Key Takeaways:

• Construction accidents can be complicated, especially about who is at fault. This is why it’s important to have a lawyer with experience.

• The Orlow Firm is good at figuring out who is responsible and getting you the most money possible.

• You might be able to get money for medical bills, lost pay, and your pain and suffering.

• Call (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation with a New York construction accident lawyer.

Fighting for Injured Construction Workers in NYC since 1982.

Get the compensation you deserve from a family-run firm with decades of results.

If you’ve been hurt on a construction site in New York City, you need a construction accident lawyer who understands the risks you face—and how to protect your rights. Whether you fell from a scaffold, were struck by falling debris, or injured due to unsafe equipment, the consequences can be life-changing.

The Orlow Firm has been representing injured construction workers and their families across NYC since 1982. Founded by Steven Orlow and led by his sons, Brian and Adam Orlow, our family-run firm is known for treating clients like family—and delivering results. Adam Orlow has served as president of the Queens County Bar Association, a reflection of our standing in the New York legal community.

We know the laws that protect you. We’ve held contractors and property owners accountable under New York Labor Law. And we’ve recovered millions for clients who thought they didn’t stand a chance.

If you were injured on the job in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, or anywhere in New York City, our construction accident attorneys are ready to fight for you.

Proven Results for Injured Construction Workers in NYC

At The Orlow Firm, we’ve secured significant settlements and verdicts for construction workers injured across New York City. Here are some of our notable case results:

• $3.375 million – For a worker who fell from a ladder, suffering injuries to his back, elbow, neck, shoulder, and wrist. ​
  
  
• $3 million – For a construction worker injured in a fall from a ladder, resulting in multiple injuries.​
  
  
• $2.6 million – For a worker who sustained injuries from a fall at a construction site.​
  
  
• $2.5 million – For a construction worker injured due to unsafe working conditions.​
  
  
• $2.475 million – For an undocumented construction worker who received an electric shock while on a scaffold performing demolition work, causing him to fall and sustain back and knee injuries requiring surgeries.
  
  
• $2.1 million – Verdict for an undocumented construction worker who fell off a scaffold, sustaining injuries that required surgery to his elbow and shoulder.
  
  
• $2 million – For a maintenance worker who fell while descending a cellar ladder, resulting in back injuries that required surgery.
  
  

Each case is unique, but our dedication to securing maximum compensation for our clients remains unwavering. If you’ve been injured on a construction site in New York City, we’re here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.

Read more of our success stories →

Who We Represent

At The Orlow Firm, we proudly represent union and non-union construction workers throughout New York City. No matter your trade, immigration status, or job title, if you were injured on a construction site, you have rights—and we’re here to help protect them.

We represent injured workers across all five boroughs, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, in cases involving:

• Carpenters
  
  
• Electricians
  
  
• Laborers
  
  
• Ironworkers
  
  
• Roofers
  
  
• Plumbers
  
  
• Painters
  
  
• Masons
  
  
• Welders
  
  
• Demolition workers
  
  
• Scaffolders
  
  
• HVAC technicians
  
  
• General laborers
  
  
• Equipment operators
  
  
• Construction site cleaners
  
  
• Foremen and supervisors
  
  
• Undocumented workers
  
  
• Pedestrians or bystanders injured near construction zones
  
  
• Delivery workers, inspectors, or visitors injured on-site
  
  

Whether you were injured while working at a high-rise in Midtown, a brownstone in Brooklyn, a commercial renovation in Queens, or a public works project in the Bronx, our NYC construction accident lawyers are ready to fight for your future.

How The Orlow Firm Can Help

Construction accident cases are often complex, involving multiple parties, overlapping laws, and aggressive insurance companies. At The Orlow Firm, we take the pressure off you by handling every aspect of your case with the skill and dedication it deserves.

Here’s how we support you from day one:

• Conduct a thorough investigation to determine exactly how your accident happened and who is legally responsible
  
  
• Preserve critical evidence before it’s lost or destroyed, including job site photos, incident reports, and witness statements
  
  
• Work with trusted experts in construction safety, medical care, and vocational rehabilitation to build a strong case
  
  
• Handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing lawyers so you’re never pressured into a low settlement
  
  
• Fight for maximum compensation—whether through negotiation or at trial
  
  

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious injury can take. That’s why we approach every case with compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Why Choose The Orlow Firm for Your NYC Construction Accident Case?

Not all personal injury firms have the experience—or the grit—to take on complex construction accident cases in New York City. At The Orlow Firm, this is what we do. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Decades of Experience: We’ve been representing injured New Yorkers for over 30 years, including countless construction workers and laborers across the five boroughs.
  
  
• Focused on Serious Injury Cases: We don’t dabble. We focus on serious injuries and wrongful death, giving your case the full attention it deserves.
  
  
• Deep Knowledge of New York Labor Law: NYC construction accidents often involve unique legal protections. We know how to use those laws strategically to benefit your case.
  
  
• Personalized Client Care: You’re never just a case number. We stay in close contact, keep you informed, and treat you with the respect you deserve.
  
  
• Proven Results: Our track record includes substantial settlements and verdicts for injured workers—and we’re not afraid to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes.
  
  
• You Pay Nothing Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no upfront cost to you.
  
  

When your future is on the line, trust a firm that knows how to win in and out of the courtroom.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Construction Accident in New York?

Construction accident cases in New York often involve more than just workers’ compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to pursue a third-party personal injury claim—which can significantly increase the compensation available to you.

At The Orlow Firm, we investigate every angle to identify all potentially liable parties, which may include:

• Property owners who fail to maintain safe job sites
  
  
• General contractors and subcontractors responsible for overseeing safety protocols
  
  
• Equipment manufacturers if defective tools or machinery caused your injury
  
  
• Architects or engineers who created unsafe designs or failed to identify hazards
  
  
• Other third parties such as delivery companies or vendors operating on-site
  
  

New York’s Labor Laws—particularly Sections 200, 240(1), and 241(6)—offer strong protections for construction workers. These laws can hold certain parties strictly liable for injuries caused by unsafe working conditions, especially in falls from heights or scaffold accidents.

Our legal team knows how to apply these laws to your advantage and build a strong case against those responsible for your injuries.

Your Rights as an Injured Construction Worker

If you’ve been hurt on a construction site in New York City, you have rights—and it’s critical to understand what they are before signing anything or accepting a settlement.

Most injured workers are entitled to workers’ compensation, which covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. However, workers’ comp does not account for pain and suffering, future loss of earnings, or the full impact an injury can have on your life.

That’s where a third-party personal injury claim may come in. If someone other than your direct employer contributed to your accident—such as a property owner, subcontractor, or equipment manufacturer—you may be able to sue for full compensation.

You may have the right to:

• See a doctor of your choosing
  
  
• Receive necessary medical treatment without delay
  
  
• Be free from retaliation for filing a claim
  
  
• Pursue a personal injury lawsuit if negligence was involved
  
  

At The Orlow Firm, we’ll help you understand all your legal options and fight to protect your rights every step of the way.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

A construction accident can turn your life upside down—physically, emotionally, and financially. At The Orlow Firm, our goal is to secure full and fair compensation that reflects the true impact of your injuries, not just the immediate costs.

Depending on the details of your case, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses – including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and future care
  
  
• Lost wages – for time missed from work due to your injury
  
  
• Loss of future earning capacity – if you’re unable to return to your previous job or work at all
  
  
• Pain and suffering – for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident
  
  
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
  
  
• Loss of enjoyment of life
  
  
• Wrongful death damages – if you lost a loved one in a fatal construction accident
  
  

We work with medical and financial experts to accurately assess the long-term impact of your injury. Our goal is to make sure you’re not just compensated for what you’ve already lost—but protected for what’s ahead.

Common Types of Construction Accidents We Handle

Construction work in New York City involves countless moving parts—literally and legally. When safety protocols are ignored or corners are cut, workers pay the price. At The Orlow Firm, we represent clients injured in a wide range of construction site accidents, including:

• Falls from heights – including scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and unprotected edges
  
  
• Falling objects – such as tools, building materials, or debris striking workers below
  
  
• Scaffold and ladder collapses
  
  
• Crane and hoist accidents
  
  
• Electrical injuries and electrocution
  
  
• Trench collapses and excavation incidents
  
  
• Forklift and heavy machinery accidents
  
  
• Slip and falls on job sites
  
  
• Explosions, fires, and chemical exposure
  
  
• Injuries caused by defective equipment or lack of proper safety gear
  
  

No matter how your accident occurred, we work to uncover the root cause and hold the responsible parties accountable. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible so you’re not left paying the price for someone else’s negligence.

NYC Construction Accident Statistics

Construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs in New York City. Despite safety regulations, injuries and fatalities continue to rise:

• In 2023, the NYC Department of Buildings reported 505 construction-related injuries and 11 fatalities across the five boroughs.
  
  
• Falls remain the leading cause of death on construction sites, accounting for over 50% of all fatal incidents.
  
  
• Non-union job sites see a disproportionate number of accidents. According to NYCOSH, over 80% of construction worker fatalities in recent years occurred on non-union sites.
  
  
• Latino and immigrant workers face some of the highest risks, representing nearly 60% of fatalities on private worksites statewide.
  
  
• There are thousands of active construction sites in NYC at any given time—each with strict legal requirements for safety and supervision.
  
