Construction Accidents

Construction workers in all trades face numerous risks on a daily basis. When safety violations, lack of supervision, dangerous ladders and scaffolding, and other issues lead to injuries on the job, we help construction workers fight for the compensation they deserve. Injured? Call now for a free consultation.

If you got hurt working in construction, you are not alone. Working in construction is one of the most high-risk occupations in the country, and a disproportionate number of construction workers get injured on the job every year. While workers’ compensation can provide limited medical and disability benefits (assuming you qualify), these benefits will not cover all your lost wages – not to mention all of the other financial and non-financial losses that can result from an on-the-job injury.

Fortunately, workers’ compensation is not the only remedy available to injured construction workers. While New York’s workers’ compensation law generally prevents construction workers from suing their employers, it does not prevent them from seeking full and fair compensation from other companies. Contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, and other third parties can all be to blame for construction site accidents. When they are, the law holds them financially accountable.

At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano, LLP, our Syracuse personal injury lawyers fight for injured construction workers in Syracuse, Rochester, and throughout Upstate New York. If you were injured on a construction site, we can help you understand your rights. If you have a third-party claim, we can seek full and fair compensation for your injury-related losses. We are committed to maximizing financial recoveries for our clients. While most of our cases settle, when necessary we do not hesitate to take contractors, manufacturers, and construction companies to trial.

With over 30 years combined legal experience, our Syracuse work injury attorneys have earned reputations as aggressive litigators. We have recovered in excess of $100 million for our clients. We are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and attorneys Jeff DeFrancisco and Charles Falgiatano have been named among the New York Super Lawyers and the Best Attorneys in America.

"I sustained a serious personal injury to my left arm. I was unable to work and provide for my family due to the seriousness of the injury. [DeFrancisco & Falgiatano, LLP] represented me on this case and I was very happy with their representation. My case . . . settle[d] without having to go to trial. They did a great job with my legal representation and because of that I have referred other people to the firm. This firm gets my highest possible recommendation." – Mark A., Fulton, New York

"I suffered a serious personal injury to one of my legs. Another law firm . . . recommended that I call DeFrancisco & Falgiatano. . . . The insurance company refused to settle my matter and would not offer anything to compensate me for my injuries so the case went to trial. I was extremely happy with the entire course of representation at this firm. I was especially happy with how I was represented at trial and the result that [Jeff DeFrancisco] obtained for me." – Melinda K., Syracuse, New York

Our attorneys regularly represent construction workers, HVAC technicians, electricians, welders, pipe fitters, bricklayers, painters, and other individuals who have been injured as a result of:

• Scaffolding accidents – Scaffolding accidents are among the leading cause of serious fall-related injuries on construction sites. Contractors and subcontractors must ensure that scaffolds have been constructed appropriately and that workers are provided with the training and equipment needed to avoid dangerous accidents.

• Heavy machinery accidents – Accidents involving backhoes, bulldozers, cranes, and other pieces of heavy machinery often result in serious injuries as well. We handle cases involving all types of heavy machinery accidents throughout Upstate New York.

• Defective power tools – When you go to work, you expect your tools to work properly. If you were injured because a tool malfunctioned or lacked a guard necessary to keep you safe, you may be entitled to compensation for a defective power tool.

• Falls from ladders, decking, platforms and other heights – According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the leading cause of death on construction sites. Even when falls are not fatal, they can result in debilitating injuries. If you were injured falling from a ladder or exposed decking or platform, we can help you seek just compensation.

• Exposure to toxic materials – Exposure to fumes, solvents, asbestos, and other harmful substances can lead to long-term health complications. Construction workers who suffer from exposure should seek medical attention and legal representation as soon as possible.

• Electrocution – Electrocutions can result from faulty wiring designs, faulty electrical components, deficient lockout/tagout procedures, and a variety of other factors. We represent electricians and other workers who have suffered electrocution injuries on construction sites.

• Burn injuries – Severe burns can cause permanent scarring, which can lead to long-term pain and mobility limitations. Construction workers who suffer burn injuries will often be unable to work and must pursue personal injury claims in order to provide for their families.

• Cave-ins and excavation accidents – Cave-ins and excavation accidents can have a wide range of causes, from negligent equipment operation to lack of adequate communication protocols. We can investigate the cause of your accident and hold the responsible party (or parties) accountable for your losses.

• Violations of government safety rules – Construction projects in Upstate New York are subject to OSHA requirements and the standards imposed by New York’s Division of Safety and Health (DOSH). If your injury was the result of a violation of government safety rules, we can use this to help you secure just compensation.

Q: Why can’t injured construction workers rely on workers’ compensation?

While you may be entitled to workers’ compensation for your construction site injury, your benefits will not cover all of your accident-related losses. We can state this as a fact because in New York workers’ compensation only covers: (i) your medical expenses, and (ii) a portion of your lost wages. It does not cover all of your lost wages, and it does not provide compensation for things like:

• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of support, companionship, and spousal relations

Q: What should I do after a construction site accident?

If you have been injured on a construction site, one of the most important things you can do is seek medical attention as soon as possible. Go to the emergency room if necessary. Be sure to tell your doctor exactly what happened, and try to describe your symptoms as clearly as you can. You should also write down everything you remember about the accident; but, you should not discuss the accident with anyone but your attorney. During your free consultation, we will explain the additional steps you need to take (and the mistakes you need to avoid) in order to protect your claim for compensation.

Q: Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for my own injuries?

The answer to your question is, "yes." However, you should not assume that you were partially at fault. Even if you think you made a mistake that contributed to your injuries, our investigation may reveal that other factors were fully to blame for what happened.

Q: What does New York’s labor law have to do with my injury claim?

Sections 200, 240, and 241 of New York’s labor law provide special protections to construction workers. For example, Section 200 requires construction companies to supply adequate safety equipment, while Section 240 (known as the "Scaffold Law") imposes similar requirements for both construction companies and property owners. Learn more.

Regardless of what happened, you have every reason to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. You could be entitled to significant financial compensation, and you may need to recover this compensation in order to pay your medical bills and provide for your family. Here is what you can expect from the attorneys and legal professionals at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano, LLP:

• Representation Backed by Decades of Experience – Our attorneys have been representing injury victims and their families for over 30 years.

• Proven Results in Settlement Negotiations and at Trial – We have won millions for our clients, including numerous six-figure, million-dollar, and multi-million-dollar awards.

• Exclusive Focus on Personal Injury and Wrongful Death – Unlike other firms, we focus our practice exclusively in the areas of personal injury and wrongful death representation.

• We Do What it Takes to Win – We work tirelessly on behalf of our clients, pursuing strategic settlement negotiations while also preparing every case for the possibility of trial.

• Free Consultations and Contingency-Fee Representation – It costs you nothing out-of-pocket to put our entire legal team on your side.

Are you entitled to compensation for your construction site injury? Find out. Schedule a free consultation at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano, LLP. To speak with an experienced Upstate New York injury lawyer in confidence, call 833-200-2000 or submit your case online now. We have multiple law offices for your convenience including, Syracuse, Rochester, Watertown, New Hartford, Oswego, Cortland, and Oneida, New York.