NYC Falls from Heights Lawyer

Falls from heights are one of the leading causes of death and serious injury in the construction industry. If you’ve suffered a fall on a New York City construction site, your life may have changed in a single terrifying instant. You’re dealing with pain, missed paychecks, and medical bills piling up faster than you can keep track. You may be wondering whether you’ll ever work again or how your family will get by.

At The Perecman Firm, our NYC falls from heights lawyers understand the pressure you’re under. We’ve spent more than 40 years fighting for injured construction workers just like you. We know the construction industry, its rules and regulations, what to look for when something goes wrong, and how to hold negligent parties liable.

Most of all, we know how to pursue maximum compensation for injured NYC workers so they can reclaim control of their lives after a serious injury. If you suffered a fall on the job in New York City or Long Island, call us at (212) 977-7033 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

The Perecman Firm: Relentless Advocates for Injured Construction Workers

Every day, New York City construction workers scale ladders, scaffolds, and steel frames to build the city around us. From the towers rising over Hudson Yards to renovations in Queens and Bronx rooftops, your work shapes the skyline. But with every step you take above ground, the risk of a fall is always present.

Over the last four decades, The Perecman Firm has emerged as a leader in helping injured construction workers and their families after a serious accident because we know how to get results.

Here’s how we stand apart from other firms:

We treat you like family

When you hire us, you get more than legal representation — you get a dedicated team that treats your case like it’s personal. Because to us, it is. You’re not just a case number here. You’re someone whose life has been turned upside down. We protect our clients fiercely, like family. Our attorneys and staff take the time to listen, understand your needs, and fight for your full and fair compensation.

We never back down from a fight

Construction companies and insurance carriers don’t give up compensation easily. We know their tactics, and we don’t let them get away with delay, denial, or blame games. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, and our results show it. Our firm has recovered nearly a billion dollars for injured New Yorkers.

We’ve changed the law — and lives

Our work has helped shape New York labor law to better protect injured workers. When other attorneys need help with the toughest cases, they call us. With decades of experience and some of the largest verdicts in the state, we’re recognized leaders in construction accident litigation.

We handle everything so that you can heal

After a serious fall, your only job should be getting better. We take care of the legal details — investigating your case, preserving evidence, working with top experts, and dealing with the insurance companies. You focus on your recovery; we’ll focus on getting you maximum compensation.

No fees unless we win

You’re already dealing with enough — lost income, medical bills, and uncertainty about the road ahead. Hiring a lawyer shouldn't add to that burden. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and no hourly fees. We only get paid if we win your case. We are results-driven lawyers who are dedicated to serving our clients.

Key Takeaways

• Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, especially in NYC, where workers often perform jobs at significant heights.
• New York Labor Law protects construction workers injured in fall accidents, allowing them to sue responsible parties beyond workers’ comp.
• Employers, property owners, contractors, and equipment manufacturers may be liable if safety violations led to your fall.
• Workers’ compensation benefits may cover medical treatment and part of your lost wages, but not full damages.
• A personal injury lawsuit may allow you to recover full lost earnings, pain and suffering, and long-term disability costs.
• Injuries from falls can include broken bones, brain injuries, spinal damage, and even death.
• The Perecman Firm has recovered millions for injured construction workers and offers a free consultation to review your case.

New York’s Labor Laws Are on Your Side

If you've suffered a fall from a scaffold, ladder, roof, or other elevated surface on the jobsite, there’s a good chance you have legal options. New York’s labor laws provide some of the strongest protections in the country. These laws are designed to keep workers safe and to hold owners and contractors accountable when they put workers at risk.

Labor Law 240: The "Scaffold Law"

Labor Law §240 requires property owners and general contractors to provide proper protection to workers at heights. That includes ladders, scaffolds, harnesses, and other fall-arrest systems.

 If your employer didn’t provide proper safety equipment, or the equipment failed, the law is on your side. This statute imposes absolute liability, which means you don’t have to prove negligence, only that the fall happened because proper safety wasn’t in place.

