Construction Accident Lawyer
Construction Accident Lawyer
CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT LAWYER BROOKLN, NY
Construction work is one of the most dangerous occupations in New York. When safety violations, defective equipment, or negligent contractors put you in harm’s way, you deserve full and fair compensation, not a quick lowball settlement. Our Brooklyn attorneys have been fighting for injured workers since 2008, navigating complex labor laws and holding negligent parties accountable. We handle everything from start to finish so you can focus on recovery. You pay nothing unless we win.
$45M+
RECOVERED FOR CLIENTS
2008
ESTABLISHED IN BROOKLYN
$0
FEE UNLESS WE WIN
After the Accident
Steps to Take After a Construction Site Injury
The actions you take in the hours and days following a construction accident can directly affect your ability to recover full compensation.
Get Emergency Medical Care
Construction injuries are frequently severe. Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately. Prompt medical records are critical evidence in your claim.
Report the Incident to Your Supervisor
Notify your foreman or site supervisor in writing as soon as possible. An official incident report creates a paper trail that protects your right to compensation.
Preserve Evidence
Photograph the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area before anything is moved or repaired. Collect names and contact information from any witnesses present.
Do Not Sign Anything Without an Attorney
Insurers and employers may approach you quickly with release forms or settlement offers. Do not sign or agree to anything before speaking with our team.
Common Causes
How Construction Accidents Happen in Brooklyn
Falls from Heights
Scaffolding collapses, unsecured ladders, and unprotected roof edges account for the largest share of fatal construction injuries in New York.
Falling Objects
Scaffolding collapses, unsecured ladders, and unprotected roof edges account for the largest share of fatal construction injuries in New York.
Scaffolding Failures
Improperly assembled, overloaded, or poorly maintained scaffolding collapses with little warning, causing catastrophic injuries to multiple workers at once.
Electrocution
Contact with exposed wiring, overhead power lines, and improperly grounded equipment is one of the four leading causes of construction fatalities nationwide.
Trench and Excavation Collapses
Unshored trenches and excavation sites can cave in without warning, burying workers under thousands of pounds of soil and debris.
Heavy Equipment Accidents
Cranes, forklifts, and bulldozers operating in confined New York worksites frequently cause crush injuries, amputations, and fatalities.
Injuries We Handle
Construction Injuries We Represent
Our attorneys represent construction workers and bystanders who have suffered serious injuries on job sites across Brooklyn and the greater New York area. No injury is too minor or too severe.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis
- Broken Bones & Fractures
- Crush Injuries & Amputations
- Burns and Electrocution Injuries
- Eye Injuries and Vision Loss
- Herniated and Bulging Discs
- Internal Organ Damage
- Soft Tissue and Nerve Damage
- Respiratory Disease from Toxic Exposure
- Facial Injuries and Scarring
- Wrongful Death of a Family Member
Your Recovery
What Compensation Can You Recover
New York Labor Law §240 (the Scaffold Law) and §241 impose strict liability on property owners and general contractors when workers are injured due to gravity-related hazards. These powerful laws often allow injured workers to recover significant damages regardless of employer fault.
- All past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages during recovery
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
- Out-of-pocket injury-related expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium for your family
Why Cherny & Podolsky
Brooklyn's Trusted Construction Law Firm Since 2008
Deep Knowledge of NY Labor Law
We specialize in the strict liability provisions of New York Labor Law §200, §240, and §241, powerful statutes that protect injured construction workers and those around them.
Over $45 Million Recovered
Our results speak for themselves. We have secured millions in settlements and verdicts for injured workers and their families throughout Brooklyn and the tri-state area.
Locally Rooted in Brooklyn
We are not a national referral service. We are a Brooklyn law firm with an office at 2681 East 14th Street. We know the local courts, judges, and opposing insurers.
Multilingual Legal Team
Our staff serves clients in English, Russian, Spanish, and more. Every client deserves to fully understand their case, and with us, language is never a barrier.
No Fee Unless We Win
We take all construction accident cases on a contingency basis. You pay zero upfront. Our fee only comes from the compensation we recover on your behalf.
Direct Attorney Access
From your first call to final resolution, you work directly with your attorney. No case managers, no handoffs. Real legal counsel throughout the entire process.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a lawsuit if I was injured at work as a construction employee?
Yes. While workers’ compensation covers many on-the-job injuries, it does not prevent you from pursuing a third-party lawsuit against property owners, general contractors, or equipment manufacturers who contributed to your injury. New York Labor Law often allows injured construction workers to file claims beyond standard workers’ comp benefits, potentially recovering significantly more in damages.
How long do I have to file a construction accident lawsuit in New York?
The general statute of limitations for personal injury in New York is three years from the date of the accident. However, if a government entity owns the property or employed the contractor, you may need to file a Notice of Claim within just 90 days. Acting quickly is critical. Contact us as soon as possible to avoid losing your right to recover.
What is the Scaffold Law and how does it help injured workers?
New York Labor Law §240, commonly known as the Scaffold Law, holds property owners and general contractors strictly liable for gravity-related injuries on construction sites, including falls and being struck by falling objects. This means that even if a worker was partly negligent, the owner and contractor can still be held fully responsible. It is one of the strongest worker-protection statutes in the country.
Can undocumented workers file a construction accident claim in New York?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your legal right to file a personal injury claim under New York law. Every worker injured on a construction site, regardless of documentation, has the right to seek compensation for their injuries. Our firm handles these cases with complete confidentiality and sensitivity to your situation.
What if I was partially at fault for my construction accident?
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. You may still recover damages even if you share some responsibility for the accident. Your award is simply reduced in proportion to your fault. With New York’s Scaffold Law, certain cases impose strict liability regardless of your conduct. We will evaluate the full circumstances of your injury to maximize your recovery.
How much is a construction accident case worth?
Every case is different. The value depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, your medical costs, and who the responsible parties are. Construction accident claims often involve multiple liable parties and can result in significantly higher recoveries than other personal injury claims. We offer free consultations to give you an honest assessment.
Injured on a Brooklyn Construction Site?
Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses move on, and filing deadlines can permanently cut off your right to recover. The sooner you involve an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
Call us today for a free consultation. We will review your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand all of your options with no pressure and no upfront cost.