Bulldozer Accident Attorney in New York City

Bulldozers are powerful machines that play a vital role in construction. But when they are misused, poorly maintained, or operated without proper safety measures, the results can be devastating. According to OSHA, bulldozer accidents often cause serious injuries or even fatalities, making them some of the most dangerous incidents on construction sites.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bulldozer accident in New York City, you are not alone. The legal team at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C. is here to help you recover the compensation you need to heal physically, emotionally, and financially.

Your Recovery Starts with a Call

Hurt in a construction accident? Our NYC attorneys are ready 24/7 to help you win. No fee unless we recover for you.

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New York Labor Laws That Protect Injured Workers

In addition to federal OSHA safety guidelines, New York law includes several powerful worker protections. These laws help our attorneys pursue maximum recovery for injured construction workers:

  • Labor Law 200 requires a safe worksite
  • Labor Law 240, also known as the Scaffold Law, covers injuries from falls
  • Labor Law 241 sets specific safety requirements for all construction and demolition work

Our team knows how to use these laws effectively to build strong cases and hold negligent parties accountable.

How Bulldozer Accidents Happen on NYC Construction Sites

Most bulldozer accidents are preventable. Nearly all involve some form of negligence. Our attorneys frequently handle cases involving:

  • Workers struck or run over by moving bulldozers, especially in busy or confined worksites
  • Operators ejected from cabs during tip-overs near trenches or uneven ground
  • Workers hit by a bulldozer blade or shifting debris
  • Falls while climbing into or out of the cab
  • Injuries from loads of soil or debris being moved unsafely

These types of accidents can lead to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, amputations, and internal organ damage. If you are unsure where to turn, our team is ready to step in and protect your legal and financial future.

Who May Be Held Liable for a Bulldozer Accident?

Liability in a bulldozer accident may fall on multiple parties. We act quickly to investigate the scene, preserve evidence, and identify who may be responsible.

These parties often include:

  • Subcontractors who failed to provide proper training or equipment
  • Employers who hired unqualified or unsafe bulldozer operators
  • Site engineers or architects who created dangerous worksite conditions
  • Equipment owners who failed to maintain the bulldozer
  • Manufacturers of defective or dangerous bulldozer components

Legal Rights and Compensation

You may be eligible for multiple types of compensation, including:

  • Workers’ compensation to cover medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault
  • Personal injury claims to recover for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future medical care
  • Product liability lawsuits if the bulldozer was defective
  • Wrongful death claims for families who lost a loved one in the accident

For families who lose a loved one in a bulldozer accident, wrongful death claims can provide compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and loss of guidance and support.  

To protect their rights, victims should seek immediate medical attention, report the accident, document the scene. Prompt legal action helps preserve critical evidence and strengthens the chances of securing maximum compensation. We understand how overwhelming the aftermath can be. Our goal is to help you regain control and financial stability through fair and full compensation.

What To Do After a Bulldozer Accident

To protect your rights and improve your chances of recovering compensation:

  1. Get medical attention immediately
  2. Report the accident to your employer
  3. Take photos and gather witness contact information
  4. Contact an experienced construction injury attorney

Delaying action could hurt your case. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better your chances of success.

Why Choose Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C.?

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for injured construction workers across New York City. We have deep knowledge of both the legal and engineering sides of heavy machinery accident cases. We represent clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, and Rockland County.

We will fight to hold the right parties accountable and secure the compensation you need to move forward with confidence.

Construction Site Fires and Explosion Accidents in New York City

Explosions on construction sites are less common than other accidents but they’re among the most deadly. According to OSHA, these incidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries, long-term disabilities, or death. Whether caused by faulty equipment, chemical leaks, or negligent safety protocols, construction explosions demand immediate investigation and legal action.

At Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C., we help injured construction workers and their families recover the maximum compensation available under New York law. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a construction site fire or explosion, call us today. Our experienced and winning attorneys offer a free case review and will only charge legal fees if we win your case.

Your Recovery Starts with a Call

Hurt in a construction accident? Our NYC attorneys are ready 24/7 to help you win. No fee unless we recover for you.

📞 Call Now ✉️ Contact Form

What Causes Construction Explosions and Who’s Responsible?

Construction zones are busy environments with many potential hazards. Fires and explosions can happen for several reasons, including:

  • Improper storage of flammable gases or chemicals
  • Fuel tanks or power tools coming into contact with open flames
  • Faulty wiring, overloaded transformers, or unsafe electrical equipment
  • Demolition explosives that are mishandled or poorly supervised
  • Oily rags or flammable materials left near heat sources

After an explosion, a qualified and experienced construction accident attorney can investigate the cause and identify who may be legally responsible. This could include a general contractor, subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner.

Injuries Caused by Construction Site Explosions

The injuries caused by explosions on construction sites are often severe and life-changing. Some of the most common include:

  • Burns – Thermal or chemical burns that may require skin grafts or extended hospitalization.
  • Blast injuries – Damage to lungs, internal organs, or hearing from high-pressure shockwaves.
  • Fractures and crush injuries – Caused by falling debris or collapsed structures.
  • Head and brain trauma – Including concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries.
  • Respiratory damage – From inhaling smoke, chemicals, or dust.