Labor Law 241(6): Code Violations

Under Labor Law §241(6), owners and contractors must comply with specific rules in the New York State Industrial Code. These rules cover everything from guardrails to stairways. A violation of these safety rules can support your right to compensation beyond workers’ comp.

Labor Law 200: General Site Safety

This broader statute requires employers and site controllers to provide a safe working environment. Labor Law § 200 may apply if your fall happened because of unsafe conditions, like debris, lighting, or a slippery surface.

Who’s Liable When You Fall on the Job in New York City?

Even though workers’ compensation covers most on-the-job injuries, you may be able to sue if someone other than your direct employer was responsible for the unsafe conditions that caused your fall. This could include:

• Property owners or lessees who failed to maintain a safe site
• General contractors who didn’t ensure proper protection
• Subcontractors whose negligence led to hazards
• Equipment manufacturers that sold defective ladders or harnesses

These cases are complex, and getting to the truth requires a skilled legal team that understands construction sites and the legal responsibilities of everyone involved.

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What Compensation Can You Recover After a NYC Fall Accident?

If you’ve suffered a fall on a construction site, the costs extend far beyond the initial injury. Recovery may take months, or in the case of serious and catastrophic injuries, the injuries could be permanent. In New York, injured construction workers can often pursue two kinds of compensation:

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

New York’s no-fault workers’ compensation system offers:

• Payment for all necessary medical treatment, including hospital stays, physical therapy, surgery, and medication
• Partial wage replacement if you’re unable to work due to your injuries
• Compensation for permanent impairment or visible disfigurement
• Vocational training if you can’t return to your former job

However, workers’ compensation often doesn’t come close to covering the full cost of your injuries, especially if you have permanent limitations or can’t return to the same type of work. That’s why it’s important to have a NYC construction accident attorney determine whether a third party may have contributed to the accident. 

Personal Injury Damages

If a third party, such as a property owner or contractor, failed to provide proper safety measures, you may be able to file a lawsuit seeking:

• Full lost wages and future earning potential
• Medical expenses not covered by workers’ comp
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life
• Emotional trauma and distress

Many injured workers aren’t aware they can pursue both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit. We can evaluate your situation and advise on the full scope of your legal options.

Common Causes of Falls on NYC Construction Sites

Falls don’t just happen for no reason. They’re often the result of someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or safety violations. In New York City, we frequently see cases caused by:

• Unsecured or broken scaffolding
• Defective ladders or unsafe ladder use
• Missing or broken guardrails
• Uncovered holes in flooring or roofing
• Slippery surfaces from weather, oil, or construction debris
• Unstable temporary walkways or platforms
• Faulty staircases
• Failure to provide fall-arrest systems or harnesses

These hazards are entirely preventable when job sites are run safely and in compliance with the law. For example, when employers prevent ladder accidents by inspecting equipment, training workers properly, and following OSHA regulations.

Common Injuries From NYC Construction Falls

Falls from even a modest height can cause life-altering damage. Many of our clients have suffered:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Fractures, including compound and crushed bones
• Severe back and neck trauma
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Facial injuries
• Torn ligaments and soft tissue damage
• Permanent disfigurement or disability

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long-term care, and time away from work — all of which create financial and emotional strain.

Legal Deadlines for Filing a Claim in New York

If you’ve been injured in a NYC fall accident, taking prompt legal action is critical to preserving your rights and obtaining fair compensation. Here’s what you need to know:

• Workers’ compensation: You must notify your employer within 30 days and file with the Workers’ Compensation Board within two years of the accident.
• Personal injury claims: Most lawsuits against private parties must be filed within three years. Claims against public or municipal entities must be filed even sooner — and usually require a notice of claim within 90 days.

Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to recover compensation. Acting quickly also helps preserve vital evidence that could be cleared or lost.

