Construction Accident Lawyers Serving Brooklyn, NY and Surrounding Areas
Construction is one of the most dangerous occupations, and construction workers are at especially high risk for on-the-job injuries. New York has the fourth-largest construction sector in the nation, and Brooklyn accounts for about 23% of New York City’s construction jobs.
Brooklyn construction accidents often occur due to preventable causes, such as safety violations and inadequate training. If you or a loved one has been injured on a construction site, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and the legal options available to you. A Brooklyn construction accident lawyer at The Barnes Firm can help you pursue compensation and protect your rights.
The Barnes Firm is dedicated to helping injured workers in the construction industry. We offer a free consultation and a no-fee promise. Contact our team of lawyers at The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000. If we don’t win your case, you pay nothing.
Why Choose The Barnes Firm for a Brooklyn Construction Accident Case?
Our attorneys handle construction accident cases in Brooklyn and work in the local courts. Construction accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries, and these cases can involve New York Labor Law, third-party liability claims, and serious injury litigation.
Construction Accident Settlements We’ve Recovered in New York City
- $1,410,024: A client suffered head and back injuries on a construction site
- $1,000,000: A client fell from a height and suffered hip, rib, back, and neck injuries.
- $975,000: A scaffold plank broke, causing a fall of about 15 to 16 feet.
- $850,000: A client was injured by glass panels and suffered head, neck, and back injuries.
Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What Sets The Barnes Firm Apart?
- Deep Knowledge of New York Labor Law (§240, §241, §200)
- Experience Handling Complex Construction Accident Claims
- Resources to Investigate and Litigate Against Large Contractors
- Free Consultations and 24/7 Availability
- No Fees Unless Compensation Is Recovered
Construction accident cases often involve multiple liable parties, extensive investigation, and aggressive insurance defense teams. The Barnes Firm is prepared to pursue full compensation for medical expenses, lost income, long-term disability, and pain and suffering.
If you were injured on a construction site in Brooklyn, speaking with an experienced construction accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and legal options.
Contact a Brooklyn Construction Accident Lawyer Now
Common Types of Construction Accidents in Brooklyn
Construction sites throughout Brooklyn, whether in Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Park Slope, or other growing neighborhoods, can present serious safety hazards. When proper precautions are not taken, workers may suffer severe or life-altering injuries.
Some of the most common types of construction accidents include:
- Falls from Heights – Falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and elevated platforms are among the leading causes of serious construction injuries.
- Scaffold Accidents – Improperly secured or defective scaffolding can collapse or shift unexpectedly.
- Falling Objects – Tools, materials, or debris dropped from above can cause traumatic head and spinal injuries.
- Crane and Heavy Equipment Accidents – Machinery malfunctions, operator errors, or unstable loads can result in catastrophic harm.
- Electrocution and Electrical Accidents – Exposed wiring, unsafe power sources, and contact with live lines can cause severe burns or fatal injuries.
- Trench and Structural Collapses – Inadequate support systems can lead to cave-ins or building collapses.
- Slip and Fall Accidents on Construction Sites – Uneven surfaces, debris, wet conditions, and poor housekeeping often contribute to serious falls.
- Explosions and Fires – Gas leaks, combustible materials, and faulty equipment can cause devastating job-site explosions.
Construction accidents often occur because safety regulations were ignored or proper protective measures were not in place. Identifying how the accident happened and who was responsible is a critical step in pursuing compensation.
Common Construction Injuries
Common construction accident injuries can be severe and may include permanent disabilities. These injuries often include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Amputations
- Internal injuries
Construction site accidents frequently result in devastating injuries that change workers’ lives forever, and many construction workers never regain their previous physical capabilities after an injury.
Medical Care After a Construction Accident
If you are involved in a construction accident, seek medical care right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, get a thorough evaluation, since some conditions can worsen over time. Prompt treatment protects your health and documents your injuries, which is important for any injury claim. Tell your healthcare providers about all your symptoms, no matter how small.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Brooklyn Construction Accident?
Construction accident cases in Brooklyn are often complex because multiple parties may share responsibility for maintaining a safe job site. Determining liability requires a thorough investigation into who controlled the work, supervised the site, and was responsible for safety compliance.
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, liable parties may include:
- Property Owners – In many cases under New York Labor Law (including Sections 240 and 241), property owners can be held responsible for unsafe construction conditions.
- General Contractors – Contractors overseeing the project may be liable if proper safety measures were not implemented or enforced.
- Subcontractors – A subcontractor responsible for a specific portion of the work may be liable if their negligence caused the accident.
- Construction Managers or Site Supervisors – Those responsible for job site safety and coordination may share responsibility.
- Equipment Manufacturers – If defective machinery, tools, or safety equipment contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws.
