CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT LAWYER NYC
A single construction site fall can end a career and drain a family’s savings. The construction accident lawyers at The Rybak Firm, PLLC use New York Labor Law to win full compensation for injured workers across New York City, whatever their immigration status.
Reviewed by Oleg Rybak, Esq., founding attorney · Admitted in New York since 2009 · 17+ years of legal experience · Last updated: October 26, 2026
25+ Years Experience
$50M+ Recovered
No Fee Unless We Win
Available 24/7
WHY CHOOSE OUR NYC CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT LAWYERS
Wide Range of Construction Accident
We handle a wide range of construction accident cases in NYC, from scaffolding falls to equipment-related injuries, providing experienced representation for every situation.
Strong Legal Strategy
Our legal team builds effective strategies under New York Labor Law to maximize your compensation, focusing on both immediate recovery and long-term results.
Experience With Insurance Companies
We deal directly with insurance companies and work to protect clients from low settlement offers and claim denials, ensuring your case is handled strategically from start to finish.
Direct Attorney Communication
You work directly with your attorney — not case managers — throughout your case, ensuring clear communication and full transparency at every stage.
Our firm is a trusted choice for injured workers looking for a NYC construction accident lawyer with proven results and client-focused representation.
Client Results
Our attorneys have recovered substantial compensation for injured workers in scaffolding falls, crane accidents, electrocution injuries, and other serious construction site accidents across New York City.
Results depend on the facts of each case. Every claim is reviewed by an experienced construction accident lawyer NYC.
RELATED CASES WE HANDLE
NEW YORK CITY CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT LAW FIRM
Construction accidents can have devastating, long-term consequences, from large medical bills to months of lost income. If your injury was caused by unsafe working conditions or someone else’s negligence, an experienced construction accident lawyer in New York City can help you recover the full compensation you deserve.
The Rybak Firm, PLLC is a New York City construction accident law firm that represents injured workers and people hurt near job sites. Our office is in Brooklyn, and we handle construction cases in all five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island — from Manhattan high-rise projects to home renovations in Queens and the Bronx. Below, we explain how to choose the right attorney based on experience, results, and legal strategy.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT LAWYER IN NYC
Choosing a construction injury attorney NYC requires evaluating experience, case results, and the ability to handle complex Labor Law claims.
An experienced construction worker injury lawyer should have a strong track record, deep knowledge of New York Labor Law, and experience negotiating with insurance companies and general contractors.
We carefully evaluate every case, determine liability, and develop legal strategies to protect your rights.
We work with medical experts, accident investigators, and industry safety specialists to prepare cases as an experienced construction accident law firm. Our team prepares every claim as if it will go to trial, which strengthens negotiations and improves case outcomes.
No matter how complex your case, our legal team is prepared to protect your rights and guide you through the process.
WHAT COMPENSATION CAN YOU RECOVER IN A CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT CASE
Victims of construction accidents in New York may be entitled to substantial construction accident compensation, including:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation and long-term care
Unlike a standard workers’ compensation claim, a construction accident lawsuit New York filed against a negligent third party — such as a general contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer — can allow you to recover damages that workers’ comp does not cover.
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injury, liability, and how it affects your life and future.
WHO CAN BE HELD LIABLE IN A CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT
Liability in a construction accident case can involve multiple parties depending on the situation. This may include:
- General contractors and site supervisors
- Property owners (Scaffold Law New York claims under Labor Law 240)
- Employers (workers’ compensation claims)
- Equipment and scaffolding manufacturers (defective products)
- Government entities (unsafe public construction sites)
While an injured worker generally cannot sue their own employer directly, third-party claims under Labor Law 240 and 241(6) allow you to pursue compensation from other responsible parties, such as property owners, general contractors, and equipment manufacturers. Labor Law 200 provides an additional basis for claims where a property owner or contractor had control over the worksite and failed to maintain safe conditions. Our legal team investigates each case thoroughly to identify every liable party and build a strong claim.
