New York City Construction And Labor Accident Lawyers
Construction work is among the most dangerous occupations in New York City. Falls from height, unsafe equipment, poor site supervision, and violations of safety regulations continue to cause serious injuries and fatalities across the five boroughs. In many cases, these accidents are entirely preventable.
If you were injured on a construction site – or lost a loved one due to a construction accident – Silver & Kelmachter, LLP, can help you pursue accountability and compensation. With decades of experience representing injured workers and their families, our firm understands how to investigate complex construction accidents and hold negligent parties responsible.
Table of Contents
Common Construction Accidents
Construction accidents take many forms, including:
- Falls from scaffolds, ladders, platforms, cranes, or roofs
- Slips and trips caused by debris, materials, or unsafe walkways
- Machinery and equipment accidents due to poor maintenance, defective equipment, or inadequate training
- Electrocutions, fires, or explosions caused by exposed wiring, unsafe electrical practices, or flammable materials
- Heat-related injuries, fatigue, and repetitive-motion injuries
- Trench and building collapses that trap or crush workers
These incidents often result in catastrophic injuries with long-term consequences.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable
Construction site injuries are frequently caused by negligence. Depending on the circumstances, liability may rest with:
- General contractors or subcontractors responsible for site safety
- Property owners who failed to maintain a safe worksite
- Site supervisors who ignored safety protocols or failed to train workers
- Equipment manufacturers or suppliers that provided defective tools or machinery
- Architects or engineers whose design or planning errors created dangerous conditions
Identifying all responsible parties requires prompt and thorough investigation. Our attorneys act quickly to preserve evidence, review safety records, and consult with qualified experts to build strong claims.
Compensation Available in Construction Accident Cases
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Medical expenses and future treatment
- Costs of home or vehicle modifications due to disability
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Punitive damages, in cases involving reckless or egregious conduct
We guide our clients through every step of the process and pursue full and fair compensation through settlement negotiations or litigation.
Ladder, Scaffold, and Equipment Accidents
Falls involving ladders, scaffolds, and other elevated equipment are among the most serious construction accidents in New York City. These incidents often result from defective equipment, improper setup, missing safety features, or inadequate worker training.
Common causes include:
- Broken or poorly manufactured ladders or scaffolds
- Failure to inspect or maintain equipment
- Improper setup on uneven or unstable surfaces
- Exceeding weight limits
- Removal of safety devices or warning labels
- Lack of safety instruction or supervision
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling ladder and scaffold accident cases and know how to pursue claims against contractors, owners, and equipment manufacturers.
Injuries From Falls and Equipment Failures
Falls from height frequently cause devastating injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Multiple fractures
- Internal organ injuries and bleeding
- Severe lacerations and soft-tissue damage
- Permanent disability or scarring
- Death
We work to ensure that the long-term medical, financial, and personal consequences of these injuries are fully accounted for in your claim.
Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights
In most New York construction accident cases, claims must be filed within three years of the injury. Claims involving public entities are subject to much shorter deadlines, including a 90-day notice requirement. To protect your rights, it is critical to act promptly.
Contact Silver & Kelmachter, LLP
Silver & Kelmachter, LLP, represents injured construction workers and their families throughout New York. We offer free consultations and handle construction accident cases on a contingency-fee basis – you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Call 212-661-8400 or complete our online contact form to speak with an experienced New York construction accident attorney today.

