Tag Archives: construction accident lawyer new york

Colleagues discussing work at the construction site

How to Handle a Building Collapse Accident in Brooklyn


Posted on April 1, 2022 by

How a Building Collapse Lawyer in Brooklyn Can Help After a Construction Accident

A building collapse can happen without warning and leave victims with devastating injuries. Brooklyn and New York City continue to see active construction projects, and when safety standards are ignored, structures can fail with catastrophic consequences. 

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a structural failure, speaking with a building collapse lawyer in Brooklyn may be essential to protecting your legal rights. These cases often involve complex construction laws, multiple liable parties, and aggressive insurance companies. 

An experienced Brooklyn construction accident lawyer can investigate what went wrong and pursue compensation for the harm you have suffered. 

What Causes a Building to Collapse in NYC?

Building collapses are rarely unavoidable accidents. In many cases, they result from negligence during construction, renovation, demolition, or property maintenance. 

Common causes include: 

  • Structural or architectural design defects 
  • Faulty engineering calculations 
  • Unsafe demolition practices 
  • Use of defective or low-quality building materials 
  • Violations of NYC building codes 
  • Foundation instability 
  • Failure to inspect or repair known structural damage 
  • Fire or water damage that weakens the supports 

Although natural disasters can contribute to structural failure, many building collapse accidents in NYC are preventable. When proper safety protocols are not followed, workers, tenants, pedestrians, and bystanders can suffer serious harm. 

Who Is Liable in a Building Collapse Case?

Determining liability after a collapse requires a detailed investigation. A building collapse lawyer NYC residents trust will review construction records, permits, inspection reports, and maintenance histories to identify all responsible parties. 

Potentially liable parties may include: 

  • Property owners 
  • General contractors 
  • Subcontractors 
  • Construction companies 
  • Architects and engineers 
  • Site supervisors 
  • Building inspectors 
  • Maintenance companies 

Under New York Labor Law, injured construction workers may have strong legal protections. A Brooklyn construction accident lawyer can determine whether Labor Law Sections 200, 240, or 241 apply to your case. 

Because these cases often involve multiple defendants and technical engineering evidence, having a building collapse lawyer Brooklyn victims can rely on is critical. 

Common Injuries in Building Collapse Accidents

When walls, ceilings, or entire structures give way, the injuries are often severe and life-altering. 

Victims frequently suffer: 

Construction workers face especially high risks, but pedestrians and nearby residents may also be injured when debris spreads beyond the job site. 

These injuries often require surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and extended time away from work. In fatal cases, surviving family members may need to pursue a wrongful death claim. 

How a Building Collapse Lawyer Can Help

A building collapse lawyer conducts a thorough investigation to build a strong claim. This may include reviewing construction records and NYC Department of Buildings violations, consulting structural engineering experts, interviewing witnesses, preserving evidence, analyzing medical records, and calculating long-term financial losses. 

Depending on the case, victims may pursue a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, a premises liability claim, a New York Labor Law claim, a third-party construction claim, or workers’ compensation benefits. 

Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost income and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability, rehabilitation costs, and funeral expenses in fatal cases. 

Because insurers often try to limit payouts in complex construction accident cases, an experienced lawyer works to secure full and fair compensation. 

Workers Compensation and Third-Party Lawsuits

If you were injured while working on a construction site, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. However, workers’ compensation does not provide damages for pain and suffering. 

In many cases, injured workers can also file a third-party lawsuit against a negligent property owner, contractor, or equipment manufacturer. A Brooklyn construction accident lawyer can determine whether both claims are available. 

This combined legal strategy can significantly increase potential recovery. 

When to Contact a Building Collapse Lawyer in Brooklyn

After seeking medical attention, you should speak with a building collapse lawyer as soon as possible. Early investigation is critical, especially in construction-related cases where evidence can quickly disappear. 

In New York, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the accident. Claims involving government entities may have much shorter deadlines. 

Acting quickly helps preserve your rights and strengthens your case. 

Brooklyn Legal Help for Building Collapse Victims

If you or someone you love has been injured in a structural failure, the Law Office of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum is prepared to help. As a Brooklyn construction accident lawyer, our firm represents workers and individuals harmed by unsafe building conditions throughout NYC. 

We understand the complexity of building collapse litigation and aggressively pursue the compensation our clients deserve. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. 

Call 718-237-5586 today for a free consultation. You can also fill out our online contact form to learn more about your legal options. 

If you were injured in a building collapse in Brooklyn or anywhere in NYC, do not wait to protect your rights. 