These injuries can lead to significant medical bills, time off work, emotional distress, and long-term care needs. A personal injury claim can help you recover damages for these losses.

How a NYC Construction Explosion Accident Attorney Can Help

After a serious explosion injury, you may be told that workers’ compensation is your only option. However, this is not always true. Employers and their insurers may try to limit your recovery or prevent you from filing a negligence lawsuit.

An experienced construction accident lawyer can:

  • Investigate the explosion to determine all causes and responsible parties
  • Preserve critical evidence and consult with industry experts
  • Build a strong legal case to support your claim
  • Negotiate with insurers to pursue full compensation
  • Represent you in court, if necessary

Our legal team has successfully recovered millions of dollars for injured workers and their families. We understand how construction sites operate and know how to build cases that stand up in court.

Legal Options for Injured Construction Workers in New York City

A construction explosion lawyer can help you understand all your options for financial recovery, including:

  • Filing for workers’ compensation – Covers medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault.
  • Investigating third-party liability – Identifies whether a contractor, manufacturer, or property owner contributed to the accident.
  • Pursuing additional damages – If a third party was negligent, you may be able to recover compensation for pain and suffering, future medical costs, and lost earning potential.
  • Dealing with insurance companies – Your lawyer will handle negotiations and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.

Important deadlines: In New York, workers’ compensation claims must be filed within two years. If a third party caused the accident, you typically have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Families filing a wrongful death claim must do so within two years of the date of death. If these deadlines are missed, you may lose your right to compensation.

What You Should Do After a Construction Explosion Injury

If you have been injured in a construction site explosion, here are the steps you should take:

  1. Get medical help right away. Even if your injury seems minor, seek a professional evaluation to document your condition.
  2. Report the accident to your employer. You must notify them within 30 days to preserve your workers’ compensation rights.
  3. Speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you contact a qualified attorney, the better your chances of protecting your rights and recovering full compensation.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a construction explosion or fire, contact Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C. today. Our attorneys represent clients in New York City, Long Island, and throughout the Hudson Valley.

We are here to answer your questions, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call now to schedule your free consultation. You do not pay anything unless we win your case.

Explosion Accident Lawyers in New York

Fires and explosions at construction sites pose a serious but preventable risk to workers. Potential causes include pressurized containers, flame torches, soldering irons, and flammable materials and chemicals. Injured workers may require months or even years before they are fully healed. Construction site explosions and fires are often due to the negligence of another party.

In the aftermath of an explosion, our skilled team at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P. C. can protect your interests and work diligently toward obtaining meaningful compensation on your behalf. Outside of workers’ compensation, litigation is often essential for securing the financial resources needed to pay for immediate and long-term medical care and pain and suffering. A seasoned New York construction accident lawyer will leave no stone unturned to get you the best results. Call today to schedule a free consultation. 

The Importance of Hiring a Fire and Explosion Accident Lawyer

The destructive power of fires and explosions can erase all traces of how they started or what triggered them. A fire accident lawyer familiar with how fires originate and the catalysts that cause explosions will better understand and interpret the forensic evidence after a fire is extinguished. They can develop theories about its causes and who may be liable. The specialized knowledge of a fire and explosion accident attorney is often a significant component in recovering the largest available damages award.

How a New York Fire and Explosion Accident Lawyer Can Help You

Contractors and liability insurers that provide them with coverage have every incentive to minimize or deny damages awards. Moreover, insurance companies hire teams of lawyers and claims adjusters who have years of experience in dealing with fire and explosion cases. They are adept at getting accident victims to make statements contrary to the victim’s interests.

By retaining a New York personal injury lawyer with experience negotiating with liability insurers and their clients, an accident victim levels the playing field and inevitably gets more favorable results. In particular, a lawyer will:

  • Manage communications with all relevant parties and foreclose direct contact between insurers and claimants.
  • Prepare a thorough damages claim statement with supporting documentation to verify the full measure of the victim’s current and prospective future losses and damages.
  • Investigate the fire and explosion accident with fire reconstruction experts and organize all evidence to conclusively demonstrate the cause of the accident.
  • Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation from all liable parties and, if those parties refuse to compensate the victim, pursue claims through a fire and explosion accident lawsuit before a New York judge and jury.

The Legal Process for Fire and Explosion Accident Victims

Injured workers should seek prompt medical treatment. It establishes a causal connection between a fire and explosion accident and their injuries. Any delays can allow negligent parties to argue that some intervening event was the source of the victim’s injuries. After a healthcare provider assesses all injuries, they should consult with an explosion accident lawyer who can begin to collect and secure evidence.

That evidence is best collected at the scene of the accident before any cleanup crews remove damaged supplies and equipment. It might contain proof of how the fire started and who is potentially liable. Hiring a lawyer will allow the victim to focus on recovering without worrying about negotiating with liability insurers.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

The details about a fire and explosion accident generally include essential clues about the negligent third parties liable for causing a fire and explosion at a construction site. For example:

  • An explosion originating in an area where compressed gasses had been stored suggests that a party did not properly store those gasses.
  • Fires that begin when flammable fuels contact ignition sources can reveal that a party negligently managed the delivery and transfer of those fuels.
  • Electrical fires can point to negligent wiring by an electrical contractor or overloaded circuits not properly protected by breakers and other safety systems.
  • Fires that originate with welding equipment can reveal improper training or unsafe procedures by welding contractors.
  • Failed or inadequate fire suppression systems might be tracked back to project planners and contractors who negligently attempted to reduce project costs by cutting corners on those systems.

How Does a Construction Accident Lawyer Prove Negligence?

Contractors and other third parties who perform operations or provide services at a construction site have well-defined obligations to exercise precautions and follow safety protocols to prevent fires and explosions. An attorney will prove that a party was negligent by defining those obligations by referencing objective resources, such as OSHA safety regulations. Using all available evidence to show how that party failed to fulfill those obligations, an attorney will show how that failure led to an accident that caused injuries and losses.

What Compensation Can a Victim Recover?

A portion of the total damages a victim can recover may be paid through a workers’ compensation claim filed with their employer’s insurance carrier. However, other damages may be available from third parties whose negligence contributed to the explosion. For example, economic damages comprise objective financial losses that can be shown with documentary evidence, such as:

  • Bills from health care providers and hospitals showing the medical costs that the victim incurred to treat injuries
  • Lost wages and earnings, as shown by pay stubs that show a loss of earnings while the victim was unable to work due to fire and explosion injuries
  • Statements showing the actual costs for physical and occupational therapy
  • Receipts for mobility assist devices and other equipment and supplies that the victim requires to accommodate healing.

A victim’s non-economic damages, which can be substantial, will comprise payments to reflect the victim’s pain and suffering, the effect of injuries on the ability of the victim to enjoy their lifestyle and relationships with friends and family members and any psychological impacts of permanent scarring or disabilities caused by injuries.

Call Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley for a Free Consultation

The fire and explosion accident lawyers at the New York City Law Firm of Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley offer complimentary consultations in all construction site injury cases in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, and Queens. Please call our office to speak directly with an attorney about your case and your right and opportunity to recover significant compensation for your injuries.

Your time for filing your case may be limited, and important evidence about the causes of your accident will fade the longer you wait. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries.

New York City Roofing Accident Attorney

Roofing accidents are some of the most common—and most dangerous—types of construction accidents. They often result in a fall from a significant height. The risk factors associated with these injuries make them potentially deadly.

If you were hurt in a roofing accident, you might have a viable case for financial compensation. If you rely on the guidance of a roof injury attorney, you could obtain monetary damages for your medical bills, pain, and other losses. Let a New York construction accident lawyer help you pursue a case for compensation.

Why You Need a Roofing Accident Lawyer in New York City

If a worker has been seriously injured in a New York City roofing accident, a lawyer could help them recover damages that will reimburse them for a lifetime of related expenses. Workers who attempt to resolve their claims on their own will often receive low settlemen6t offers and face pressure to accept them. However, once an offer is accepted and a settlement agreement is signed, they give up all rights to recover compensation for future costs and expenses they incur while recuperating.

When an injured worker retains an experienced construction accident lawyer, they will manage all communications with the negligent parties liable for the worker’s damages and the insurance companies that cover them. The attorney will also verify that no settlement is signed or accepted until all of the worker’s damages are factored into settlement payments.

An experienced lawyer will also investigate all potential sources of damages recovery on behalf of the worker. For example, subcontractors often employ them at construction sites with other subcontractors. One or more may be liable–depending on the cause and circumstances of the accident. Liability might also extend to general contractors, site owners, architects, and engineers working at the site. Workers’ compensation payments might reimburse a minor portion of an injured worker’s losses. However, a greater recovery may be available through third-party lawsuits against those other parties.

In New York, an injured roofing worker has three years to file a lawsuit to recover damages. A different deadline applies to workers’ compensation claims. Additional deadlines and rules apply to claims and lawsuits against the city or state governmental entities. When you retain a lawyer to protect your interests, they will verify that all your notices and claims are filed well within the applicable limitation periods.

Construction workers are at a disadvantage when they attempt to press their claims on their own against large construction companies and the lawyers who represent them. They can level the playing field by retaining their own lawyer to push back against inadequate settlement offers and pressure to resolve roofing accident claims quickly for low amounts.

Frequent causes of roofing accidents

Falling from a roof can happen in many different ways, and negligence frequently plays a part in these accidents. Some of the factors that could result in a roofing accident include:

  • Dangerous weather. Extreme weather conditions can frequently cause falls from a roof. Heavy rain can make for dangerous roofing conditions, as can accumulated snow or ice. Even small amounts of moisture on a roof can make it difficult for a roofer to gain traction. This can lead to a fall.
  • Electrocution. Falling from a roof is a secondary consequence of some electrocution injuries. If a roofer makes contact with a power line or other source of electricity, they could suffer life-threatening injuries. These injuries could also cause a worker to lose their balance and fall.
  • Tripping hazards. Workers typically need to move across a roof while repairing or replacing it. When debris or other tripping hazards are present, the chances of a fall could increase dramatically.
  • Roof pitch. The pitch of the roof will also play into how likely a fall accident is. A steep roof could make it difficult for even the most experienced workers to avoid a fall.

Common roofing accident injuries

There are numerous injuries that could occur as the result of an accident on a roof. The nature of the accident will largely determine the type of injury that occurs. Falls can cause catastrophic injuries, but there are other factors that can also lead to physical harm for roofers. Some of the most common injuries associated with roofing accidents include:

  • Broken bones
  • Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Back injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Soft-tissue injuries
  • Internal bleeding

Some injuries are unavoidable, while others are due entirely to the carelessness of the injured party. However, injuries often frequently result from acts of negligence by someone else. Compensation could be available when negligence is to blame.

Compensation for a roofing accident

If you are living with the consequences of a roofing accident, you could be entitled to various types of monetary compensation. Some of the types of damages you might be entitled to recover include:

  • Medical bills. When you suffer an injury in a roofing accident, your medical bills can add up fast. If you pursue legal action and are successful following an accident, you could recover compensation that pays for all of your medical expenses.
  • Lost wages. Many people that are hurt in roofing accidents are no longer able to work. If a roofing accident has impacted how you make your living, you might be entitled to recoup your lost wages.
  • Pain and suffering. Physical pain is a common outcome following a roofing accident. Damages could be available to you based on the severity of your physical pain.
  • Property damage. You could also be entitled to damages for replacing your property in the fall. This could include anything from eyeglasses to electronic devices.

Reach out to an attorney following a roofing accident

Before you attempt to resolve your construction site fall accident case on your own, let an attorney help you pursue justice for your injuries. The team of Friedman Levy is ready to help you aggressively pursue the favorable outcome you deserve. Reach out as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation following a roofing accident.

New York Workplace Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, including at your place of employment. Some of your expenses and lost wages due to your injuries might be covered by your workers’ compensation insurance. However, those benefits do not necessarily stop you from suing the parties whose negligence caused your injuries.

The New York slip and fall lawyers at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C. represent injured workers in lawsuits to recover the full measure of their damages when they suffer serious injuries in workplace slip and fall accidents. Many different entities provide services at construction sites and other workplaces. One or more of them might be liable to pay you compensation for your losses.

Your Recovery Is Our Priority. Reach Out to Us for Legal Assistance!

What steps should you take after you suffer a slip and fall accident at work?

The first response to any accidental slip and fall at workis to seek medical treatment. An injury that initially seems insignificant can quickly become more critical, particularly if you hit your head or hurt your neck or back.

In New York, you should also promptly report the injury to your employer. If possible, gather evidence including photographs of the accident site and contact information for any coworkers who witnessed it. In every case, you should also consult with a New York workplace slip and fall accident lawyer. They can provide a comprehensive analysis of your right and opportunity to recover greater compensation than might be available through workers’ compensation.

How can a construction worker recover full compensation for slip and fall injuries?

Construction sites are inherently dangerous places, and workers are at a greater risk for injury. Therefore, the employer has an obligation to provide a safe work environment. That obligation extends to the site’s owner and other subcontractors and material suppliers to the site, who must manage the site to prevent or remediate:

  • Debris and construction waste that can impede stairways and walking paths
  • Oil spills and other liquid slipping hazards
  • Ditches and obscure holes that might trip a worker
  • Unguarded walkways with missing handholds

A knowledgeable New York construction accident attorney will analyze the dynamics of the construction site and, if the facts warrant, will file a slip and fall lawsuit. As a result, an injured construction worker may be able to recover far greater compensation than is available from workers’ compensation insurance.

What damages can a worker recover after suffering on-the-job slip and fall injuries?

A slip and fall injury can leave an accident victim with broken bones, chronic head and neck pain, serious contusions, and damaged internal organs. The victim might require months or years to recuperate and regain full bodily function to get back to work.

Depending on the extent of the worker’s injuries, a slip and fall accident lawyer will seek to recover:

  • Payments for actual and anticipated medical costs that are not reimbursed by other sources
  • The full amount of a worker’s lost income
  • Compensation for pain and suffering and the impact of that pain and suffering on the worker’s family
  • Reimbursement for transportation costs and expenses for medical and therapy appointments

Injured in a Slip and Fall? Let Us Fight for Your Rights!

Call us for a complimentary consultation about your workplace slip and fall case

At the Manhattan-based law firm of Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C., we have protected the rights of injured workers for more than 50 years. We represent workplace slip and fall accident victims in Manhattan, Long Island, and throughout the greater metropolitan New York City.

Call our Manhattan offices at any time to speak with an intake specialist. One of our attorneys will assess your circumstances and explain your right and opportunity to file a lawsuit to recover the compensation you need to get you back on your feet.

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New York Forklift Accident Attorney

The power of forklifts allows construction workers to lift and move loads exceeding 100,000 pounds. However, forklift rollovers, mechanical failures, elevated loads, and improper training can cause severe injuries and fatalities. If you have been injured in a forklift accident on a construction site in New York, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

For over 50 years, Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C., has championed the rights of injured New Yorkers. In the aftermath of a serious building site injury, a skilled construction accident lawyer can protect your interests and work diligently toward obtaining meaningful compensation on your behalf. Litigation against negligent third parties is often essential for securing the financial resources needed for immediate and long-term medical care. Our dedicated attorneys will leave no stone unturned to get you the best results.

Common Causes of Forklift Accidents

A personal injury claim from a forklift accident means we must thoroughly investigate causation and liability to build a successful case on your behalf. Some of the most common causes of forklift accidents include:

  • Excessive or unbalanced loads
  • Loads falling off a forklift
  • Collisions with workers or other construction vehicles
  • A forklift falling off a loading dock or other raised area
  • A forklift tipping over and ejecting the operator from the cab
  • Failures in forklift maintenance
  • Faulty components

Guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require operators of powered industrial trucks–commonly known as forklifts–to undergo training once every three years. Training includes exercises in stacking, unstacking, driving in different environments, conducting visual and operational checks, and other challenges a forklift driver can expect to encounter on the job. No one under 18 can legally operate a forklift in New York.

In exploring your legal options, our New York construction accident lawyers will investigate the cause of the accident to determine if a construction site owner, general contractor, or other party violated safety protocols.

Common Injuries in a Forklift Accident

A serious forklift accident can result in catastrophic injuries. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), forklifts were the source of 73 work-related deaths in 2022. Common injuries include the following:

  • Brain injuries: Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries are common and require immediate attention. 
  • Broken bones: Includes broken ankles in a tip-over, crushed wrists, as well as broken ribs, legs, and arms.
  • Spinal cord injuries: A forklift accident can damage the nerves in the spine, leading to paralysis or chronic pain.

Nearly 70 percent of all New York construction site injuries occur in Manhattan, and workers in this dangerous industry are five times more likely to be killed on the job than in other sectors. If you’re hurt on the job, a forklift accident lawyer in New York can explain what to do along with sound legal guidance.

Forklift Construction Site Accident: Who Can Be Held Liable?

Once we have determined the cause of your forklift accident, we can begin exploring potentially liable parties. Every case presents unique factors and circumstances, but some parties that may be held liable after a forklift accident include:

  • Site Owners
  • General and Sub-Contractors
  • Architects and Engineers
  • Manufacturers of Construction Machinery or Equipment
  • Insurers
  • OSHA Compliance Officer

Insurance companies will likely mount an aggressive defense against a personal injury claim. It is essential to have an experienced forklift accident lawyer advocating for your rights. Our attorneys are well-versed in defendants’ legal strategies to limit—or even deny—compensation to injured construction workers. We use our knowledge of these tactics to launch aggressive and effective legal strategies that benefit injured parties.

What Compensation Is Available?

Workers’ compensation is a primary source of benefits for a forklift accident injury. However, you may discover that workers’ comp insurance payments fail to cover mounting medical expenses or lost income. Employers might also tell their workers that claims for a construction injury are limited to this, but that is not always true.

Sometimes, injured employees can file a personal injury claim if an employer’s intentional conduct caused a construction accident injury or they failed to carry worker’s compensation insurance. Workers can also sue third parties whose recklessness or careless actions caused their accident. Common defendants include manufacturers of defective equipment and construction site managers. A personal injury claim can seek additional compensation to cover damages outside workers’ comp.

Damages in a personal injury claim may include:

  • All medical bills, including past, present, and future care
  • Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life
  • Scarring and disfigurement

At Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, a New York personal injury lawyer will leverage their extensive resources to establish liability and fight for your right to fair and reasonable compensation.

Statute of Limitations

The sooner an experienced forklift injury lawyer can begin working on your case, the better prepared they will be to build a compelling case. Evidence can fade over time. The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in New York is generally three years. After that deadline, you will no longer have the legal standing to file a claim against the party that contributed to your injury.

Schedule a Free Consultation

At Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience to place liability squarely on the shoulders of the responsible parties and recover maximum monetary damages for clients. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced forklift injury lawyer serving all five boroughs of NYC and surrounding areas, contact us today. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries.

Can Owners and Contractors Limit Their Liability for Construction Accidents in NYC?

Owners of building projects and contractors in NYC procure basic protection from direct liability for construction accidents with workers’ compensation insurance. Injured workers collect benefits from that insurance rather than pursuing the owners or contractors directly for their damages. Workers’ compensation insurance is not, however, a perfect liability shield. There are instances in which an injured worker can recover compensation directly from an owner or contractor.

The construction accident lawyers in New York City at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C. represent injured construction workers in lawsuits against owners and contractors. From our more than 50 years of experience, we recognize when owners and contractors are liable for construction accident injuries.

Workers who are employed without workers’ compensation insurance

This situation might occur, for example, when a subcontractor does not provide insurance or enroll in the owner’s or contractor’s insurance, and an employee gets hurt at a construction site. Owners often use “wrap” policies to prevent this, but coverage might be overlooked in a project that involves many subcontractors. Our attorneys analyze these interrelationships to determine coverage and liability issues that give rise to a direct lawsuit for negligence liability.

Third parties that provide services outside the scope of the primary contract

Workers’ compensation insurance often does not extend to material suppliers, safety consultants, and other third-party service providers whose work is outside of the contractual definition of the project. An owner or contractor might add an insurance rider to a workers’ compensation policy to include these workers. Apart from that rider, the owner or contractor may be directly liable for a third party’s injuries.

Gross negligence or intentional disregard for worker safety

Contractors or owners who deliberately ignore unsafe situations or require workers to provide services without basic safety protections will be liable for gross negligence or willful misconduct. They will be directly responsible for the construction worker’s damages. This situation might occur, for example, when several workers suffer the same injuries from an unsafe condition and the owner or contractor does nothing to remedy that condition.

Crossover of the roles of the project developer and general contractor

When a developer’s project manager assumes the duties and responsibilities of a general contractor, that manager exposes the developer to direct liability for injuries to workers–that are otherwise employed by the general contractor. Therefore, every party responsible for any part of a construction project must procure its own workers’ compensation insurance as a shield against direct liability. 

How an Attorney Can Prove Liability in Construction Accidents

Construction accidents are often complex, with multiple parties potentially liable for the injuries sustained. To investigate what happened and then identify which party or parties may be held liable, you need an experienced attorney by your side. 

An attorney can prove liability in a construction accident case by showing that the defendant was negligent by establishing the following:

  • The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care.
  • The defendant acted negligently and breached their duty of care
  • The plaintiff’s injuries are a direct result of the defendant’s breach of duty
  • Damages were sustained, such as missed days of work and medical bills.

 As stated above, multiple parties may be negligent. For example, if a construction worker is injured because of a defective piece of equipment, the manufacturer may be liable even if they did not directly cause the injury.

The Complexity of Proving Liability in Construction Accidents

Proving all of the elements of negligence is challenging, which is why having an experienced attorney on your side is essential. They will know, for example, how to gather evidence to support your claim. They will also be able to navigate the legal system and protect your rights. So, if you or someone you love has been involved in a construction accident, don’t wait to get help–because while the process can be complex, you deserve to be fairly compensated for your injuries.

Call the accident attorneys at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green for a free consultation

Even when workers’ compensation benefits are available, those benefits rarely cover the full range of losses and injuries suffered by hurt construction workers. Our team of construction accident lawyers makes sure that employees get everything they deserve when an owner’s or contractor’s negligence leaves them injured.

Injured workers in New York should call our offices for a complimentary assessment of their right to file a lawsuit to collect the full measure of damages they are entitled to recover for their losses and injuries.

Staten Island Construction Accident Lawyer

building under construction with crane

Serious workplace accidents routinely occur in the construction industry. In 2019, for example, roughly 20% of all fatal workplace injuries happened in construction. Employees may recover some damages with a workers’ compensation claim. However, those damages are rarely sufficient to provide for a complete recovery.

Construction workers who suffer injuries at a construction site should consult with a Staten Island personal injury lawyer from Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green, P. C. We can help you determine whether you have a right to pursue the full amount of damages with a construction accident personal injury lawsuit. For more than 50 years, we have helped employees recover compensation from construction companies, material suppliers, and other site parties whose negligence caused your injuries.

Construction sites expose workers to an excessive number of risks

A typical large construction site might feature a general contractor, several sub-contractors, material delivery trucks, and construction vehicles, as well as architects, engineers, and surveyors. Negligent conduct by any one of these parties can lead to injuries among other personnel, with serious mishaps such as:

  • Scaffolding accidents
  • Collisions with heavy machinery
  • Trip-and-falls
  • Collapsing ditches and other excavated surfaces
  • Crane collapses
  • Defective or improperly installed equipment
  • General unsafe working conditions

Workers injured in Richmond, Annadale, South Beach, or elsewhere should always speak to an experienced constriction accident lawyer in Staten Island. They should do so before accepting any settlement or compensation.  

Injured construction workers may have a right to recover significant damages awards

Workers’ compensation will generally only reimburse an employee’s current medical costs and a portion of their lost wages while unable to work. However, with a personal injury lawsuit, a construction accident lawyer in Staten Island can help them recover compensation for future medical expenses, the full amount of lost wages, costs of occupational and rehabilitation therapy, and damages for pain and suffering. In addition, if the construction accident causes a fatality, a lawyer can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the worker’s surviving family members.

New York has enacted laws to protect construction workers

New York is the only state with a specific law that makes owners and general contractors liable for scaffolding accidents. In addition to this, New York’s labor laws require construction sites to be managed and maintained in compliance with the State’s Industrial Code. Any violations of these state laws and other federal and state safety regulations– can form the basis of negligence and a personal injury action.

Contact an attorney as soon as is possible after you suffer a construction accident in Staten Island

Injured construction workers must file a personal injury lawsuit within three years. Construction sites, however, are dynamic places that evolve rapidly as a project moves toward completion. The ever-changing nature of a construction site can quickly obscure the details of an accident. Memories of eyewitnesses can fade as they focus on other construction tasks that need to be completed.

Given these circumstances, a worker can improve the opportunity to recover a greater amount of damages when they retain a construction accident attorney in Staten Island.

Contact Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C. for a free consultation

Call our team of personal injury attorneys after you have sustained serious injuries in a construction accident in South Beach, New Springville, or anywhere else in Staten Island. We will analyze your case and establish whether you have an opportunity to collect damages from the negligent party.

If you retain our firm and we accept your case, we will fight to recover the largest available compensation to reimburse the damages that you and your family have suffered.

What Is a Third-Party Liability Claim in NYC Construction Accident Law?

Two men shaking hands after a deal

Under NYC construction accident law, third-party liability claims allow an injured construction worker to sue entities other than their employer, such as a negligent building owner, the manufacturer of defective equipment, and others. Injured construction workers can pursue third-party liability claims in addition to the benefits they receive from workers’ compensation.

When a party other than your employer is responsible for causing your on-the-job injuries, Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green can represent you in a third-party personal injury lawsuit above and beyond your workers comp claim. Partnering with an experienced NYC construction accident attorney can put you in the best position to recover the full compensation you need to cover expenses both now and in the future. Call or use our online form to schedule your free consultation.

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When Can You File a Third-Party Claim Against a Subcontractor?

A construction worker who suffers an on-the-job injury can generally recover a portion of their salary and reimbursement for medical costs from workers’ compensation insurance. However, if a third-party subcontractor caused the injury, the worker might also have the right and opportunity to sue the subcontractor for greater financial remuneration.

Under New York law, a third-party claim against a subcontractor features three components:

  • The claim will be made against a company or an individual that is not the injured worker’s direct employer
  • That company’s or individual’s negligent conduct must be the primary cause of the accident
  • The injured worker suffers damages that exceed the reimbursements paid by their workers’ compensation claims.

The potential scenarios that can give rise to a third-party claim against a subcontractor are limitless. Consider, for example:

  • A worker might be injured in a collision with a truck driven by a material supplier
  • A subcontractor’s employee might drop a tool or some construction material onto an employee from an elevated surface
  • An electrical subcontractor might leave unshielded power lines where an employee of another subcontractor can come into contact with them
  • Trenches that are not properly secured by one subcontractor might collapse and injure another party’s construction employee
  • Tools or construction equipment might fail and cause injuries, leading to a third-party product liability claim.

In the immediate aftermath of a construction site accident, an injured worker’s priority will be their injuries without being immediately concerned with how they were caused. However, a lawyer with the expertise to pursue third-party claims against subcontractors will be their best resource. Victims of third-party construction accidents in NYC, Long Island, and the greater metropolitan area should always retain the services of an experienced attorney to give themselves the greatest opportunity to recover the full amount of damages they deserve.

Should You Still File for Worker’s Compensation? 

Worker’s Compensation is a first step for many workers, covering initial medical expenses and lost wages. It is within your legal right to file for Worker’s Compensation, and Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green can connect you with a skilled Workers’ Compensation attorney or you can access a claim form through the state website. Payment often comes quickly through this system, which can be a relief in the immediate aftermath of an injury.

However, these settlements rarely go far enough in providing for out-of-pocket costs, long-term disability, loss of future earning capacity, and less tangible losses such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, and loss of household services. You cannot collect punitive damages in a workers’ compensation claim, no matter how much gross negligence, carelessness, or malice were involved.

You still have the right to file a third-party liability claim even if you have already filed for, or received, workers’ compensation benefits, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by exploring your full set of legal options.

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Which Third Parties Can You Sue for an NYC Construction Accident?

Any entity that was negligent in its duty to keep you reasonably safe from harm on a construction site may potentially be liable for your injuries. For example, heavy equipment operators should be adequately trained by their employers before being entrusted to handle these machines. If not, and the operator causes an accident, those employers could be held legally responsible. Similarly, tool manufacturers are expected to make and sell reasonably safe equipment or at least warn users of known risks. 

You may be able to file a third-party claim against:

  • Property owners
  • Tool or equipment manufacturers
  • NYC Department of Buildings
  • Service providing companies
  • Parent companies
  • Subcontracting firms
  • Vendors
  • Delivery truck companies
  • Janitorial companies
  • Scaffolding manufacturers
  • and More

Anyone who was derelict in their duties may owe a percentage of the total settlement or jury award amount, depending on how fault gets assigned.

Situations That Give Rise to Third-Party Claims in Construction Lawsuits

Situations on a construction site that may lead to third-party accident claims include:

  • Airborne mold
  • Asbestos
  • Auto accidents
  • Broken stairs or railings
  • Ceiling collapses
  • Chemical burns
  • Crane mishaps
  • Dangerous or defective products
  • Electrocution
  • Elevator failures
  • Falling objects
  • Falls from a height
  • Fires or explosions
  • Heavy equipment accidents
  • Improper lighting
  • Lead poisoning
  • Machine malfunction
  • Scaffolding collapse
  • Slippery or damaged floors
  • Trench collapses
  • Toxic fumes

Construction Accident Lawsuit Injuries

If your workplace injury is likely to fully heal within a couple of weeks, chances are that workers’ compensation will provide for your medical bills and lost wages. Most of the construction site accident claims we handle involve serious, long-lasting injuries and disabilities, including:

  • Head trauma / Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Broken bones
  • Amputations
  • Burns and electrocutions
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Joint injuries
  • Organ damage
  • Scarring and disfiguration
  • Serious illness

Free Consultation with Construction Accident Lawyers in NYC

Not all construction accidents involve third-party liability. It is best to speak with an experienced New York personal injury lawyer at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green to determine if you have sufficient grounds for a construction accident lawsuit above and beyond your workers’ compensation. We are available to discuss your case at no cost to you.

Our firm represents clients in every NYC borough. Our office is located at 380 Lexington Ave, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10168. Our personal injury attorneys can travel to you if you are unable to visit our offices due to injury. We can also provide free transportation to and from our office or conduct a virtual consultation.

Construction Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn

Injured construction worker next to hard hat

Two Brooklyn construction workers recently suffered serious injuries when a wall collapsed in a building they were demolishing.  This accident adds to the growing list of Brooklyn construction site accidents that have caused grievous harm to workers.

The fact that construction sites are inherently dangerous is evident from recent statistics, which show that 20% of all on-the-job fatal accidents are related to construction jobs. To secure their right to collect the largest available damages awards, construction accident victims should first tend to their injuries. Then they should retain a lawyer in Brooklyn at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green.

Which parties are responsible for damages when a Brooklyn construction worker is hurt on the job?

In Brooklyn and throughout New York, workers’ compensation benefits will be an injured construction employee’s first line of recovery for an on-the-job injury. These benefits, however, will not reimburse all related losses and expenses. Several different contractors and subcontractors perform tasks at a typical construction site. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the worker may have an opportunity to file a lawsuit against:

  • The construction site owner
  • Other contractors, sub-contractors, or material suppliers
  • Professionals and managers, including engineers and safety inspectors who failed to ensure the safety of a construction site
  • Equipment manufacturers whose defective machinery injured a construction worker

A Brooklyn construction accident attorney will examine the specific facts surrounding each accident to assess which parties bear liability for the worker’s costs and expenses.

Other than workers’ compensation, what damages can an injured construction worker collect?

Workers’ compensation will generally pay medical bills and reimburse a portion of lost wages. In addition, a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn  can help the construction accident victim to recover:

  • Payments for anticipated future injury-related medical costs and expenses
  • Reimbursement for ongoing physical therapy and occupational training if the construction injury prevents the worker from performing certain tasks that were previously performed
  • Replacement of unearned future income and lost employment opportunities
  • The value of the worker’s pain and suffering
  • Payments for loss of consortium and reduced quality of family life

When should an injured construction worker accept an insurance settlement?

Construction contractors and their liability insurance carriers often attempt to resolve a negligence lawsuit with a quick settlement. It offers an injured worker a nominal lump-sum payment in exchange for a release from further liability. However, they should always consult a Brooklyn construction accident lawyer before signing settlement agreements or accepting any insurance company funds.

The lawyer will be able to procure a substantially larger settlement. However, if the insurance carriers are unwilling to settle, the lawyer will move forward with a lawsuit to collect the largest potential damages award from all negligent parties. 

What should the worker’s family do if the construction accident causes a fatality?

When a worker dies in a construction accident, their representatives or family members can pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation. This would include funeral costs that exceed the reimbursement provided by workers’ comp and certain other non-economic damages that the family members have suffered.

To succeed with this claim, the worker’s family must show that the employer or some other party was negligent. Further, that negligence caused an accident that claimed the worker’s life. In the event of a construction worker fatality, their family should always consult with a lawyer. This ensures that they will recover the full measure of compensation they are entitled to receive.

Call Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C. to Consult with a Brooklyn Construction Accident Lawyer

For answers to general questions about construction accident liability, please see our construction accident FAQ. For answers to questions about damages in a specific Brooklyn construction accident, please visit our website or call us at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green. We will thoroughly investigate your construction accident claim to identify every party that might bear some responsibility.

We offer no-fee, no-obligation consultations with highly experienced Brooklyn construction accident lawyers. We will fight to recover the full measure of damages you deserve from every party whose negligence contributed to your Brooklyn construction accident.