyers have spent decades fighting for injured workers and accident victims throughout all five boroughs. We know New York's powerful construction safety laws inside and out — and we use them aggressively to hold negligent property owners, contractors, and employers accountable.

Construction accidents in New York often result in catastrophic, life-altering injuries — or death. If you or a loved one has been hurt on a construction site, scaffolding, or demolition project in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, call us now at (212) 736-0979 for a free, no-obligation consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.

Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC — Passionately Pursuing Justice, One Case at a Time.

Get Your Free Case Review or call (212) 736-0979 — Available 24/7

$2.1 Million

Settlement

Building wall falling on pedestrian during demolition. A mother and her 3-year-old child were seriously injured while walking on a Manhattan sidewalk when the wall of a building being demolished collapsed on top of them. We secured a $2.1 million settlement for the family.

$1.5 Million

Settlement

Neck injury from overhanging pipe. Our client was a construction worker going up a ladder. A pipe that had been damaged by other workers was hanging over the ladder and the client struck his head on the pipe, resulting in a serious cervical spine injury.

$1.2 Million

Settlement

Falling girder striking a demolition worker. Our client was a demolition worker struck by a steel girder that had been improperly cut above his work level. He suffered severe, permanent injuries to his arm. We recovered $1.2 million on his behalf.

$600,000

Settlement

Building collapse killing a demolition worker. A demolition worker was killed when the building collapsed, causing him to fall multiple stories — witnessed by his own son, who was also employed at the site. We obtained approximately $600,000 for the widow and family.

Our Construction Accident Results Speak for Themselves

When you choose the Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, you hire a team with a proven record of delivering real results for real people. Here are just a few examples of what our construction accident lawyers have achieved for clients:

Some cases were prosecuted by Mr. Reiter as a member of a separate and distinct law firm. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in future cases.

View our full Verdicts & Settlements page →

At the Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, we evaluate every construction accident case under all applicable statutes to maximize your recovery. Call (212) 736-0979 to discuss which laws apply to your situation.

Know Your Protections

New York Construction Workers Have Powerful Legal Rights Other States Don't Offer

New York State is one of the most worker-protective states in the country when it comes to construction accident law. Two statutes in particular give injured construction workers and their families extraordinary legal leverage:

New York Labor Law § 240 — The "Scaffold Law"

New York Labor Law Section 240, commonly known as the "Scaffold Law," is one of the strongest worker-protection statutes in the nation. It places absolute (strict) liability on property owners and general contractors for gravity-related injuries on construction sites. This means that if you fall from a scaffold, ladder, roof, or elevated platform — or if an object falls and strikes you from above — the property owner and general contractor may be liable regardless of whether they were directly negligent.

Under §240, covered activities include construction, demolition, repair, alteration, painting, cleaning, and pointing of a building or structure. This law applies to both workers and pedestrians injured by falling materials or equipment.

Key point: Insurance companies and defense lawyers fight aggressively to limit §240 claims. You need an attorney who knows how to preserve and assert your rights under this statute immediately after the accident.

New York Labor Law § 241 — Safety in Construction Operations

New York Labor Law Section 241 requires construction site owners and general contractors to maintain safe working conditions and comply with specific regulations set by the New York State Industrial Code. When those regulations are violated — unsafe trenches, improper lighting, lack of protective barriers, inadequate safety equipment — and a worker is injured as a result, the owner and contractor can be held liable.

Unlike §240, liability under §241 is not absolute, but comparative negligence rules mean that even if you were partly at fault, you may still recover substantial compensation.

New York Labor Law § 200 — General Duty of Care

Section 200 codifies the common-law duty of property owners and general contractors to provide workers with a reasonably safe place to work. Claims under §200 require showing that the owner had control over the work or knew of the dangerous condition.

At the Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, we evaluate every construction accident case under all applicable statutes to maximize your recovery. Call (212) 736-0979 to discuss which laws apply to your situation.

Types of NYC Construction Accidents We Handle

New York City's construction industry is one of the busiest — and most dangerous — in the world. Our New York City construction accident attorneys handle the full spectrum of construction site injuries, including:

Scaffold Accidents & Collapses

Scaffolding collapses are among the most deadly events on New York construction sites. Whether a scaffold is improperly assembled, overloaded, missing guardrails, or made of defective materials, the results can be catastrophic. Under Labor Law §240, the property owner and general contractor are strictly liable for scaffold-related falls and injuries.

Falling Objects

Workers on lower floors and pedestrians on sidewalks are frequently struck by tools, building materials, debris, and equipment that falls from above. The law requires that all such materials be properly hoisted, secured, or barricaded — and when they are not, the responsible parties are liable under §240.

