You went to work on a construction site and came home hurt because someone cut corners on safety. Our Brooklyn construction accident lawyers at Hach & Rose, LLP represent laborers, ironworkers, electricians, carpenters, and other tradespeople injured on job sites throughout Kings County.
We are known as the union law firm, and construction injury cases are at the heart of what we do. Call 212-779-0057, 24/7, for a free consultation in English or Spanish.
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What Should You Do After a Construction Accident in Brooklyn?
After a Brooklyn construction accident, the most important steps are seeking medical care, reporting the injury, and speaking with our lawyers before the site is changed. Owners and contractors often begin repairs, remove equipment, and collect statements within days to build a defense.
Helpful information to gather, if you can, includes:
- The address of the site and the name of the general contractor on the permit board.
- The names of coworkers and foremen who saw what happened.
- Photos of the ladder, scaffold, hoist, or debris involved.
- Your union local and the name of your direct employer.
Don't worry if you couldn't collect any of this while hurt. We document the site and request records from the owner and contractors.
Who Can You Sue for a Construction Injury in New York?
Injured construction workers in New York can often bring claims against the property owner and general contractor, not just their direct employer. New York's Labor Law places specific safety duties on owners and contractors, and those duties apply even when a subcontractor did the hiring.
That's why we look at everyone with a role on the project, including:
- The property owner and any developer.
- The general contractor or construction manager.
- Subcontractors who controlled the area or equipment.
- Equipment rental and scaffolding companies.
Here is how the main Labor Law protections apply to those parties.
| Law | What It Covers | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Law § 240(1) | Falls from heights and falling objects | Owners and contractors must provide proper scaffolds, ladders, hoists, and other protection |
| Labor Law § 241(6) | Violations of specific Industrial Code safety rules | Creates a duty owners and contractors can't hand off to someone else |
| Labor Law § 200 | General site safety | Applies where an owner or contractor controlled the unsafe work or condition |
Section 240(1), often called the Scaffold Law, is one of the strongest worker protections in the country. When an owner or contractor fails to provide proper protection against a gravity-related hazard, and that failure causes the injury, the worker's own carelessness generally does not reduce the recovery under that section.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONCommon Construction Accidents We Handle in Brooklyn
Brooklyn has seen steady construction from the Downtown Brooklyn high-rises to new residential buildings along the Williamsburg and Greenpoint waterfront. The accidents we see on these sites tend to fall into a few categories.
Falls From Heights
Falls from scaffolds, ladders, roofs, and unprotected floor openings cause some of the most serious injuries, including spinal and brain injuries.
Falling Objects
Workers below are struck by unsecured tools, beams, and materials, often because a load wasn't properly hoisted or secured.
Equipment and Crane Accidents
Forklifts, lifts, and cranes cause crush and caught-between injuries when operators lack training or machines aren't maintained.
Missing Safety Gear
Injuries occur when contractors fail to provide gloves, helmets, footwear, goggles, or harnesses, or when tie-off points are missing.
Why Construction Workers Choose Hach & Rose, LLP
Hach & Rose, LLP has fought for injured union members and tradespeople since 2002. We understand job sites because we represent the people who work on them every day, and we know how insurers try to shift blame onto the worker.
Our firm has secured results, including a $2.5 million settlement for an injured New York construction worker. Every case is different, and past results do not predict future outcomes.
What sets our approach apart:
- We investigate the site, permits, and contracts to identify all responsible companies.
- We work with safety consultants who can explain Industrial Code violations to a jury.
- We prepare your case for trial so the insurers know we won't accept a lowball offer.
You pay no fee unless we recover for you. Call 212-779-0057 anytime to speak with our team in English or Spanish.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONHow Long Do You Have to File a Construction Accident Lawsuit?
Most New York construction accident lawsuits must be filed within three years of the injury under CPLR 214. If the project is owned by the City of New York or another public agency, a notice of claim is generally required within 90 days, making early action critical for public works jobs in Brooklyn.
FAQs About Brooklyn Construction Accident Cases
Can I sue if I was hurt on a construction site in Brooklyn as a union worker?
A union construction worker injured in Brooklyn can often sue the property owner and general contractor under New York's Labor Law, separate from any benefits through the job. Your union membership doesn't limit those claims, and many of our clients are union members.
Will filing a lawsuit cause me to lose my job?
New York law protects workers from being punished for pursuing lawful claims, and a third-party lawsuit is typically brought against the owner and general contractor rather than your direct employer. If you are worried about retaliation, tell us at your consultation so we can address it.
Can I file a claim if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Workers injured on New York construction sites can generally pursue injury claims regardless of citizenship. Your consultation with Hach & Rose, LLP is confidential, and we can speak with you in Spanish.
What if I was injured by a falling object but wasn't the one working above?
A worker struck by a falling tool, beam, or material in Brooklyn may have a claim under Labor Law § 240(1) if the object should have been secured or hoisted properly. These cases often involve multiple contractors working on different levels of the same site.
How long does a construction accident case take in New York?
Many New York construction accident cases take one to three years to resolve, depending on the severity of the injuries, how many companies are involved, and whether the case goes to trial. Strong Labor Law claims sometimes resolve faster when liability is clear.
Talk to a Brooklyn Construction Injury Attorney Today
A construction injury can threaten your livelihood and your family's security, but the law gives Brooklyn workers real protection. Let us put it to work for you.
Call Hach & Rose, LLP at 212-779-0057, 24 hours a day, and see how our construction accident lawyers stand with workers across the city.
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