Construction workers face a range of hazards on the job that create a higher-than-average risk of injury. If you suffered injuries in a crane accident, trench collapse, or other construction site accident in Manhattan, you may be facing prolonged medical treatment and a difficult road to recovery. The good news is that you may be entitled to compensation through New York’s workers’ comp system, a personal injury claim, or both.

The team at Oresky & Associates, PLLC can assist you through the process of seeking justice after a construction accident injury. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation with a Manhattan construction accident lawyer. Your case evaluation is fully confidential, and you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your matter.

Why Should I Hire a Manhattan Construction Accident Attorney?

The aftermath of a New York construction accident can be hectic and confusing. Seeking medical care should be your highest priority. However, treatment and recovery take time and energy, and you might not have much of either left over for focusing on a workers’ comp or personal injury claim.

The construction accident law firm of Oresky & Associates, PLLC can take this burden off your shoulders. We’ll manage your case from start to finish so you can concentrate on your health. When you choose us, you get a seasoned law firm with the following:

  • Over 30 years of success in handling complex construction accident claims
  • A track record of over $500 million recovered for injured New Yorkers
  • Hundreds of positive reviews from satisfied clients throughout the Five Boroughs
  • Always putting our clients first and doing everything possible to secure a favorable outcome

Oresky & Associates, PLLC has a strong local reputation for our honesty, hard work, and professionalism. Our team is committed to treating you like family and providing personalized legal support with strong communication at every step.

Don’t hesitate to reach out and secure the counsel you need while you’re healing. Contact us today and tell us your story.

Who Can Be Held Liable for My Construction Accident Injuries?

Which party bears legal responsibility for a construction accident depends on how the injury occurred and the relationship between the parties involved.

You’re generally eligible for workers’ compensation benefits regardless of fault, which means you can recover benefits even if no one was negligent in their duty to ensure safe conditions. However, if someone other than your employer contributed to your injuries, you may have a third-party claim. In this situation, fault becomes an important factor.

Potentially liable parties in a Manhattan construction accident case may include the following:

  • Property owners who fail to maintain safe job sites
  • General contractors responsible for site safety and supervision
  • Subcontractors whose negligence caused the injury
  • Equipment manufacturers that produced defective machinery
  • Engineers or architects who provided unsafe designs

The Manhattan construction accident attorneys at Oresky & Associates, PLLC can identify all responsible parties and pursue every available source of compensation.

What Types of Compensation Are Available to Construction Accident Victims?

Most injured workers qualify for benefits through New York’s workers’ compensation system after a construction accident in Manhattan. This program provides financial relief without requiring you to prove anyone was at fault. Workers’ comp benefits can provide essential support while you recover, but they are subject to some limits.

Benefits available through workers’ comp typically include the following:

  • Payment of all reasonable and necessary medical expenses
  • Partial wage replacement for time missed from work
  • Disability benefits if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job
  • Death benefits for surviving family members after a fatal accident

You may also have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to your workers’ comp claim if a third party’s negligence contributed to your injuries. Third-party claims often result in greater compensation because they cover the full extent of your losses. They potentially include the following:

  • Full reimbursement for lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
  • Past and future medical expenses not covered by workers’ comp
  • Pain and suffering caused by the injury
  • Loss of enjoyment of life or permanent disability
  • Out-of-pocket expenses, such as home modifications or medical equipment

What Could My Construction Accident Case Be Worth?

The exact value of your case and how much construction accident compensation you might recover will depend on the specific facts of your case. More severe injuries that require more extensive treatment and have long-term repercussions on your health and ability to work will typically yield higher amounts of compensation than injuries that fully heal and do so relatively quickly.

Because compensation amounts are so case-specific, connecting with a construction accident attorney in Manhattan at the outset can help you more fully understand what types of compensation and benefits you might be entitled to and the amounts of money that might be involved.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Construction Accident in New York?

Strict deadlines apply to construction accident claims in New York. You must notify your employer of your injury within 30 days to preserve your right to workers’ compensation benefits. For third-party construction accident lawsuits, the deadline is generally three years from the date of the accident.

Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your right to benefits and compensation. That’s why it’s important to take prompt action to secure legal representation and protect yourself after a Manhattan construction accident.

How Do New York Labor Laws Apply in Construction Accident Claims?

New York’s labor laws provide strong protections for construction workers and hold property owners and contractors responsible when unsafe job site conditions cause accidents. These laws establish clear safety standards and create legal avenues for injured workers to recover compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.

Some of the key laws that may apply to your Manhattan construction accident case include the following:

  • Labor Law Section 200 – This law requires property owners and general contractors to provide a safe work environment. It covers general safety standards and applies when accidents result from unsafe premises or negligent supervision.
  • Labor Law Section 240 – Known as the “scaffold law,” this statute protects workers injured in height-related accidents, such as falls from scaffolding or ladders, or being struck by falling objects. It imposes absolute liability on owners and contractors who fail to provide proper safety equipment.
  • Labor Law Section 241 – This law applies to construction, demolition, and excavation sites. It allows injured workers to bring claims when violations of specific safety regulations under New York’s Industrial Code cause accidents.

Can I Recover Damages If I’m Being Blamed for the Accident?

Even if you’re blamed for contributing to a construction accident, you may still be able to recover compensation.

Workers’ compensation benefits are available regardless of fault, so your benefits won’t be reduced if you contributed to the accident. In a third-party lawsuit, New York’s comparative fault law may reduce your financial recovery in proportion to your percentage of fault. That means if you’re 25 percent at fault, the court will reduce your compensation by 25 percent.

Your construction accident lawyer in Manhattan can review your case and fight to minimize attempts to blame you for your injury.

What Causes Most Construction Accidents in Manhattan?

Manhattan construction sites are fast-paced environments where multiple contractors, heavy machinery, and constant activity create a high risk of accidents. Many of these accidents can be traced back to violations of OSHA safety standards or New York Labor Laws. When contractors or property owners disregard these rules, they can be held responsible for resulting injuries.

Even when workers follow safety procedures, they remain vulnerable to hazards caused by negligence or unsafe job site conditions. Some of the most common causes of construction accidents in Manhattan include the following:

  • Falls from scaffolds, ladders, roofs, or other elevated surfaces
  • Being struck by falling objects such as tools, debris, or building materials
  • Collapsed trenches or unstable excavation sites
  • Malfunctions involving cranes, hoists, or heavy equipment
  • Electrocution from exposed wiring or contact with power lines
  • Defective/unsafe equipment
  • Poorly maintained machinery
  • Slip and trip hazards caused by debris or uneven surfaces
  • Unsafe use of power tools or construction vehicles
  • Failure to use or provide adequate fall protection
  • Improper training or supervision of workers
  • Explosions or fires caused by flammable materials or gas leaks
  • Chemical exposure
  • Exposure to toxic substances such as asbestos

What Are Common Injuries Sustained in Construction Site Accidents?

Construction accidents often cause severe, life-altering injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. The physical toll can make it difficult or impossible to return to work, and victims and their families may face stressful financial uncertainty. Examples of injuries that occur in Manhattan construction accidents include:

  • Fractures and broken bones from falls or heavy equipment accidents
  • Traumatic brain injuries from falling objects or falls from heights
  • Spinal cord injuries that can cause partial or total paralysis
  • Severe burns from electrical accidents, explosions, or fires
  • Crush injuries from collapsing structures or heavy machinery
  • Amputations caused by malfunctioning tools or machinery
  • Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
  • Soft tissue injuries, including torn ligaments, muscle damage, or severe bruising

Contact a Construction Accident Attorney in Manhattan Today

If you suffered injuries in an accident on a Manhattan construction site, you may be facing significant challenges in all areas of your life, from physical to financial to personal. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Oresky & Associates, PLLC can manage every aspect of your claim. This includes investigating the accident and identifying liable parties to preparing and filing your claims, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, fighting in court for the benefits and compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation with a Manhattan construction accident attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options. Your case review is fully confidential, and we charge nothing unless we recover compensation for you.