Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces in the country. Workers face daily risks involving heavy machinery, unstable structures, electricity, and unpredictable conditions. These dangers make construction worker injuries a frequent and serious concern, especially in cities like New York, where large-scale projects often push both workers and employers to their limits.
When accidents happen, the results can be life-changing. From broken bones and spinal injuries to fatal accidents, the consequences are often severe. Understanding the causes, rights, and legal options available to workers can make a significant difference in the aftermath of a workplace incident.
A Fatal Example of Construction Worker Injuries
A recent tragedy in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn, shows how quickly construction worker injuries can turn fatal. Just before 3 p.m. on September 9, a 58-year-old man was killed when a parapet wall collapsed on him at a one-story garage on Sunnyside Avenue. Emergency responders removed him from the roof by aerial ladder, but he was later pronounced deceased at Brookdale Hospital.
Inspectors from the New York City Department of Buildings found serious defects, including cracked masonry and missing mortar, which made the structure unsafe. The agency issued a stop-work order and cited the property owner for failing to maintain the building.
This collapse wasn’t random; it was preventable. Property owners in New York have a legal duty to keep buildings structurally sound. When that duty is ignored, lives are put at risk, and construction worker injuries like this one become tragedies that could have been avoided.
How Employer Decisions Lead to Construction Worker Injuries
Construction work is competitive. Companies frequently lower bids to secure contracts, often sacrificing adequate safety budgets to stay profitable. When employers cut corners on training, equipment, or supervision, work site accidents become more likely.
Some of the most common causes include:
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Inadequate safety equipment, such as harnesses or helmets
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Faulty scaffolding or poorly secured materials
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Lack of fall protection or guardrails
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Improper machine maintenance
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Insufficient worker training
Even one overlooked safety step can result in catastrophic injuries. A culture that prioritizes deadlines or cost savings over safety endangers everyone on the site. When that happens, both state law and workers’ compensation systems step in to protect the injured.
Legal Rights and Compensation for Injured Construction Workers
Under New York law, workers hurt on the job are typically covered by the state’s workers’ compensation program. This system provides benefits for medical treatment, wage replacement, and rehabilitation. Families of workers who die in construction accidents may also receive death benefits that help cover funeral expenses and lost income.
However, workers’ compensation isn’t always the end of the story. In cases where injuries result from employer negligence, such as unsafe working conditions, missing safety gear, or failure to follow required regulations, there may be grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
These claims can seek additional compensation beyond what workers’ compensation provides, including pain and suffering, future medical care, and loss of earning potential. Establishing negligence requires careful documentation and often the support of experienced legal counsel.
When to Contact a Lawyer After a Construction Accident
After a serious injury, workers and their families often feel overwhelmed by medical costs, insurance paperwork, and uncertainty about their rights. This is where professional legal guidance becomes critical.
An attorney experienced in construction worker injuries can investigate the incident, identify all liable parties, and ensure claims are filed within the legal deadlines. They can also help determine whether a third-party liability claim against a contractor, manufacturer, or property owner may apply in addition to workers’ compensation.
At Matera & Manley, LLP, our attorneys have decades of experience helping injured workers and their families secure fair compensation. We understand the complexities of construction-related injury claims and work diligently to protect your rights every step of the way. Whether your injury occurred in Suffolk County, Nassau County, or anywhere across Long Island and New York City, we’re here to help you pursue justice.
Protecting Construction Workers From Preventable Harm
No one should suffer because an employer failed to prioritize safety. Every construction company has a duty to maintain secure worksites. When they don’t, lives are placed at risk, and the law offers a path to accountability.
If you or someone you know has been injured while at a work site, it’s important to act quickly. Contact Matera & Manley, LLP, today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options. Your safety and recovery should always come first.
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