Construction sites are a constant presence across Manhattan, from high-rise developments in Midtown to major infrastructure projects in Lower Manhattan and the Financial District. While essential to the city’s growth, these worksites pose serious risks to both construction workers and bystanders. Knowing what to do next is crucial for your health, financial stability, and legal rights if you’ve been injured due to falling debris, unsafe scaffolding, heavy machinery, or other site hazards.
Steps to Take After a NYC Construction Accident
New York’s Labor Laws (Sections 240 & 241) and personal injury statutes provide strong protections, but navigating claims, liability disputes, and third-party lawsuits can be overwhelming—especially when contractors, developers, and insurers try to minimize payouts. At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., our top-rated NYC construction accident lawyers have helped countless workers and individuals who were hurt in construction accidents recover maximum compensation.
Here, we’ll outline the steps you should take after a construction accident in Manhattan or anywhere in NYC, ensuring you get the recovery you deserve.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention ASAP
Your health and safety should always come first after a construction accident in New York. Whether you’re a worker injured on-site, or a pedestrian hurt by falling debris, seek medical care immediately. If the injury is severe, call 911 or have someone get emergency help. For non-life-threatening injuries, visit a nearby emergency room, such as New York-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital, Mount Sinai West, or Bellevue Hospital.
Even if your injuries seem minor, do not delay medical attention. Some injuries—like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage—may not show symptoms right away. Getting checked by a doctor ensures you have official medical records, which are critical for any legal claim.
Report the Accident to the Right Authorities
If you were injured while working on a construction site, immediately notify your supervisor or site manager. Failing to report the incident could put your workers’ compensation claim at risk. Your employer is legally required to file a report with the New York Workers’ Compensation Board, and, if the accident is serious, they must report it to OSHA within:
- 8 hours for fatalities
- 24 hours for hospitalizations, amputations, or eye loss
If you were a bystander injured by falling objects, unstable scaffolding, or other construction hazards, report the accident to the NYC Department of Buildings. They oversee worksite safety violations and can investigate if construction site negligence played a role in your injuries.
Gather Evidence & Keep Detailed Records
Strong evidence is key to proving liability in a construction accident claim. If you are physically able, take the following steps:
- Photograph the scene – Capture unsafe conditions, lack of safety equipment, damaged machinery, and visible injuries.
- Collect witness statements – Get names, phone numbers, and written accounts from co-workers, site visitors, or passersby who saw what happened.
- Document everything – Write down the accident’s time, location, and circumstances. Keep track of medical visits, pain levels, and any impact on your daily life.
- Preserve worksite records – If possible, request copies of incident reports, safety violations, or maintenance logs from your employer.
Consult a NYC Construction Accident Lawyer
After a construction accident in Manhattan or anywhere in NYC, protecting your legal rights is just as important as your physical recovery. Insurance companies, contractors, and property owners will often try to minimize or deny your claim, making it essential to have a local NYC construction accident lawyer on your side.
An experienced & nearby construction injury lawyer can:
- Assess your case to determine what compensation you’re entitled to.
- Investigate the accident by gathering evidence like safety violations, OSHA reports, and worksite records.
- Identify all liable parties, including general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your settlement.
- File a lawsuit if necessary to secure full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Find Who’s Responsible for Your Construction Accident?
Construction accident liability can be complex, as multiple parties may be responsible for your injuries. New York Labor Laws provide strong legal protections for workers, especially those injured by falls, unsafe scaffolding, or defective equipment. Your attorney will investigate whether liability falls on:
- General contractors & subcontractors – Responsible for worksite safety and OSHA compliance.
- Property owners & developers – Can be held liable for hazardous conditions.
- Equipment manufacturers – May be responsible for defective tools, scaffolding, or machinery.
- Third-party vendors & suppliers – If their negligence contributed to your accident.
Determining who is at fault is critical in recovering the maximum compensation available
Explore All Your Legal Options after a Construction Accident
After a serious construction accident, you may assume that workers’ compensation is your only option, but that’s not always the case. While workers’ comp covers medical bills and partial lost wages, it doesn’t compensate for pain, suffering, or long-term losses.
If someone other than your employer—like a contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer—was responsible, you could pursue a third-party lawsuit for full wage recovery, future earnings, and compensation for permanent disabilities or emotional distress. An experienced NYC construction accident lawyer can evaluate your case, uncover all potential claims, and fight to secure every dollar you deserve.
What NOT to Do After a Construction Accident
Certain mistakes can weaken your claim and reduce your compensation. Avoid these common missteps if you were hurt on a construction site or in a construction-related incident:
Do NOT Post on Social Media
Insurance companies and defense attorneys monitor social media for any statements or photos that contradict your claim. Even saying “I’m okay” can be used against you. Refrain from discussing your accident online.
Do NOT Give a Statement Without a Lawyer
Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but their goal is to reduce payouts. They may ask misleading questions or pressure you into giving a recorded statement that can hurt your case. Let your lawyer handle all communication.
Do NOT Skip Medical Appointments
Consistent medical treatment is key to proving your injuries. Skipping doctor visits, therapy sessions, or follow-ups may give insurers a reason to argue that your injuries aren’t serious.
Do NOT Accept a Quick Settlement
Insurance companies offer low settlements to close cases fast. Once you accept, you usually can’t seek additional compensation later. Always let an attorney review your settlement offer before agreeing.
Take Action After a NYC Construction Accident. Get HKD
A construction accident in Manhattan can leave you with serious injuries, costly medical bills, and financial uncertainty. Whether you’re a worker injured on-site, or a bystander hurt by unsafe conditions, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health, legal rights, and ability to recover compensation.
At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., we fight for injured construction workers, and anyone harmed by negligence in New York’s construction industry, ensuring they receive maximum under the law. Call HKD at (212) 490-5700 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.