Workplace and Construction Accidents in New York

Your Legal Rights & Compensation Options

A serious workplace accident can leave you with painful injuries, lost income, and an uncertain future. Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, or another high-risk industry, workplace injuries can happen due to hazardous conditions, employer negligence, or faulty equipment. If you’ve been injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits or additional legal claims depending on the circumstances.

At Vlahadamis Law, we help injured workers navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation claims, third-party lawsuits, and employer liability to ensure they receive the full compensation they deserve.

Common Causes of Workplace & Construction Accidents

While any workplace can be dangerous, construction sites and industrial environments pose significant risks for serious injuries. Some of the most common causes of workplace accidents include:

• Falls from Heights – Scaffolding collapses, ladder falls, and roof-related accidents.
• Slip & Fall Accidents – Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and inadequate safety measures.
• Falling Objects – Tools, debris, or machinery striking workers.
• Machinery & Equipment Malfunctions – Defective tools and improperly maintained machines.
• Electrocution & Fires – Exposed wiring, faulty electrical systems, and explosions.
• Trench Collapses & Structural Failures – Common in excavation and demolition work.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation in New York

New York law requires most employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance, which covers medical expenses and lost wages for injured employees. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you don’t have to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits.

• Medical Expenses – Covers doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages – Provides a percentage of your income if you’re unable to work.
• Disability Benefits – Additional compensation for partial or total disability.
• Death Benefits – Financial support for surviving family members in fatal accidents.

However, workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering or allow you to sue your employer in most cases. If negligence by a third party contributed to your injury, you may be able to file an additional lawsuit to recover further damages.

Can You Sue for a Workplace or Construction Injury?

If a third party was responsible for your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation beyond workers’ comp, including pain and suffering and full lost wages. Our recent post on Construction Accident Injuries in NYC & Long Island breaks down common types of construction accidents, who may be liable, and how New York labor laws like the Scaffold Law come into play. Our legal team will investigate your accident, identify liable parties, and build a strong case for maximum compensation.

• Third-Party Liability Claims – If a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or other entity caused your injury.
• Unsafe Worksite Conditions – If your employer violated OSHA safety regulations, leading to injury.
• Defective Equipment Claims – If a faulty machine or tool was responsible for your accident.
• Scaffold Law Violations (Labor Law 240) – Protects construction workers injured due to falls or unsafe scaffolding.

If a third party was responsible for your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation beyond workers’ comp, including pain and suffering and full lost wages. Our legal team will investigate your accident, identify liable parties, and build a strong case for maximum compensation.

What Compensation Can Injured Workers Receive?

Depending on the details of your workplace injury, you may be eligible to recover:

• Medical Expenses – All costs related to your treatment and recovery.
• Lost Wages & Future Earnings – If your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
• Pain & Suffering – Available in third-party lawsuits outside of workers’ comp.
• Permanent Disability Benefits – For long-term or career-ending injuries.
• Wrongful Death Benefits – If a loved one was fatally injured on the job.