What we handle
New York gives construction workers some of the strongest legal protections in the country. Evan Goldberg has used them to win major verdicts, including a $7 million jury verdict for a worker who lost his arm to dangerous machinery and a $1.25 million jury verdict for a laborer who fell from a ladder. He has also lectured other lawyers on how to try a Labor Law case and has advocated in Albany for safer job sites.
If you were hurt on a construction site in Rockland County, Westchester, Orange County or the five boroughs, call (845) 545-0448. Consultations are free. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.
The New York Labor Laws that protect you
- Labor Law §240(1), the Scaffold Law: owners and general contractors must provide proper protection against gravity-related hazards, such as falls from ladders, scaffolds and roofs, and objects falling from above. When they fail and a worker is hurt, liability can apply even if the worker made a mistake.
- Labor Law §241(6): owners and contractors must follow the specific safety rules of the New York Industrial Code. A violation that causes injury can support a claim.
- Labor Law §200: codifies the general duty to keep a work site reasonably safe.
Workers' comp is not your only option
Workers' compensation usually bars a lawsuit against your own employer. It does not stop you from suing the property owner, the general contractor or other subcontractors. You can collect workers' comp benefits and bring a third-party lawsuit at the same time. A third-party case can pay for pain and suffering and full lost wages, which comp never covers.
Immigration status does not take away your rights
Undocumented workers can bring construction injury claims in New York. We protect our clients' privacy and handle these cases with care. Evan Goldberg serves on the board of SOMOS New York and speaks regularly about the risks Hispanic and immigrant workers face on job sites.
Construction accidents we handle
- Falls from ladders, scaffolds, roofs and floor openings
- Falling objects and collapsing loads
- Trench and excavation collapses
- Crane, hoist and forklift accidents
- Defective machinery and power tools
- Electrocutions
- Missing or broken safety equipment such as harnesses, guardrails and netting
We handle construction injury cases across Rockland County, including Clarkstown, Ramapo, Haverstraw and Orangetown, and throughout New York City.
We also handle other workplace accidents, including cases in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Watch Evan discuss construction accidents and falls from heights below.
Serving clients across Rockland County — see our Rockland County personal injury lawyer page.
FAQ
Yes, against third parties such as the owner or general contractor. That claim is separate from your comp benefits.
Under Labor Law §240(1), your own carelessness generally does not defeat the claim when required safety devices were missing or inadequate.
Generally three years from the date of the accident for a personal injury lawsuit. Workers' comp has its own shorter deadlines, so report the injury to your employer right away.
Talk to Evan about your case.
Free, confidential consultation. Home and hospital visits available.
More practice areas
Other cases we handle
Workplace Accidents
Workplace injuries in Spring Valley, Rockland County, and New York City — protecting injured workers' rights.
Car & Motor Vehicle Accidents
Auto, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, bicycle, and rideshare collisions.
Undocumented Worker Injuries
Immigration status does not matter. Undocumented workers have the same right to full compensation under New York Labor Law.
Slip, Trip & Fall
Snow and ice, broken stairs, defective sidewalks, and wet floors.
Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
Bedsores, falls, malnutrition, medication errors, physical and emotional abuse.
Wrongful Death
Compassionate representation for families pursuing accountability.