Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces in New York City. If you’re injured on a construction site, the steps you take immediately after the accident can significantly affect your health, legal rights, and financial recovery.
If you’re asking, “What should I do if I’m injured on a construction site?”, this guide explains exactly what to do—and how a construction accident lawyer can help protect you.
At Redmond Law Firm PLLC, we represent injured construction workers and site visitors throughout NYC, including cases involving scaffolding falls, equipment accidents, and Labor Law violations.
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
Your health comes first. Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical care right away.
- Call 911 for serious injuries
- Visit an emergency room or urgent care
- Follow all medical instructions
Prompt treatment not only protects your health—it also creates medical records that link your injuries directly to the construction accident.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Workplace Injuries): https://www.cdc.gov
2. Report the Accident
Notify your supervisor, site manager, or employer as soon as possible.
- Ask that an incident report be completed
- Keep a copy if available
- Stick to the facts—do not speculate or admit fault
Failing to report an injury may give insurance companies a reason to challenge your claim.
3. Document the Scene and Your Injuries
If you’re able, gather evidence immediately:
- Take photos or videos of the accident scene
- Capture unsafe conditions (broken scaffolding, missing guardrails, debris)
- Photograph visible injuries
- Get names and contact information of witnesses
Construction sites change quickly, and unsafe conditions may be corrected or removed within hours.
4. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice
Insurance companies may contact you quickly and request a recorded statement. Their goal is often to:
- Minimize your injuries
- Shift blame
- Reduce compensation
You are not required to give a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer first.
New York State Department of Financial Services – Workers’ Rights: https://www.dfs.ny.gov
5. Understand Your Legal Options (It’s Not Just Workers’ Comp)
Many injured workers assume workers’ compensation is their only option—but in New York, that’s often not true.
You may have additional claims if your injury involved:
- Unsafe scaffolding or ladders
- Falls from heights
- Defective equipment or tools
- Negligence by a third party
- Violations of New York Labor Law §§ 200, 240, or 241(6)
These claims can provide compensation beyond workers’ comp, including pain and suffering.
Learn more about your rights from a
NYC construction accident lawyer
6. Contact a Construction Site Injury Lawyer Immediately
Construction injury cases are complex and time-sensitive. An experienced lawyer can:
- Determine whether Labor Law protections apply
- Preserve evidence before it disappears
- Identify third-party liability
- Handle insurance companies and contractors
- Maximize compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Related reading:
How Long After an Accident Should You Get a Lawyer?
Common Construction Site Injuries in NYC
Construction accidents often involve:
- Falls from scaffolds or ladders
- Falling objects
- Crane and heavy machinery accidents
- Electrical injuries
- Structural collapses
These injuries can be severe, permanent, or even fatal—making legal guidance essential.
OSHA – Construction Safety Hazards: https://www.osha.gov
What Compensation May Be Available?
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Rehabilitation and long-term care
A construction accident lawyer can evaluate which claims apply to your situation.
Final Answer: What Should I Do If I’m Injured on a Construction Site?
- Get medical help immediately
- Report the injury
- Document everything
- Avoid speaking to insurers alone
- Speak with a construction site injury lawyer as soon as possible
Taking these steps protects both your health and your legal rights.
Speak With a NYC Construction Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured on a construction site in New York City, you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Contact Redmond Law Firm PLLC for a free consultation.
No upfront fees. No recovery, no fee.