Unfortunately, construction site accidents are far too common. Even more devastating is that a majority of these accidents, and the injuries they cause were entirely preventable.
In New York, there are strong Labor Laws in place to protect construction site workers and allow for them to bring a lawsuit.

Some of the key elements of these laws are: 1) the requirement that construction site managers provide adequate protection from hazards for all construction workers; 2) the strict regulation of scaffolds and ladders that protect workers from gravity-related injuries such as the worker falling from them… or from materials falling from above and striking the worker; and 3) providing ADDED protection at sites requiring excavation, demolition, or overall construction work.

Now as we know, construction sites are notoriously dangerous places. But be aware that the property owner and contractors working on a site have a responsibility to maintain the site in a safe condition — including both the work areas and the passageways.

Some of the most common construction site accidents are – falls, scaffolding collapses, electrical shocks, trench collapses, equipment and machinery malfunctions, dangerous site conditions, falling objects and debris, fires and explosions, crane accidents, and exposure to toxic chemicals.

It’s also important to know that the statute of limitations on a construction site accident case in NY is 3 years.

So, if you are the victim of a construction site accident, make sure to seek medical attention immediately.

Then, do no wait to consult with an attorney that you feel you can trust so a proper investigation can begin as soon as possible, preferably while the site is still active.

Lastly, if you are a construction worker DO NOT SIMLPY RELY on your employer or a contractor giving you proper safety equipment, like a harness, or safe directives. You need to take it upon yourself to make sure everything you are doing is safe and with the property safety equipment. I have seen cases where a construction worker was yelled at for trying to make a site safer only to be injured right after.

While of course your paycheck is critical to your livelihood, it is not more important than your health, and you will not be able to work with a serious injury.