- Third Parties – In some cases, vendors, delivery companies, or other non-employer parties working on or near the site may be responsible.
Because New York construction accident laws provide strong protections for injured workers, it is critical to work with an experienced Brooklyn construction accident attorney who understands how to identify all potentially liable parties and pursue maximum compensation.
At The Barnes Firm, we thoroughly investigate every case to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Understanding New York Labor Laws
Labor Law §240 (Scaffold Law)
New York’s Labor Law Section 240 (the “Scaffold Law”) imposes strict liability on owners and contractors for certain gravity-related injuries, including falls from heights and injuries from falling objects.
Labor Law §241(6)
Labor Law Section 241(6) requires owners and contractors to provide reasonable and adequate protection and safety for workers in construction, excavation, and demolition areas, and to comply with the safety rules made by the Commissioner of Labor. The law exempts owners of one- and two-family dwellings who contract for but do not direct or control the work.
Labor Law §200
Labor Law §200 is a general safety statute that requires employers and property owners to provide a safe work environment. It covers a broad range of workplace hazards and is often cited in construction accident claims.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Lawsuits
What workers’ comp covers
Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages for injured construction workers, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Injured construction workers in Brooklyn may seek compensation through both workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Workers’ compensation claims are designed to provide timely benefits for medical care and wage replacement, but they do not cover damages for pain and suffering.
When you can file a separate personal injury lawsuit
If your injury was caused by a third party, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, you may be able to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit in addition to your workers’ compensation claim. This allows you to pursue damages for pain and suffering, which workers’ compensation does not cover.
Why third-party claims matter
Third-party claims are important because they can provide additional financial recovery beyond what workers’ compensation covers. A Brooklyn construction accident lawyer can review whether you have a third-party claim for losses that workers’ compensation does not cover.
What Compensation Is Available?
The type and amount of compensation you can recover depends on the circumstances of your injury. After an accident, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Injured construction workers may face significant medical bills after an accident, as treatment for severe injuries can be costly and ongoing. These expenses can quickly become a financial burden.
- Lost wages: In addition to medical bills, you may be unable to work for a period of time, resulting in lost wages.
- Future income loss: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at all, you may be entitled to compensation for future income loss.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation may also be available for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Permanent disability: If your injuries result in a permanent disability, you may be eligible for additional compensation.
How a Brooklyn Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a construction accident, your attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and interview witnesses. Your attorney can identify all potential sources of recovery, including claims against property owners, general contractors, equipment manufacturers, and other third parties, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. An attorney can also explain whether you may have a third-party personal injury claim in addition to any workers’ compensation benefits.
How Long Do I Have to File a Construction Accident Claim in Brooklyn?
For a personal injury lawsuit, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file. If you were injured at work, you must notify your employer within 30 days to protect a workers’ compensation claim, and a workers’ compensation claim has its own filing deadline. Claims against government entities, such as the City of New York, require a notice of claim, generally within 90 days, and the deadline to sue is also shorter. That is why it is important to contact an attorney as soon as your accident occurs.
Call Our Brooklyn Construction Accident Lawyers For Help
Handling a construction accident in Brooklyn can be challenging, especially if you’ve suffered serious injuries and financial difficulties. Our team of construction accident lawyers in Brooklyn is here to support you.
At The Barnes Firm, we offer compassionate legal representation to ensure you can focus on recovery and rebuilding your life. We understand New York’s construction laws and can properly apply them when advocating for your rights.
Contact us today for a free consultation to see how we can assist with your case.
Our team of attorneys want to hear from you.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
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What our clients are saying about us
Nichole W.
The Barnes Firm was very friendly, always quick to respond to our calls, emails. When we had any questions or concerns they were there to walk us through everything. Would definitely recommend them to anyone that is looking for an attorney that will honestly fight for you and has your best interest in mind.
Answers to Your Brooklyn Construction Accident Commonly Asked Questions
Most people have never needed a lawyer when they find themselves injured and in need of legal advice. We hear the following questions from many of our clients. We hope the answers help clarify your options and considerations.
After a construction accident, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Report the incident to a supervisor and, if possible, document the scene by taking photos and gathering witness information. Prompt medical care and documentation can be important for protecting your health and preserving evidence.
Liability may include property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or other parties responsible for site safety. Determining fault depends on who controlled the worksite and whether proper safety measures were in place at the time of the accident.
In most New York construction accident cases, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims against government entities require a notice of claim, generally within 90 days, and the deadline to sue is also shorter, so acting quickly is important.
Common construction accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, burns, amputations, and internal injuries. These injuries can be severe and may include permanent disabilities.
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the injury. The amount available depends on the severity of the injuries and the circumstances of the accident.
Fault is determined by reviewing evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, site safety records, and applicable safety regulations. In many cases, multiple parties may share responsibility.
Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes