Did You Trip and Fall at a Construction Site?
Construction reshapes New York City every day, from Hudson Yards and the High Line to Long Island City, Downtown Brooklyn, and the South Bronx. But while towers rise, the job remains dangerous. Trip and fall injuries are still among the most common ways construction workers become injured on active construction sites.
If you fell due to uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways, exposed rebar, or snow and ice, don’t assume workers’ compensation is your only option after a workplace accident. In many cases, third-party claims offer a legal path to recover significantly more money, including damages for pain and suffering, long-term disability, and loss of future income that workers’ comp may not provide.
The NYC construction trip & fall attorneys at The Perecman Firm have spent decades helping injured NYC workers hold negligent site owners, contractors, and vendors accountable. When your ability to work is at risk, we fight for the full compensation you need to move forward with stability and confidence.
Key Takeaways from NYC Construction Trip & Fall Attorney
- The Perecman Firm pursues maximum compensation while offering deeply personal, client-centered legal representation.
- Trip and fall accidents on NYC construction sites often result from safety violations and neglected site conditions, not worker error.
- New York workers may have legal options outside of workers’ comp, including personal injury lawsuits against third parties.
- New York Labor Law, OSHA standards, and general contractor responsibilities can all impact your ability to seek compensation.
- Proper documentation of your injury, treatment, and site conditions plays a crucial role in the success of your case.
- Construction fall injury claims can cover medical bills, lost income, future earning potential, and pain and suffering.
HOW IT WORKS
FREE CASE REVIEW
Our NYC construction accident attorneys discuss options for your immediate financial needs, assess if your case is worth pursuing, and estimate the timeline for full compensation.
AN IRONCLAD CASE
As your counsel, we thoroughly analyze all evidence and expert testimony to build a compelling case that proves liability and demonstrates the full extent of your injuries.
BATTLE THE BULLIES
As your trusted advocate, we pursue maximum compensation under the law, standing firm against intimidation and unfair settlement offers.
You’re Not Just a Case File. You’re Our Priority.
New York City’s construction industry is one of the most demanding in the country. And when workers get hurt because someone failed to follow basic safety standards, there needs to be accountability. At The Perecman Firm, we take that responsibility seriously.
We’ve secured multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for NYC construction workers injured in falls, including:
- $15.2 million jury verdict for a worker who fell from a ladder while installing sheet metal
- $29 million settlement for the family of a construction worker who fell 44 stories to his death.
If a slip or trip and fall accident at a construction site harms you, we want to hear your story. We’ll give you an honest assessment of your options and fight for every dollar your recovery requires.
What Sets Our NYC Construction Injury Lawyers Apart?
Not every law firm is built for construction cases. These claims are technical, fast-moving, and often involve powerful defendants who know how to dodge responsibility. The Perecman Firm focuses heavily on construction site injury litigation, including trip and fall cases involving unsafe conditions. Our team understands what’s at stake when your ability to work disappears overnight.
NYC construction workers turn to us for many reasons, including:
Relentless commitment to injured workers
Our firm was built to stand up for the tradespeople who build New York. We've spent more than 40 years advocating for roofers, carpenters, electricians, ironworkers, and laborers who’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions.
Proven track record in complex fall injury claims
We’ve recovered nearly $1 billion for our clients, including millions for those hurt in construction fall accidents. Our results reflect our attention to detail, depth of experience, and ability to litigate aggressively when necessary. See our case results for examples.
You pay nothing unless we recover for you
We handle every trip and fall claim on a contingency fee basis. That means no out-of-pocket legal costs and no hourly billing. We only get paid if we win or settle your case.
Client-first approach and personalized care
Our clients are New Yorkers who keep this city running—ironworkers in Midtown, carpenters in Brooklyn, electricians in Queens, and laborers across the Bronx. We stay accessible, answer questions promptly, and keep you updated so you never feel left in the dark. Every decision we make is shaped by your goals and your family’s needs.
Deep knowledge of New York construction laws
Our lawyers know how New York City laws and statutes apply to your case, as well as property owners, contractors, and other responsible parties on NYC construction sites. We use our knowledge and experience working with laws like New York Labor Laws 200, 240, and 241 to uncover every path for compensation available to you.
Common Causes of Construction Site Trip and Fall Accidents
Even the most experienced workers trip when conditions are unsafe. On New York City construction sites, those conditions are often preventable. When general contractors or property owners fail to follow safety protocols, they put lives at risk.
Trip and fall injuries are frequently caused by:
- Improperly stored materials that block walkways or pathways
- Uneven walking surfaces created by temporary flooring or debris
- Poor lighting in active construction zones
- Lack of safety barriers around open trenches, stairwells, or drop-offs
- Improper snow and ice removal on outdoor job sites
These hazards violate both New York state labor law and federal OSHA construction safety standards. According to OSHA, falls are the leading cause of construction site deaths. Even non-fatal falls often result in serious injuries that leave workers unable to return to work for months or ever.
A thorough investigation reveals what happened and helps identify every responsible party. That’s where your NYC construction accident attorney makes all the difference.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Trip and Fall at a Job Site?
You might assume workers’ compensation is your only option. But many New York construction accident claims involve third-party negligence. If someone other than your employer caused or contributed to the unsafe condition that led to your injury, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit.
These third parties often include:
- Property owners who failed to maintain a safe job site
- General contractors or subcontractors who ignored safety protocols
- Vendors or delivery companies that created dangerous walking surfaces
- Equipment manufacturers, if faulty tools or gear contributed to the incident
New York Labor Law 241(6) allows injured workers to hold these parties accountable through civil litigation. Unlike workers' comp, a personal injury claim may cover pain and suffering, future lost income, and other non-economic damages.
Holding all responsible parties accountable requires a lawyer with experience analyzing contracts, site responsibilities, and the roles of everyone involved in the build.
Your Legal Rights Under New York Labor Law and OSHA
Construction workers in NYC are protected by both federal safety laws and state-specific statutes. These laws help prevent injury, but when violations occur, they can become the foundation of a strong construction accident lawsuit.
Two key legal frameworks include:
- New York Labor Law §§ 240 and 241: These laws protect construction workers involved in erection, demolition, repair, or excavation work.
- Section 240 applies to gravity-related risks, such as falls from a height or injuries from falling objects.
- Section 241(6) protects construction workers by requiring owners and general contractors to provide reasonable and adequate protection and safety on job sites. It allows injured workers to sue these parties when their failure to comply with specific New York Industrial Code safety rules causes an injury. For trip and fall cases, this often involves rules about keeping walkways clear of debris and hazards.
- Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA): This federal law mandates safe working conditions. Failing to follow OSHA safety standards—such as keeping walkways free from obstructions—can support a negligence claim against a contractor or site manager.
Your attorney will gather safety inspection records, witness statements, and relevant building permits to determine how these laws apply to your case.
What to Do After a Trip and Fall at a New York City Construction Site
After a fall injury, your first priority should always be getting medical care. If you haven’t seen a doctor yet, get a medical evaluation even if you think your injury is minor. Documenting your injuries immediately protects both your health and your legal rights.
Once medical treatment is underway, here are the next steps to protect your construction accident claim:
- Hire a lawyer immediately to investigate liability and secure evidence.
- Keep all medical appointments to document injury progression and treatment.
- Maintain a journal or video diary of your symptoms, limitations, and pain levels.
- Preserve work boots and clothing you wore during the incident as potential evidence.
- Avoid posting about the accident on social media, which can be used against you.
Waiting too long to act can damage your case. Let our NYC legal team guide you from the start so nothing gets missed.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a NYC Construction Fall Injury Claim?
The cost of a trip and fall on a construction site extends far beyond emergency care. Workers’ compensation only pays for medical treatment and part of your wages, leaving out pain, suffering, and long-term financial harm. A third-party claim may fill that gap by covering both economic and non-economic damages.
Depending on your case, you may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses for hospital stays, physical therapy, surgery, long-term care, and more
- Lost income due to time away from work
- Reduced future earning ability if your injuries affect your long-term employment
- Pain and suffering from physical pain, mental distress, and emotional trauma
- Loss of quality of life if you can no longer enjoy previous hobbies or family activities
When injuries involve spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, or permanent disability, compensation must reflect the full scope of long-term consequences. We work with medical and financial experts to project future costs so your recovery isn’t undervalued.
How Long Do You Have to File a Trip and Fall Claim in NYC?
In New York, you generally have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit related to a trip and fall on a construction site, according to New York Civil Practice Law & Rules §214. However, if your claim involves a government entity, such as the City of New York or the MTA, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident.
There are also different rules depending on whether you’re pursuing:
- A workers’ compensation claim
- A Labor Law 241(6) third-party lawsuit
- A general negligence claim against a subcontractor or property owner
Deadlines vary and are strictly enforced. Missing them could permanently bar you from recovery. That’s why it’s critical to speak with a New York City construction accident lawyer as soon as possible to determine which timeframes apply to your case.
FAQs About NYC Construction Trip and Fall Accident Cases
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
New York follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means you can still pursue compensation even if you were partly to blame. Your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of responsibility, but you won’t be automatically disqualified.
Does New York Labor Law protect workers who fall on debris or tools?
Yes. Under Labor Law § 241(6), workers are protected when site owners or contractors fail to provide safe working conditions. This includes trip hazards from tools, equipment, and construction materials left in walkways, as long as the hazard violated a specific Industrial Code provision.
Is a workers’ compensation claim enough to cover my losses?
Workers’ compensation covers basic medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages, but it does not compensate for pain, suffering, or long-term financial hardship. That’s why exploring whether a third-party lawsuit may apply in your case is essential.
How long does it take to settle a construction trip and fall case in NYC?
Timelines vary depending on injury severity, available evidence, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Many trip and fall cases resolve within 6 to 18 months, but cases involving serious injuries may take longer. Our team works to move your case forward without unnecessary delays.
How much does it cost to hire The Perecman Firm for my case?
There are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. This allows you to focus on healing without financial stress.
What specific safety rules apply to walkways on NYC construction sites?
New York's Industrial Code contains several rules designed to prevent trip and fall accidents.
For example, Rule 23-1.7(e) requires owners and contractors to keep passageways and working areas free from accumulations of dirt, debris, scattered tools, and sharp projections. It also mandates protection from slipping hazards like ice, snow, water, or grease.
Violating these specific rules can establish liability against a property owner or general contractor.
Can I sue if I trip over a tool or material left by another company's worker?
Yes. This is a classic example of a third-party liability claim. While you cannot sue your own employer, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent third party, such as a subcontractor or vendor, whose employee created the hazardous condition that caused your fall.
A successful claim holds that party responsible for damages that workers' compensation does not cover.
What is the difference between a trip and fall and a slip and fall case?
A trip and fall happens when your foot strikes an object or uneven surface, causing you to lose your balance and fall forward. Common causes include debris, tools, or buckled flooring.
A slip and fall occurs when your foot loses traction on a walking surface, causing you to fall backward or downward. This often involves slippery substances like water, ice, oil, or mud.
While the mechanics differ, both types of falls can form the basis of a negligence claim under New York Labor Law.
What should I do if the general contractor cleans up the hazard right after my fall?
Preserving evidence is critical. If possible, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene immediately, before anything is moved or cleaned up. Report the incident to your supervisor in writing and note the exact location and cause of your fall.
An experienced attorney can take steps to secure other evidence, such as site safety logs, surveillance footage, and witness statements, even if the scene changes after your injury.
Start Your Path Toward Compensation Today
You’ve been injured. You’ve missed work. You’re stressed about the future. Now is the time to take action. Let us help you hold the right parties accountable and pursue the compensation you and your family depend on.
Schedule your free case review today with a dedicated NYC personal injury lawyer at The Perecman Firm. You can call us at (212) 977-7033 or contact us online. Our office serves clients throughout New York City, including the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island.
Don’t wait. Let’s build your case and fight for your future.