Falls from Heights

Falls from roofs, open floors, elevated platforms, and stairwells are a leading cause of construction worker fatalities in New York. Property owners must provide adequate fall protection, safety harnesses, guardrails, and safety nets. Failure to do so triggers strict liability under Labor Law §240.

Ladder Accidents

Defective, improper, or unsecured ladders cause thousands of injuries annually on New York construction sites. If a ladder slips, breaks, or shifts due to the failure to provide adequate safety equipment, the responsible parties may be held strictly liable.

Crane & Heavy Equipment Accidents

New York City has seen a number of high-profile crane collapses and equipment failures in recent years. These complex cases involve multiple layers of liability — crane operators, rental companies, property owners, and manufacturers may all share responsibility.

Electrocution & Electrical Accidents

Construction workers routinely work near live electrical wires and power lines. Failure to properly de-energize wires, provide adequate insulation, or warn workers of electrical hazards can constitute violations of both OSHA regulations and Labor Law §241.

Trench Collapses & Excavation Accidents

Trench collapses can bury workers alive within seconds. OSHA mandates strict shoring, sloping, and protective systems for all excavations. When these regulations are ignored, the consequences — and the legal liability — are severe.

Construction Site Fires & Explosions

Gas leaks, welding accidents, improper storage of flammable materials, and electrical failures can cause devastating fires and explosions on construction sites. These incidents frequently give rise to multiple claims against contractors, subcontractors, and product manufacturers.

Demolition Accidents

Demolition work carries unique hazards — structural instability, hazardous materials like asbestos, and the risk of partial or total building collapse. New York's Labor Laws fully cover demolition workers and, in many cases, nearby pedestrians and bystanders as well.

Pedestrian & Bystander Injuries

You don't have to be a construction worker to have a claim. Pedestrians and bystanders injured by falling debris, collapsing scaffolding, or unsafe sidewalk conditions adjacent to construction sites have full legal rights to pursue compensation from property owners and contractors.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Your NYC Construction Accident?

One of the most important — and misunderstood — aspects of New York construction accident law is that you may have claims against parties beyond your direct employer. Potentially liable parties include:

Property owners

Under Labor Law §240 and §241, property owners bear strict or near-strict liability for safety violations on their sites, even if they hired a general contractor to manage the work.

General contractors

General contractors who control the work site are liable under the same statutes.

Subcontractors

A subcontractor whose negligence caused your accident may be liable under common law negligence claims.

Equipment manufacturers

If a defective scaffold, ladder, harness, crane, or piece of machinery contributed to your injury, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability law.

Architects and engineers

In some cases, defective design or engineering failures create liability for design professionals.

Building owners and developers

Even passive or "out of possession" owners can be held liable under Labor Law §240.

Our attorneys conduct a thorough investigation of every case to identify all potentially liable parties and ensure you pursue the maximum possible recovery. Call (212) 736-0979 now to start that investigation before critical evidence is lost.

Workers' Compensation vs. Third-Party Lawsuit — What's the Difference?

Many injured construction workers are told they can only collect workers' compensation. This is often incorrect, and settling for workers' comp alone can leave enormous amounts of money on the table.

Workers' compensation provides limited benefits — a portion of your lost wages and coverage for medical expenses — but it does NOT compensate you for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or full lost earning capacity. And you generally cannot sue your direct employer for additional damages in a workers' comp case.

However, a third-party personal injury lawsuit against the property owner, general contractor, or another responsible party can recover full damages including pain and suffering, full lost earnings, future medical costs, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are often many times larger than what workers' compensation provides.

The best outcomes often involve pursuing workers' compensation benefits simultaneously with a third-party lawsuit. Our New York City construction accident attorneys are experienced at coordinating both tracks to maximize your total recovery.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a NYC Construction Accident?

If you have been seriously injured in a New York City construction accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:

Past and future medical expenses

hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical devices, and any anticipated future treatment

Lost wages

all income lost while you were unable to work during your recovery

Reduced earning capacity

if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your ability to earn income in the future

Pain and suffering

physical pain, discomfort, and the ongoing effects of your injuries

Emotional distress

anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological impacts caused by the accident

Loss of enjoyment of life

inability to participate in hobbies, recreational activities, and aspects of daily life you previously enjoyed

Loss of consortium

the impact of your injuries on your relationship with your spouse or partner

Wrongful death damages

if a family member was killed in a construction accident, surviving spouses, children, and dependents may recover for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of parental guidance

New York Construction Accident Statute of Limitations — Don't Wait

Time is a critical factor in every New York construction accident case. Missing the deadline to file your claim can permanently bar you from recovering any compensation, no matter how strong your case is.

