Experienced Construction Accident Lawyer in New York

New York has the strongest construction worker protection laws in the nation. The New York Labor Law — particularly the famous “Scaffold Law” (§240) and §241(6) — imposes strict liability on property owners and general contractors for gravity-related injuries and safety code violations on construction sites. These powerful statutes make New York one of the best states for injured construction workers to pursue full compensation. Attorney Michael Siddons leverages these laws to their fullest extent for every injured construction worker we represent.

New York Construction Accident Laws

New York’s construction accident laws are uniquely protective of workers. Labor Law §240(1) — the “Scaffold Law” — imposes absolute strict liability on property owners and general contractors for gravity-related injuries (falls from heights, struck by falling objects) when proper safety devices were not provided. No proof of negligence is needed. Labor Law §241(6) requires owners and contractors to comply with specific Industrial Code safety rules and allows lawsuits for violations. Labor Law §200 codifies common-law negligence for unsafe work conditions. The statute of limitations is three years. New York’s pure comparative negligence applies to §241(6) and §200 claims but NOT to §240 claims (where the owner’s liability is absolute). Workers’ comp does not prevent third-party claims.

Types of Construction Accident Cases We Handle

We handle all construction accident types in New York including scaffold and ladder falls (§240 claims), falls from roofs, floors, and elevated surfaces, struck-by falling objects (§240 claims), trench and excavation collapses, crane and hoist accidents, electrocution injuries, construction vehicle accidents, caught-in/between accidents, Industrial Code violations (§241(6) claims), and wrongful death on construction sites.

Compensation Available in New York Construction Accident Cases

New York construction accident victims can recover full medical expenses, complete lost wages and future earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and potentially punitive damages. Under §240(1), property owners are strictly liable — even if the worker was partially at fault, comparative negligence does NOT apply. This makes NY construction accident cases among the most valuable personal injury claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is New York’s Scaffold Law (Labor Law §240)?

Labor Law §240(1) imposes absolute strict liability on property owners and general contractors for gravity-related construction injuries when proper safety devices (scaffolds, harnesses, nets, guardrails) were not provided. You do not need to prove negligence — only that the safety device was absent or inadequate and a gravity-related injury occurred.

Does comparative negligence apply to Scaffold Law claims?

No. This is what makes §240 so powerful. Even if the worker was partially at fault, comparative negligence CANNOT reduce the property owner’s liability. If proper safety equipment was not provided and a gravity-related injury occurred, the owner is fully liable.

What is Labor Law §241(6)?

§241(6) requires property owners and general contractors to comply with specific safety rules in the New York Industrial Code. If a code violation caused your injury, you can sue under §241(6). Unlike §240, comparative negligence does apply to §241(6) claims — but violations of specific code provisions are strong evidence of negligence.

Can undocumented workers file construction accident claims in New York?

Yes. New York courts have consistently held that immigration status does not affect your right to pursue a construction accident claim. All workers on New York construction sites are protected by the Labor Law regardless of their documentation status.

Who can I sue for a construction accident in New York?

Under NY Labor Law, you can sue property owners, general contractors, and their agents. You generally cannot sue your direct employer (workers’ comp exclusivity), but you can sue upstream parties. Equipment manufacturers can be sued for defective products. An attorney can identify all liable parties.