What Injured Construction Workers in New York City Should Do After an Accident

Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries in New York City, and there is never a shortage of construction happening in this city. From falls from scaffolds to struck-by accidents involving heavy equipment, construction workers face serious risks every day.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls continue to be one of the leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry, and that’s true in New York City as well. If you have been injured on a construction site, the steps you take in the hours and days that follow can significantly affect your health and your ability to pursue compensation.

Our firm’s construction accident attorneys have helped injured workers throughout New York City understand the requirements for pursuing a personal injury or workers’ compensation case and how to move forward after serious workplace accidents.

Prioritize Your Medical Care

Your health comes first. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, and spinal damage, may not present symptoms right away.

Prompt treatment also creates medical documentation linking your injuries to the accident. Insurance companies often look for gaps in treatment when attempting to minimize claims.

Be sure to:

• Follow all treatment recommendations
• Attend follow-up appointments
• Keep copies of medical records and bills
• Document any work restrictions imposed by your doctor

Report the Accident Immediately

Construction accidents should be reported to your supervisor or employer as soon as possible. Failing to report an accident can create unnecessary disputes later. An accident report helps establish when and where the incident occurred and can become important evidence if questions arise about your injuries.

Provide accurate information about what happened but avoid speculating about fault or accepting blame for the accident. Stick to the facts.

Preserve Evidence from the Scene

Construction sites change quickly, especially when projects are on a tight deadline. Equipment gets moved, hazards get corrected, and witnesses may become difficult to locate.

If possible, gather evidence before conditions change. Helpful evidence may include:

• Photographs of the accident scene
• Images of defective equipment
• Contact information for witnesses
• Incident reports
• Safety violation documentation

This information can be critical for determining liability and providing an accurate account of events.

Be Careful When Speaking with Insurance Companies

Soon after an accident, you may receive calls from insurance representatives.

While they may appear helpful, their goal is often to resolve claims for as little money as possible. Insurance companies frequently look for statements they can use to challenge the severity of injuries or shift responsibility away from liable parties.

Before providing recorded statements or accepting any settlement offer, consider speaking with an attorney who can evaluate the full value of your claim. Don’t let the insurance company leave you doubting yourself about what happened and the extent of your injuries.

Understand That You May Have More Than One Claim

Many injured construction workers assume workers’ compensation is their only option. However, construction accidents often involve multiple parties, including contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, and safety companies. In some cases, injured workers may pursue additional compensation through a personal injury claim against a negligent third party.

New York’s construction safety laws provide important protections for workers injured in falls and other serious accidents.

Speak With a New York City Construction Accident Attorney

The aftermath of a construction accident can be overwhelming. Medical bills begin arriving, lost wages create financial pressure, and insurance companies often move quickly to protect their interests.

At Lipsig, Freund & Wisell, PLLC, our attorneys have spent decades representing injured construction workers throughout New York City. We understand the challenges workers face after serious jobsite accidents and work aggressively to pursue the compensation they deserve.

If you were injured on a construction site in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, call Lipsig, Freund & Wisell, PLLC at (212) 285-3300 or contact us online.