  • Personal injury claims — generally 3 years from the date of the accident under New York law
  • Wrongful death claims — 2 years from the date of death
  • Claims against New York City or a government agency — you may have as little as 90 days to file a Notice of Claim, with a lawsuit deadline of 1 year and 90 days

Beyond the statute of limitations, evidence deteriorates quickly. Surveillance footage is overwritten. Witnesses' memories fade. OSHA records may be sealed. Physical evidence at the scene changes. The sooner you retain an attorney, the better your chances of building a winning case. Call our office now at (212) 736-0979 — we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How Our New York City Construction Accident Lawyers Fight for You

When you retain the Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, you get a dedicated team that goes to work immediately. Here is what we do on your behalf:

Free Case Evaluation

We begin with a thorough, free consultation — in person at our Manhattan office, by phone, or by video call. We listen to the full story of your accident, review any available documentation, and give you an honest assessment of your legal options. There is no cost and no obligation.

Immediate Evidence Preservation

We move quickly to secure critical evidence before it disappears: photographs and video from the accident scene, surveillance footage, accident reports, OSHA investigation records, payroll and employment records, equipment maintenance logs, and witness statements. Speed matters enormously in construction accident cases.

Expert Investigation

We retain leading construction safety experts, engineers, accident reconstructionists, and medical professionals to analyze your accident and build the strongest possible evidentiary foundation for your claim. These experts are often decisive in achieving large verdicts and settlements.

Identifying All Liable Parties

We conduct a full analysis of everyone who may bear responsibility — property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, architects — to make sure we pursue every available source of compensation.

Aggressive Negotiation

Most construction accident cases are resolved through negotiated settlements. We negotiate firmly and strategically with insurance companies and defense counsel to demand full and fair compensation. We do not accept lowball offers.

Trial-Ready Litigation

When insurance companies will not offer fair value, we take cases to trial. Our attorneys are experienced trial litigators who are fully prepared to present your case to a jury — and that readiness alone often drives better settlement outcomes.

No Fee Unless We Win

We represent all construction accident clients on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and nothing at all unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict — so you can focus on your recovery while we handle everything else.

Serving Construction Accident Victims Throughout All Five Boroughs and the Tri-State Area

Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm represents construction accident victims across all of New York City and beyond.

Manhattan Construction Accident Lawyer

From skyscraper construction in Midtown to residential renovations on the Upper West Side and Lower East Side, Manhattan construction accident cases are among the most complex in the country. Our Manhattan office is centrally located to serve you.

Brooklyn Construction Accident Lawyer

Brooklyn's construction boom has led to a surge in workplace injuries across neighborhoods from Williamsburg to Sunset Park to Downtown Brooklyn. We fight for Brooklyn construction workers and residents injured on and around construction sites.

Queens Construction Accident Lawyer

Queens is one of the most active construction markets in New York City, with major infrastructure, residential, and commercial projects throughout the borough. Our attorneys handle Queens construction accident cases from Long Island City to Jamaica and everywhere in between.

Bronx Construction Accident Lawyer

The Bronx has seen significant construction activity in both residential and commercial sectors. Our Bronx personal injury attorneys are ready to assist construction accident victims throughout the borough.

Staten Island Construction Accident Lawyer

We represent construction accident victims on Staten Island as well, providing the same aggressive, experienced representation across all five boroughs.

We also serve clients in Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester, and northern New Jersey when New York Labor Law applies to their accident.

About Jonathan C. Reiter — Your New York City Construction Accident Attorney

Jonathan C. Reiter has built his legal career on one principle: fighting tirelessly for people who have been seriously hurt due to someone else's negligence. As the founder and lead attorney of the Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC, he has dedicated his practice to personal injury and construction accident law in New York City.

Mr. Reiter brings decades of experience handling complex construction accident cases involving New York Labor Law §240, §241, and §200. He has achieved multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for injured workers, pedestrians, and the families of those killed in construction accidents across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

His work and expertise have been recognized by major media outlets including Forbes, the New York Times, and the Huffington Post. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association and is admitted to practice in all New York State and Federal Courts.

When you hire the Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, you work directly with Mr. Reiter and his experienced legal team — not a paralegal or junior associate. He personally oversees every construction accident case from the first consultation through resolution.

