Construction sites are among the most dangerous places to work. If you were injured by falling debris, defective equipment, or unsafe conditions, you may be entitled to compensation beyond workers’ compensation. The Edwards Firm can help determine who is responsible.
New York
Construction Accidents
Who Is Liable for a Construction Accident
Construction accidents can result in devastating injuries, including dismemberment, traumatic brain injuries, and even death. Both workers and passersby can be put at risk when accidents occur: workers may be hurt on scaffolding, ladders, hoists, and slings, while passersby may be injured by falling debris or other hazardous conditions.
In many cases, there is a basis for a claim against a general contractor or property owner, separate from any workers’ compensation benefits a worker may already receive. The Edwards Firm investigates the site conditions and chain of responsibility to determine who else may be liable.
Once we determine who was responsible, we work tirelessly to help you recover the maximum compensation possible for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, whether through a negotiated settlement or at trial. With over 30 years of experience, our attorneys understand how to navigate the layers of responsibility on a busy job site.
Common Causes of Site Accidents
Construction accidents typically stem from one of the following:
- Unsafe Site Conditions: Falling debris, unstable scaffolding, and poorly marked hazards put both workers and passersby at risk.
- Defective Equipment: Malfunctioning cranes, forklifts, saws, and other machinery cause many of the most serious construction injuries.
- Negligent Supervision: Inadequate training, staffing, or safety oversight on a job site can lead directly to preventable accidents.
Construction Accident Cases We Handle
The Edwards Firm represents injured construction workers and passersby throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Whether your accident happened on a high-rise job site or a residential renovation, our attorneys investigate every angle to identify all liable parties and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law, in addition to any workers’ compensation benefits you may already receive. From the moment we take your case, we develop a strategy for maximizing your recovery as quickly as possible, whether that means a negotiated settlement or a trial verdict.
We handle cases involving:
- Scaffold accidents
- Crane accidents
- Forklift accidents
- Ladder accidents
- Operating equipment accidents
- Saw & blade cutting accidents
- Construction site slip & falls
- Welding accidents
Construction accident cases are often more complex than a typical personal injury claim, since multiple contractors, subcontractors, and equipment manufacturers may share responsibility. The Edwards Firm investigates site records, safety logs, and equipment maintenance history to build the strongest possible case. We consult with you on every critical decision, keeping your best interests at the forefront every step of the way, then negotiate aggressively, and litigate when necessary, to recover the full compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost income, and pain and suffering caused by the accident.
Why Choose The Edwards Firm
We focus on your recovery, not our egos. From your first call, you’ll work directly with attorneys who listen, explain your options clearly, and fight for the outcome you deserve.
- Over 30 years of experience
- Proven record of case results
- Personalized, client-first approach
- Trial-ready when insurers won’t pay
Contractors and their insurers have teams working to protect their bottom line. You deserve the same level of advocacy on your side. The Edwards Firm levels the playing field, handling every detail of your case, from investigation through negotiation or trial, so you can focus on your recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a construction accident case?
A construction accident case can arise from a scaffold or ladder fall, a crane or forklift accident, defective equipment, or unsafe site conditions. If you were a worker or a passerby injured by a hazard on or near a job site, you may have a claim separate from any workers’ compensation benefits you receive. The Edwards Firm can review the details of your accident and explain your options during a free case evaluation.
Can passersby make a construction accident claim?
Yes. Non-workers injured by falling debris, unsafe scaffolding, or other hazardous site conditions may be able to file a claim, even though they weren’t employed at the site. Contractors and property owners have a duty to keep the surrounding public area reasonably safe, and failing to do so can create liability for injuries that result, including to pedestrians simply passing by.
Is workers' compensation the only remedy for an injured construction worker?
Not necessarily. In addition to workers’ compensation, you may have a separate personal injury claim against a general contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer whose negligence contributed to the accident. These claims can allow you to recover damages, like pain and suffering, that workers’ compensation alone does not cover.
How long do I have to file a construction accident case?
Deadlines vary by state and by the type of defendant involved, including shorter windows for claims against government entities or municipalities. Missing a filing deadline can permanently bar your claim, so it’s important to contact The Edwards Firm promptly so we can confirm your deadline and take the steps needed to preserve your rights.
What should I do immediately after a construction accident?
Get medical care right away, report the accident to a supervisor, and document the scene and any equipment involved if it’s safe to do so. Then contact The Edwards Firm as soon as possible. We’ve recovered multiple millions of dollars for construction accident victims throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and can start investigating your case right away.
Contact The Edwards Firm for Construction Accident Help
If you or a loved one was injured in a construction accident, don’t wait to protect your rights. Our attorneys are ready to review your case, answer your questions, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact The Edwards Firm today for a free, no-obligation evaluation.