NEW YORK LABOR LAW 240, 241(6) AND 200: WHAT EACH LAW REQUIRES
New York gives construction workers stronger legal protection than almost any other state. Three sections of the New York Labor Law decide most construction injury cases in New York City, and which one applies depends on how the accident happened.
Labor Law §240(1) — the Scaffold Law
Section 240(1) covers gravity-related accidents: falls from scaffolds, ladders, roofs and other elevated work areas, and workers struck by loads that were not properly hoisted or secured. Property owners and general contractors must provide proper safety devices — scaffolds, ladders, hoists, harnesses, netting. If a missing or inadequate device caused the injury, the owner and contractor are liable even if they did not supervise the work, and the worker’s own carelessness is generally not a defense.
What you need to prove: an elevation-related risk, a missing or inadequate safety device, and that this failure caused your injury. Read Labor Law §240 on nysenate.gov or our guide NY Labor Law 240 explained.
Labor Law §241(6) — Industrial Code violations
Section 241(6) covers hazards that are not about height: trench and excavation cave-ins, unguarded machinery, electrocution, slippery or cluttered work surfaces and unsafe demolition. Owners and contractors are responsible for compliance with specific rules of the New York Industrial Code (12 NYCRR Part 23), even when a subcontractor did the work.
What you need to prove: a violation of a specific, concrete Industrial Code provision and that the violation caused your injury. Unlike §240(1), your own share of fault can reduce the award. Read Labor Law §241 on nysenate.gov.
Labor Law §200 — the duty to keep the site safe
Section 200 codifies the general duty of owners and contractors to provide a reasonably safe workplace. It applies when the defendant controlled how the work was done, or created or knew about a dangerous condition — for example, an uncovered floor opening or debris left on a walkway.
What you need to prove: supervision and control over the work, or actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition. Read Labor Law §200 on nysenate.gov.
WORKERS' COMPENSATION VS. THIRD-PARTY CONSTRUCTION INJURY LAWSUIT
Most injured construction workers in New York City have two separate claims, and you can pursue both at the same time. Here is how they compare:
| Workers’ compensation | Third-party lawsuit | |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays | Your employer’s workers’ comp insurance carrier | Property owner, general contractor, subcontractor, equipment manufacturer or another party that is not your employer |
| Do you have to prove fault? | No — benefits are paid regardless of fault | Yes — under Labor Law §240(1), §241(6), §200 or general negligence |
| Pain and suffering | Not covered | Recoverable |
| Lost wages | Partial — up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, capped by a state maximum | Full past and future lost earnings |
| Medical bills | Covered | Recoverable |
| Deadline | Notify your employer within 30 days; file with the Workers’ Compensation Board within 2 years | Generally 3 years; a 90-day notice of claim if a city or public agency is involved |
You normally cannot sue your own employer (the exception is a “grave injury” under Workers’ Compensation Law §11), which is why identifying every third party on the job site matters. If the third-party case succeeds, the workers’ comp carrier has a lien on part of the recovery — we negotiate that lien as part of the settlement so more of the money stays with you.
DEADLINES TO FILE A CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT CLAIM IN NEW YORK
New York has strict filing deadlines, and they differ depending on who is responsible for your injury:
- Personal injury lawsuit: 3 years from the date of the accident (CPLR §214).
- Workers’ compensation: notify your employer in writing within 30 days and file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Board within 2 years.
- Claim against New York City or a public agency: a notice of claim within 90 days and a lawsuit within 1 year and 90 days (General Municipal Law §50-e and §50-i).
- Wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death (EPTL §5-4.1).
Missing a deadline can end a claim no matter how strong it is. Evidence on a construction site also disappears quickly — scaffolds come down and equipment is moved — so it is best to speak with a construction accident lawyer as soon as possible.