Learn more about Jonathan C. Reiter →

Client Success

What Our Construction Accident Clients Say

"After my fall from a scaffold in Manhattan, I didn't know where to turn. Mr. Reiter and his team walked me through every step of the process, kept me informed at every turn, and recovered a settlement that covered my medical bills and then some. I can't recommend them highly enough."

— Construction Worker, Manhattan

"My husband was killed in a demolition accident. I was devastated and had no idea what my rights were. Jonathan Reiter's office was compassionate, professional, and absolutely relentless in fighting for our family. They recovered compensation that has allowed me to provide for our children."

— Wrongful Death Client, Brooklyn

"I was told by my employer that workers' comp was my only option. Mr. Reiter explained that I had a third-party claim against the property owner and recovered far more than I thought possible. This firm changed my life."

— Construction Accident Client, Queens

Why Choose Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm for Your NYC Construction Accident Case?

  • Decades of experience handling New York construction accident cases under Labor Law §240, §241, and §200.
  • Multi-million-dollar results for workers injured in scaffold accidents, falls, falling object accidents, demolition incidents, and more.
  • Recognized by Forbes, the New York Times, and the Huffington Post — a trusted name in New York personal injury law.
  • Personalized attention — you work directly with attorney Reiter, not handed off to staff.
  • Clear, consistent communication — we keep you informed at every stage of your case and consult you on every major decision.
  • No fee unless we win — zero upfront cost, pure contingency representation.
  • Available 24/7 — construction accidents don't happen on a schedule, and neither do we.
  • Free consultations — in person (Manhattan office), by phone, or by video.

Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Construction Accidents

What are the most common causes of construction accidents in New York City?

Construction and demolition accidents happen for many reasons. The most common causes we see include: unsafe or improperly assembled scaffolding; scaffolding collapses; falls from ladders, rooftops, or elevated platforms; falling objects striking workers on lower floors or pedestrians below; defective construction equipment or machinery; electrocution from live wires or improper electrical setups; trench and excavation collapses; crane failures and collapses; building wall or structure collapses during demolition; and failure by contractors or property owners to adhere to OSHA safety guidelines and the New York Industrial Code.

What is New York Labor Law Section 240 (the Scaffold Law)?

New York Labor Law §240 — commonly called the "Scaffold Law" — is one of the most powerful worker-protection statutes in the United States. It imposes strict (absolute) liability on property owners and general contractors for gravity-related injuries on construction sites. This means that if you fall from a scaffold, ladder, roof, or other elevated surface — or if you are struck by an object that falls from above — the owner and contractor are liable regardless of whether they were directly negligent. You do not need to prove fault; you need to prove the accident occurred and that it involved a gravity-related hazard that the defendants failed to protect against. This is an extraordinarily powerful legal tool for injured workers.

Can I sue my employer if I'm injured in a construction accident in New York?

In most cases, workers' compensation is your exclusive remedy against your direct employer — meaning you generally cannot sue your employer directly for additional damages beyond workers' comp benefits. However, New York construction accident law is significantly more nuanced than this. If the property owner, general contractor, a subcontractor, or an equipment manufacturer caused or contributed to your accident, you may file a third-party personal injury lawsuit against those parties. These lawsuits can recover full pain and suffering damages, which workers' comp does not cover, and often result in far greater total compensation. Every construction accident is unique — call us to discuss exactly what claims apply to your situation.

Who investigates construction accidents in New York City?

Construction accident investigations in New York typically involve multiple agencies. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigates workplace safety violations and issues citations to employers and contractors. The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) investigates accidents involving the construction, alteration, or demolition of buildings. In cases involving public property or roads, other city or state agencies may also be involved. Critically, these government investigations are designed to determine regulatory violations — not to protect your legal rights or maximize your compensation. You need an independent attorney on your side investigating in your interest, gathering evidence, and working with your own experts. Contact us immediately after your accident so we can preserve evidence and launch a parallel investigation on your behalf.

What compensation can I recover after a NYC construction accident?

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to recover: all past and future medical expenses; lost wages for the period you were unable to work; reduced earning capacity if your injuries permanently limit your ability to work; compensation for physical pain and suffering; emotional distress damages; loss of enjoyment of life; and loss of consortium for your spouse or family. In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may also recover funeral costs and loss of financial support.

Preguntas Frecuentes Sobre Accidentes de Construcción en Nueva York

Los sitios de construcción se consideran entre los lugares de trabajo más peligrosos de Nueva York porque los trabajadores suelen estar en lugares elevados, a veces a cientos de metros sobre el suelo. Trabajan con maquinaria pesada, materiales y varios contratistas al mismo tiempo en un mismo sitio. Tal como cité en The New York Times: "Es un entorno con tanto potencial de peligro que requiere un enfoque diario y muy riguroso para brindar un ambiente seguro a los trabajadores de la construcción". Eso debe formar parte de la cultura de trabajo. Las condiciones cambian a diario, por lo que la vigilancia constante es esencial.

