Injured on a Construction Site in NYC? How New York Labor Laws Protect Construction Workers and Maximize Compensation

Construction sites across New York City and the state of New York are some of the most dangerous workplaces in the country. Every day, workers face serious risks—from falls, falling debris, faulty scaffolding, and unsafe equipment. If you're a construction worker injured on the job, you may be entitled to far more than just workers’ compensation—you may have powerful legal rights under New York labor law to pursue maximum compensation.

As an experienced construction accident lawyer in NYC, I help injured workers hold negligent parties accountable and recover the full damages they are owed.

Your Legal Rights as a Construction Worker in New York

New York’s labor laws provide unique protections for construction workers that go beyond what’s offered in most other states. These laws are designed to place responsibility on property owners and general contractors for unsafe job conditions.

Labor Law § 240 – The “Scaffold Law”

This powerful statute protects workers who fall from heights or are struck by falling objects due to lack of proper safety equipment (such as harnesses, guardrails, or secure scaffolding). Property owners and contractors can be held strictly liable—meaning injured workers don’t need to prove negligence.

Labor Law § 241(6) – Construction Safety Violations

This law requires job sites to follow specific safety rules under the New York Industrial Code. If a violation leads to injury, workers may file a third-party lawsuit against the responsible parties.

Labor Law § 200 – General Duty to Provide Safe Conditions

This law is similar to a negligence claim and applies when an injury is caused by unsafe tools, equipment, or worksite conditions.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Lawsuits

While workers’ compensation helps cover medical bills and partial lost wages, it does not cover pain and suffering or full financial losses. That’s why many construction injury cases in New York also involve third-party personal injury claims under the labor laws.

Pursuing both workers’ comp and a third-party claim can significantly increase your total compensation.

How a Construction Accident Lawyer Helps You Get Maximum Compensation

If you’ve been injured on a construction site, hiring the right lawyer can make all the difference. Here's how we build strong cases for construction workers:

• Immediate investigation of the job site, including photographs, witness interviews, and OSHA reports.

• Identifying all liable parties, including subcontractors, owners, and site managers.

• Using expert testimony to prove safety violations and the extent of your injuries.

• Pursuing damages for pain and suffering, lost future income, and long-term disability.

• Coordinating with your workers’ comp claim to prevent conflicts and protect your rights.

Who We Represent

We represent all types of construction workers in NYC and across New York State, including:

• Union laborers

• Demolition crews

• Electricians

• Carpenters

• Ironworkers

• Scaffolders

• Roofers

• HVAC technicians

If you were injured doing your job and weren’t given proper safety equipment or were working under unsafe conditions, you may be entitled to a substantial financial recovery.

Contact an Experienced NYC Construction Accident Lawyer

Construction injuries are serious and often life-changing. Don’t settle for just workers' comp. Our firm fights for the maximum compensation allowed under New York law. We’ve recovered millions for injured workers and are ready to help you.

Call us today for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.