Construction work comes with risks, and when accidents happen, the injuries can be serious. Falls, scaffolding collapses, equipment malfunctions, and falling objects can leave workers facing steep medical bills, lost wages, and long-term health issues. If you or a loved one was injured on a job site, you shouldn’t have to handle the financial stress on your own.

That’s where Russell Law comes in. Our team has experience navigating New York’s labor laws, workers’ compensation claims, and lawsuits against third parties. Whether your accident was caused by unsafe working conditions, faulty machinery, or negligence, we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve. From covering medical expenses to recovering lost wages and seeking damages for pain and suffering, we’ll make sure your rights are protected.

You’ve spent your career building New York—now let us help build your case. Reach out to Russell Law for a free consultation and find out how we can help you move forward.

Construction Accident Lawyer Near Me

If you’re looking for an experienced Long Island construction accident lawyer, you can find Russell Law at 212 Higbie Lane, West Islip, NY 11795. Our office is conveniently located in the heart of West Islip, making it easily accessible for clients throughout Suffolk County and beyond.

How Often Do Accidents Occur in Construction?

The construction industry remains one of the most hazardous sectors in the United States. In 2022, nearly 20% of all workplace fatalities occurred in construction, with falls, slips, and trips accounting for 38.4% of these deaths, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That means out of every 10 construction-related fatalities, nearly 4 were caused by these types of accidents.

Nonfatal injuries are also common. Between 2021 and 2022, the private construction industry saw an injury rate of 31.5 per 10,000 full-time workers due to falls, slips, and trips—much higher than the overall private industry rate of 22.6. Falls to a lower level were especially dangerous, occurring in construction at nearly three times the rate of all private industries.

These numbers make it clear that construction workers face serious risks every day. If you’ve been injured on a job site, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Are the Main Causes of Accidents in Construction?

The construction industry is inherently hazardous, with workers facing various risks that can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Understanding the primary causes of these accidents is crucial for implementing effective safety measures.

Falls, Slips, and Trips

A significant number of construction-related fatalities result from falls, slips, and trips. In 2023, these incidents accounted for 39.2% of all construction fatalities, with falls to a lower level being particularly prevalent. Many of these falls occurred from heights between 6 and 30 feet, often involving portable ladders and stairs.

Transportation incidents are another leading cause of fatalities in the construction sector, comprising 22.3% of deaths in 2023. These incidents include workers being struck by vehicles or mobile equipment, both on and off construction sites.

Contact with Objects and Equipment

Workers are also at risk of injuries from contact with objects and equipment. This category includes being struck by falling objects, caught in or compressed by equipment, and struck against objects. Such incidents highlight the importance of proper equipment maintenance and the use of protective barriers.

Transportation Incidents

Transportation-related accidents are another major contributor to construction fatalities, comprising 22.3% of deaths in 2023. These incidents include workers being struck by vehicles or mobile equipment, both on and off construction sites.

Exposure to Harmful Substances or Environments

Exposure to harmful substances or environments, such as electricity, hazardous chemicals, or extreme temperatures, poses significant risks. In 2023, exposure to harmful substances accounted for a notable number of fatalities in the construction industry.

Construction work will always come with dangers, but many accidents are preventable with the right safety measures. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, you may have legal options. Speaking with an experienced construction accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.

Who Can You Sue After a Construction Accident?

If you’re injured in a construction site accident in New York, you may have grounds to sue various parties whose actions contributed to your injuries. Potentially liable parties include contractors and subcontractors, who are responsible for ensuring that their operations comply with safety standards. If a negligent worker’s actions led to your injury, they might also be held accountable.

Property owners who fail to maintain a safe environment can be another target for liability claims. Additionally, if defective equipment played a role in the accident, the manufacturer could be pursued for compensation. Each case is unique and requires a thorough investigation to determine who is at fault.

An experienced lawyer can help you identify the responsible parties and build a strong case for compensation.

Who Do You Sue if a Non-Employer Is at Fault for Your Accident?

It is the duty of the site owners, contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and material suppliers to adhere to all safety rules in the industrial code of New York Labor Law, which sets minimum standards in keeping a site as safe for workers as possible. Although workers’ compensation laws may prevent some types of lawsuits against employers, one of these other entities may be held responsible for your injuries.

While you do not have to prove fault to receive workers’ comp, if you can hold another party liable in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, you can receive a much larger settlement. In most cases, New York workers are prohibited from filing a personal injury lawsuit against their employer; however, there are times when you can go beyond workers’ comp, such as by filing a third-party liability claim to recover what workers’ compensation does not pay. For instance, a third-party liability claim could include things like additional lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and partial disability.

In a lawsuit, we may be able to show that a third party — such as another contractor, developer, or property owner – failed to comply with the industrial code of New York Labor Law and that this contributed to the cause of your injuries.

Damages You Can Seek After a Construction Accident

If you’ve been injured on a construction site, the financial and emotional toll can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, lost wages create financial stress, and long-term injuries can impact your ability to work. Fortunately, you may be entitled to compensation to help cover these losses.

Here are the key types of damages you can seek after a construction accident.

Medical Expenses

Construction injuries often require extensive medical treatment, from emergency care and surgeries to physical therapy and ongoing rehabilitation. You can seek compensation for hospital bills, medications, doctor visits, and any future medical expenses related to your injury.

Lost Wages and Future Earnings

If your injury keeps you from working, you can recover lost wages for the time you’ve already missed. If your injuries prevent you from returning to the same job or working at all, you may also be eligible for compensation for reduced earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering

Construction accidents don’t just cause physical harm—they also take an emotional toll. Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident, including anxiety, depression, or reduced quality of life.

Disability and Disfigurement

If the accident results in a permanent disability or visible scarring, you may be able to recover additional damages. This compensation considers how the injury affects your mobility, independence, and overall well-being.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims

If you were injured on the job, workers’ compensation will typically cover your medical bills and a portion of lost wages, regardless of fault. However, if a third party, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or negligent property owner, contributed to your injury, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit for additional damages.

You May Be Able to Sue for Wrongful Death

Losing a loved one due to a construction accident is an unimaginable tragedy. In such situations, pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit can provide some measure of justice and financial relief. These claims allow the surviving family members to seek compensation for various losses, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

Establishing a wrongful death claim requires proving that the death was caused by negligence or intentional actions. This often involves a thorough investigation to gather evidence and establish liability. An experienced lawyer can help guide you through this challenging process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that you build a strong case for compensation.

What Does a Construction Truck Accident Lawyer Do?

Construction sites rely on large trucks like dump trucks, cement mixers, flatbeds, and other heavy equipment to transport materials and complete projects, but when these massive vehicles are involved in accidents, the consequences can be severe. Workers, pedestrians, and other drivers may suffer serious injuries, long-term disabilities, or even fatalities due to collisions, rollovers, or equipment malfunctions. That’s where a construction truck accident lawyer comes in.

A lawyer specializing in construction truck accidents helps victims navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation they deserve. These cases can be challenging because they often involve multiple liable parties, including construction companies, truck drivers, equipment manufacturers, and insurers. An experienced attorney will:

• Investigate the accident – Examining crash reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements to determine what happened and who is responsible.
• Handle insurance claims – Negotiating with insurance companies that often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether.
• Determine liability – Identifying whether the truck driver, construction company, or a third party (such as a manufacturer or subcontractor) is at fault.
• File lawsuits if necessary – Seeking damages for medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction truck accident, it’s important to act quickly. A skilled lawyer can protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and help you secure the compensation you need to move forward.

How Much Does a Construction Accident Lawyer Cost?

Many lawyers specializing in construction accidents operate on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win your case.

The typical fee is around one-third (33.33 percent) of the settlement or verdict. This structure aligns the lawyer’s interests with yours, as they are incentivized to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Recent changes in New York personal injury law have standardized this fee arrangement for most personal injury cases, including construction accidents. It’s important to discuss fee arrangements during your initial consultation to understand any specific terms or conditions that might apply.

Talk to a Lawyer if You Were Injured in a Construction Accident

Construction accidents can leave workers facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages. Whether you were hurt in a fall, equipment malfunction, truck accident, or any other worksite incident, you have the right to seek compensation. However, dealing with insurance companies, contractors, and complex legal claims can be overwhelming—especially when you’re focused on recovery.

An experienced construction accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, determine who is responsible, and fight for the compensation you deserve. From filing workers’ compensation claims to pursuing third-party lawsuits, a lawyer can handle the legal process so you can focus on healing.

If you or a loved one has been injured on a construction site, don’t wait to get help. Contact a lawyer today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.