COMMON TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION SITE ACCIDENTS WE HANDLE
Our firm represents injured workers in every type of construction accident case in New York City, including:
- Scaffolding accident claims under Labor Law 240
- Crane accident cases, including boom collapses and dropped loads
- Ladder fall accident injuries, from rooftops and elevated structures
- Trench collapse, excavation and excavator accident cases, including cave-ins and workers struck by heavy equipment
- Confined space accident injuries
- Electrocution injuries from exposed wiring and transformers
- Forklift accidents causing spinal and brain injuries
- Elevator and hoist accidents, including falls into open shafts
- Demolition accident cases involving structural collapses
- Falling object and debris-related injuries
- Building and structural collapse claims, such as falls through floor openings, collapsing walls and unsafe stairways
- Pedestrian construction accidents, when people on the sidewalk are hit by falling debris, hoists or equipment
If your accident isn’t listed above, contact us. We handle construction injury cases our competitors won’t take on.
TALK TO A LAWYER TODAY
The Rybak Firm PLLC will review your case and legal options – free of charge.
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What Our Clients Say
CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT CASE RESULTS IN NEW YORK
Our construction accident lawyers have recovered compensation in workers’ compensation disputes, third-party claims, and complex liability cases across New York.
$780,000
Settlement
Workers' Compensation Dispute
Insurance carrier denied benefits after a workplace injury. Successfully challenged the denial and secured full workers’ compensation coverage.
$1,150,000
Compensation
Trench Collapse Case
Case involved an unprotected excavation site and multiple responsible parties. Detailed investigation established fault and led to compensation recovery.
$690,000
Settlement
Demolition Site Injury
General contractor failed to enforce proper safety protocols during demolition work. Evidence confirmed negligence and resulted in settlement.
$540,000
Recovery
Equipment Failure Claim
Dispute over defective scaffolding equipment and manufacturer liability. Case resolved after demonstrating unsafe working conditions.
Speak directly with a construction accident lawyer — free and confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my construction accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, lost wages, medical costs, and long-term impact on your ability to work. Cases involving falls from scaffolding, crane accidents, or permanent injuries typically result in higher compensation than minor injury claims. A free case review with our attorneys can give you a clearer picture.
What should I do after a construction accident?
The steps you take in the first days protect both your health and your claim:
- Get medical care right away and tell the doctor it happened at work.
- Report the accident to your supervisor or foreman in writing, and keep a copy.
- Photograph the scene, the equipment involved and your injuries before anything is moved.
- Write down the names and phone numbers of witnesses, and the names of the general contractor and subcontractors on site.
- Notify your employer within 30 days for workers' compensation.
- Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company or sign documents before speaking with a construction accident lawyer.
Is there a construction accident lawyer near me who serves my borough?
Yes. The Rybak Firm, PLLC represents injured workers across every borough — Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We offer free transportation and can meet you at your home or hospital if you're unable to travel to our office.
How much does a construction site injury attorney cost?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. Your initial consultation with our construction accident lawyers is always free and confidential.
Can I file a lawsuit if I already received workers' compensation?
Yes, in many cases. Workers' compensation does not prevent you from filing a third-party lawsuit against a negligent contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer. An experienced attorney can determine whether you qualify for additional compensation beyond your workers' comp benefits.
How long do I have to file a construction accident claim in New York?
In most cases you have 3 years from the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (CPLR §214). For workers' compensation, you must notify your employer within 30 days and file a claim within 2 years. If a New York City agency or other public entity is responsible, a notice of claim is due within 90 days and the lawsuit within 1 year and 90 days. A wrongful death claim must be filed within 2 years of death.
Which law firm handles third-party construction accident claims?
The Rybak Firm, PLLC handles third-party construction accident claims throughout New York City. We bring claims under Labor Law §240(1), §241(6) and §200 against property owners, general contractors, subcontractors and equipment manufacturers — the parties outside your employer whose negligence or safety violations caused your injury — while your workers' compensation benefits continue.
Can I sue if I was partly at fault for my construction accident?
Often, yes. In a Labor Law §240(1) case, the worker's own carelessness is generally not a defense if a proper safety device was missing or failed. In claims under §241(6), §200 and general negligence, New York's comparative fault rule reduces the award by your share of fault but does not bar recovery.
What if I'm undocumented?
Your immigration status does not prevent you from bringing a construction accident claim in New York. Undocumented workers can recover for medical expenses, pain and suffering and, in most cases, lost earnings. We do not ask about immigration status to take your case, and everything you tell us is confidential.