Steps to Take After a Fall on a Construction Site in NYC

If you’ve already received medical attention for your injuries, that’s the most important first step. Nothing matters more than your health and safety. But after the dust settles, there are key actions you can take to protect your rights and strengthen your claim.

If you suffered a fall on the job and walked away from the scene without seeing a doctor, seek a medical evaluation immediately, even if you feel fine or your injuries seem minor. Some serious conditions, like brain injuries, slipped discs, or internal damage, may not be obvious right away. A prompt medical evaluation not only protects your health but also creates essential documentation for your case.

Beyond medical care, here’s what to do next:

• Hire a lawyer. This should be your first call after receiving medical care. An experienced NYC falls from heights lawyer can begin investigating your case, preserving critical evidence, and protecting your legal rights from day one.
• Stick to all medical appointments and treatment plans. Skipping or delaying care can not only hurt your recovery, but it may be used against you by insurance companies trying to downplay your injuries.
• Keep a written or video journal. Record your pain levels, physical limitations, emotional distress, and how your injuries impact your daily life. These firsthand accounts serve as evidence in building your claim for pain and suffering and lost quality of life. 
• Preserve any physical evidence. Save any photos of the accident site, damaged safety equipment, or anything else that might support your claim.
• Get a copy of the accident report. Request it from your employer or site supervisor and review it for accuracy. Share it with your attorney.
• Avoid speaking to insurance companies on your own. Their goal is to minimize payouts. Direct all communication to your legal team.
• Stay off social media. Posts about your injury or recovery — even innocent ones — can be misinterpreted and used to undermine your claim.

Every step you take after a construction fall matters. The stronger your documentation and legal support, the better your chances of securing the full compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my employer doesn't have workers' compensation insurance?

If your employer lacks workers' comp coverage, they violated the law, and you have options. You may be eligible to file a claim with the New York Uninsured Employers Fund (UEF), which provides benefits to

workers injured while employed by uninsured employers. Additionally, you might have grounds to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against your employer or other responsible parties to seek compensation for your injuries.

Can I be fired for filing a claim after a construction fall?

New York labor laws protect workers from retaliation for filing workers' compensation claims or personal injury lawsuits related to workplace injuries. If you experience any form of retaliation, such as termination or demotion, after asserting your rights, you may have legal recourse against your employer.

Do I need a lawyer if I'm already receiving workers' compensation benefits?

While workers' compensation provides certain benefits, it may not cover all your losses, such as pain and suffering or full wage replacement. An experienced construction accident attorney can evaluate your case to determine if you have additional claims against third parties, like property owners or contractors, which could result in greater compensation.

What if I’m partially to blame for the fall?

New York law still allows you to recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. Under comparative negligence rules, your recovery may be reduced, but not eliminated. Let us assess your case.

Can I still sue if I accepted workers’ compensation?

Yes. Workers’ comp covers your employer. If someone else contributed to your fall (such as a subcontractor or property owner), you may be able to file a separate personal injury lawsuit for full damages.

Let The Perecman Firm Fight for Your Maximum Compensation

After a fall, the last thing you need to do is argue with insurance adjusters and worry about how to afford legal help. At The Perecman Firm, we front the costs, cover the investigation, and bring in top experts to build your case. And you owe us nothing unless we win. That’s how deeply our construction accident attorneys believe in your case and in doing what’s right.

We’ve recovered millions for workers injured in fall accidents, including:

• $15.2 million for a sheet metal worker who fell from an A-frame ladder
• $12 million for a union driver injured in a fall from a ladder
• $9.9 million for a worker who fell from a rolling scaffold
• $5.3 million for a carpenter who fractured his heel after a ladder fall

When construction companies cut corners or fail to follow the law, we hold them accountable. While you focus on healing, we focus on results.

Call us now at (212) 977-7033 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Let an NYC falls from heights lawyer at The Perecman Firm help you secure the justice and compensation you’re owed.