Construction accident cases frequently involve multiple potentially liable parties — the general contractor, subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, and site supervisors may all bear some responsibility depending on how the accident occurred. Cellino Law investigates these cases from the ground up, identifies every liable party, and pursues the maximum compensation available under applicable state and federal law.
Call Cellino Law today for a free construction accident consultation. There are no fees unless we win.
New York Labor Law and Construction Worker Protections
New York construction workers benefit from some of the strongest statutory protections in the country. New York Labor Law Sections 240 and 241 — known as the “Scaffold Law” — impose strict liability on property owners and general contractors for gravity-related injuries on construction sites. This means that a property owner or general contractor can be liable for a scaffold fall or a struck-by-falling-object injury even if they were not directly negligent. Labor Law Section 200 addresses general worksite safety and applies more broadly.
These protections can dramatically expand the available compensation for injured New York construction workers compared to workers in other states. Cellino Law has deep experience with the New York Labor Law framework and knows how to pursue these claims effectively. Visit our New York page for more on how New York’s construction worker protections apply to your case.
Common Construction Accident Types
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and elevated work platforms — the leading cause of construction fatalities
- Struck-by accidents — falling tools, materials, crane loads, and backing vehicles
- Electrocutions — contact with exposed wiring, overhead power lines, and defective electrical equipment
- Caught-in/between accidents — crushing injuries from machinery, collapsing trenches, and pinch points
- Trench and excavation collapses
- Crane accidents — collapses, dropped loads, and boom strikes
- Fires and explosions from welding, gas leaks, and flammable materials
- Repetitive motion and overexertion injuries
- Exposure to hazardous materials including asbestos, lead, and silica dust
Injured on a construction site? Contact Cellino Law for a free case evaluation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Construction Accident?
Construction accident liability frequently extends beyond a single party:
- General contractors — responsible for overall site safety and the actions of subcontractors
- Property owners — in New York, strict liability under Labor Law Sections 240 and 241 attaches to owners regardless of day-to-day involvement in construction operations
- Subcontractors — responsible for safety within their own scope of work and with their own employees
- Equipment manufacturers — liable for defective scaffolding, cranes, tools, and safety equipment
- Site architects and engineers — when design or specification defects contribute to the accident
Cellino Law identifies and pursues every responsible party from the moment of retention. Many injured construction workers receive workers’ compensation from their employer and also have third-party personal injury claims against contractors, owners, or manufacturers. Workers’ compensation does not pay pain and suffering — but a third-party personal injury claim can.
Workers' Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims for Construction Workers
Construction workers injured on the job are typically entitled to workers’ compensation benefits from their employer — covering medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault. However, workers’ compensation does not compensate for pain and suffering, full wage replacement, or other damages. When a third party other than the employer contributed to the accident (as is common in construction, where multiple contractors work together), a separate personal injury claim can recover the full range of damages. Visit our New York page, our New Jersey page, or our Connecticut page for how workers’ compensation and third-party claims interact in your state.
What Compensation Can Construction Accident Victims Recover?
- Medical expenses from emergency care through long-term rehabilitation
- Future medical costs for ongoing or permanent injuries
- Full lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Disability compensation
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
How State Law Affects Construction Accident Claims
The rules governing construction accident claims vary across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut — including statutes of limitations, workers’ compensation rules, and specific liability statutes. Visit our New York page, our New Jersey page, or our Connecticut page for state-specific information, or contact Cellino Law directly for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Accident Claims
Can I sue if I was injured on a construction site as a passerby, not a worker?
Yes. Non-worker bystanders — pedestrians, motorists, or visitors — who are injured by construction site hazards have premises liability and negligence claims against the property owner, general contractor, and other responsible parties. Cellino Law handles construction accident claims for both workers and non-worker bystanders.
What if I was injured as a subcontractor's employee rather than the general contractor's employee?
The specific workers’ compensation and third-party liability analysis depends on how the contracts are structured and who bears site safety responsibility. Cellino Law evaluates every construction accident case individually to identify all responsible parties and all available sources of compensation.
Does Cellino Law charge upfront fees for construction accident cases?
No. Cellino Law handles all construction accident cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs and no fees unless we win. Your initial consultation is free.
Contact Cellino Law for Construction Accident Representation Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident anywhere in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, Cellino Law is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation. Visit our New York page, our New Jersey page, or our Connecticut page for state-specific legal information and office locations near you.
Call Cellino Law today for construction accident representation you can trust. No fees unless we win.