Los accidentes de construcción relacionados con la gravedad son el tipo más común de accidentes en esta industria. Pueden ocurrir cuando los trabajadores se caen, ya sea de andamios, puentes de acero, escaleras temporales o partes inacabadas de edificios, o cuando objetos caen sobre ellos. Herramientas que caen desde pisos superiores, piezas de equipo, metal, concreto o ladrillos pueden desplomarse y causar lesiones graves o incluso la muerte. Estos accidentes suelen generar consecuencias muy serias debido a las alturas y pesos involucrados.

La Ley de Andamios de Nueva York (Sección 240 de la Ley Laboral) está diseñada específicamente para proteger a los trabajadores de construcción. Abarca accidentes que involucran andamios, escaleras y otros equipos relacionados con trabajos en altura. Esta ley responsabiliza a los dueños de propiedades y a los contratistas generales de proporcionar el equipo y las medidas de seguridad adecuadas, incluso si no estuvieron directamente involucrados en el accidente. Es una de las leyes de protección laboral más sólidas del país.

El propietario, el contratista general e incluso los subcontratistas tienen la obligación de proporcionar un lugar de trabajo seguro. Este es el estándar básico de cuidado en Nueva York. Aunque no hayan estado directamente involucrados en tu trabajo en específico o en el accidente, aún pueden ser considerados responsables por violaciones de las normas de seguridad. Nueva York cuenta con leyes muy específicas diseñadas para proteger a los trabajadores, que van más allá de la simple compensación laboral.

La compensación laboral cubre el tratamiento médico y un porcentaje del ingreso perdido, pero no garantiza una recuperación total. Si logras demostrar negligencia o violaciones de las normas de seguridad específicas de Nueva York, puedes recuperar el valor completo de lo que has perdido: todos los ingresos perdidos, atención médica futura, beneficios del Seguro Social y la compensación por dolor y sufrimiento. Los trabajadores que dedicaron su vida a aprender su oficio merecen una compensación total cuando se les arrebata esa capacidad.

Puedes recuperar el valor total de lo que has perdido: todos los ingresos perdidos, los beneficios del Seguro Social, la atención médica futura y la compensación por dolor y sufrimiento. Estas lesiones suelen ser incapacitantes y generar dolor de por vida. Los trabajadores enfrentan problemas que transforman su vida a nivel emocional, físico y financiero. La ley reconoce que tanto los obreros como los trabajadores especializados que ya no pueden laborar merecen una indemnización que refleje por completo el impacto en sus vidas.

Los accidentes por objetos que caen están contemplados en las mismas leyes de seguridad. Herramientas simples que se caen de los pisos superiores, piezas de equipo o escombros de una demolición pueden causar lesiones graves o incluso la muerte. Durante la construcción o demolición, el metal, el concreto o los ladrillos pueden desplomarse. Los propietarios y contratistas tienen la obligación de colocar redes y protecciones adecuadas para prevenir estos accidentes.

Inmediatamente después del accidente. En las obras, las condiciones cambian a diario y la evidencia puede desaparecer rápidamente. Nueva York tiene leyes específicas de seguridad en la construcción que requieren conocimiento especializado para aplicarlas. No dependas solo de la compensación laboral: podrías tener derecho a mucho más. Un abogado con experiencia puede investigar mientras la evidencia aún está fresca y determinar todas las fuentes posibles de indemnización.

Nueva York cuenta con innumerables reglas específicas dentro del Código Industrial que protegen a todo tipo de trabajadores de construcción: electricistas, carpinteros, albañiles, técnicos HVAC y obreros. Estas incluyen el acceso seguro entre pisos, protección contra objetos sobresalientes, requerimientos para andamios y uso de redes de seguridad. Cuando estas reglas se violan y los trabajadores resultan heridos, la ley ofrece soluciones específicas que van más allá de la compensación laboral.

Estos trabajadores han dedicado su vida a aprender un oficio o, en el caso de los obreros, a esforzarse para mantener a sus familias. Cuando ya no pueden trabajar debido a una lesión, enfrentan problemas que transforman su vida a nivel emocional, físico y financiero. Las familias pierden ingresos, beneficios y la capacidad del trabajador de proveer. La ley reconoce que no se trata solo de facturas médicas, sino de reconstruir una vida que ha cambiado por completo a causa de un accidente en una obra de construcción.