  

These numbers reflect a troubling truth: too many contractors cut corners, and too many workers pay the price. The Orlow Firm is here to help change that.

Construction-Related Incidents, Injuries, and Fatalities in New York City (2020-2023)

Note: Data for 2023 is as of September 2023.

Key Observations:

• Manhattan consistently reports the highest number of incidents and injuries, reflecting its dense construction activity.
  
  
• Brooklyn has experienced a notable number of fatalities, with 6 in both 2021 and 2022, and 4 reported in 2023 up to September.
  
  
• Staten Island reports the fewest incidents, injuries, and no fatalities in the provided data.
  
  

Sources:

• NYC Department of Buildings – Construction Related Injuries and Fatalities (2020)
  
  
• NYC Department of Buildings – Construction Related Injuries and Fatalities (2022)

What to Do After a Construction Accident

What you do in the hours and days after a construction accident can affect both your health and your legal case. Taking the right steps early on can protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving full compensation.

Here’s what to do:

1. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Some conditions may worsen over time.
   
   
2. Report the accident to your employer or site supervisor as soon as possible. Make sure the incident is documented.
   
   
3. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any unsafe conditions—if you’re physically able.
   
   
4. Get contact information for any witnesses who saw the accident happen.
   
   
5. Avoid giving statements to insurance companies or signing any documents without speaking to a lawyer.
   
   
6. Contact a qualified NYC construction accident lawyer as soon as possible to begin protecting your rights.
   
   

At The Orlow Firm, we can guide you through every step of the process, from filing claims to securing evidence and pursuing compensation. The sooner you contact us, the better positioned we’ll be to help.

Understanding New York Labor Law and Construction Site Liability

New York has some of the strongest worker protection laws in the country—especially for construction workers. Several key sections of the New York Labor Law are often involved in construction accident cases:

• Labor Law §240(1) – Known as the “Scaffold Law,” this holds property owners and general contractors strictly liable for falls from heights and falling objects when proper safety equipment isn’t provided.
  
  
• Labor Law §241(6) – Requires contractors and owners to comply with specific safety rules set out in the New York State Industrial Code.
  
  
• Labor Law §200 – A general duty of care law that requires job sites to be maintained in a reasonably safe condition.
  

Our attorneys understand how to apply these laws strategically to maximize your compensation.

Carlos’ Law: Holding Corporations Accountable for Construction Deaths

In 2022, New York passed Carlos’ Law to strengthen criminal penalties against companies that put workers at risk. Named after 22-year-old construction worker Carlos Moncayo, who was killed in a trench collapse on a Manhattan site, the law increases corporate fines for serious injuries or fatalities caused by negligence.

Under Carlos’ Law, a corporation can now face criminal penalties up to $500,000 if it knowingly, recklessly, or negligently causes the death or serious physical injury of a worker on the job.

This law reflects what we’ve long believed at The Orlow Firm: when companies cut corners and ignore safety, they must be held fully accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Construction Accident Claims

Do I have a case if I’m already receiving workers’ compensation?
Yes. Workers’ compensation provides basic benefits, but it does not cover pain and suffering or the full extent of your losses. If a third party—like a contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer—contributed to your accident, you may also be entitled to file a personal injury claim for additional compensation.

Can I file a claim if I’m undocumented?
Yes. New York law protects all workers, regardless of immigration status. You may still be eligible for both workers’ compensation and a third-party personal injury lawsuit.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You can still pursue compensation. New York follows a “comparative negligence” rule, meaning your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault—but you’re not barred from recovering damages.

Will my case go to trial?
Not necessarily. Many construction accident cases settle out of court. However, The Orlow Firm prepares every case for trial from day one to ensure you have the strongest position at the negotiating table—or in the courtroom if needed.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, and two years for a wrongful death claim. Claims involving government agencies may have shorter deadlines, including a 90-day Notice of Claim requirement.

How long does a construction accident case take?
The timeline can vary depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and whether it settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in months; others may take a year or more. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner we can begin building your case.

Can I sue even if I was hired “off the books”?
Yes. You may still have a valid claim, even if you were paid in cash or not formally documented by your employer. What matters is whether you were injured due to someone else’s negligence or a violation of labor safety laws.

What types of compensation can I recover?
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future earning potential, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and more.

How much does it cost to hire The Orlow Firm?
You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we recover money for you.

Contact The Orlow Firm for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident in New York City, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. At The Orlow Firm, we’ve been helping injured construction workers across the five boroughs since 1982—and we’re ready to fight for you.

We offer free, no-obligation consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.

With offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, we’re here when and where you need us. Whether you were injured on a scaffold in the Bronx, a demolition site in Queens, or a job in Midtown Manhattan, our NYC construction accident lawyers are ready to help.

Call (646) 647-3398 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.