Construction workers helping a fallen co-worker

How to Prevent Construction Accidents


Posted on November 27, 2018 by

Construction is one of the most dangerous industries. Across all of NYC, one of every five worker deaths occurs in the construction industry. Specifically, in 2015, New York City’s Building Department (NYBD) recorded eight fatal construction-related accidents just in 2015, the highest it has been since the 2008 boom. Every day, construction workers subject themselves to the dangers of heights, heavy machinery, electricity, and power tools. Anyone of these elements can lead to injury or death.

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A crane picking up a container

Understanding Crane Accidents


Posted on September 21, 2018 by

Construction sites tend to be very dangerous due to the heavy equipment often found there. This equipment includes huge cranes. Tower cranes and overhead cranes are often found on construction sites, particularly those for skyscrapers and other tall buildings.

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A group of factory workers are using factory lathes to work in the factory, and there is a strict patrol by a female engineer

How a Heavy Machinery Accident Lawyer Can Help in NYC


Posted on November 17, 2016 by

Know the Hazards of Job Site Machinery and Protect Yourself After a Construction Accident in NYC 

If you are employed in the construction industry, you already understand how dangerous your job can be. Construction sites throughout Brooklyn and New York City expose workers to heavy equipment, power tools, elevated work areas, and hazardous machinery every day. 

Recognizing these risks is the first step toward protecting yourself. Another critical step is understanding your legal rights if an accident occurs. If you are injured by dangerous equipment or heavy machinery, speaking with a heavy machinery accident lawyer can help you understand whether you may be entitled to compensation. 

After seeking medical attention, consider contacting a job site accident lawyer NYC workers trust to evaluate your case and determine who may be legally responsible. 

Construction Is One of the Most Dangerous Industries in New York City

Construction remains one of the most hazardous occupations in NYC. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 69 fatal work injuries in New York City in 2023. The construction sector had the highest number of fatalities, accounting for 24 deaths, or 35 percent of all workplace fatalities in the city. 

Falls, slips, and trips caused 12 of those 24 construction deaths. Exposure to harmful substances and dangerous environments also accounted for a significant portion of fatalities. 

The construction and extraction occupational group experienced 30 fatal injuries in 2023, the highest of any occupational category. 

These numbers show that job site safety remains a serious concern across New York City. 

The Most Dangerous Types of Heavy Machinery on Job Sites 

Heavy machinery plays a major role in construction accidents. When equipment is improperly operated, poorly maintained, or defective, the consequences can be severe. 

Common examples of dangerous machinery include: 

  • Forklifts 
  • Excavators 
  • Bulldozers 
  • Cranes 
  • Nail guns and projectile tools 
  • Power saws 
  • Air compressors 
  • Ladders and scaffolding 

Although ladders may not appear as dangerous as large equipment, falls remain one of the leading causes of fatal construction injuries in NYC. 

If you were injured while operating or working near heavy equipment, a heavy machinery accident lawyer NYC workers rely on can investigate whether negligence or defective equipment contributed to your injuries. 

Reduce Your Risk of a Machinery-Related Injury

Safety must be a priority on every construction site. 

Workers should consistently use proper protective equipment, such as: 

  • Hard hats 
  • Safety harnesses 
  • Eye protection 
  • Gloves 
  • Steel-toe boots 

All heavy machinery should only be operated by properly trained personnel. Equipment should be inspected regularly to ensure it is functioning safely. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, known as OSHA, provides detailed construction safety regulations. Following OSHA guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury. 

Even when workers follow all safety protocols, accidents still happen. When they do, legal guidance may be necessary. 

Machinery Malfunctions and Third-Party Liability

Not all job site injuries are caused by worker error. Some occur because equipment malfunctions or contains defective parts. 

When faulty machinery causes harm, the manufacturer, distributor, or maintenance provider may be liable under product liability laws. In these cases, injured workers may be able to pursue compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits. 

Injuries caused by malfunctioning machinery often include: 

  • Burns 
  • Severe cuts and lacerations 
  • Electrocution 
  • Exposure to toxic substances 
  • Broken bones 
  • Crush injuries 
  • Traumatic brain injuries 
  • Spinal cord injuries 

Because construction accounted for 24 of the 69 workplace fatalities in NYC in 2023, identifying the true cause of a heavy equipment accident is essential. 

A heavy machinery accident lawyer can determine whether a third-party claim may be available in addition to workers’ compensation. 

Worker Demographics Highlight the Risk in NYC Construction

Workplace fatality data also reveals important trends. 

In 2023, wage and salary workers accounted for 91 percent of workplace fatalities in New York City. Males accounted for 90 percent of fatal work injuries. Hispanic or Latino workers represented 41 percent of those who died from workplace injuries. 

These statistics emphasize how serious construction site risks remain throughout NYC. 

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, a job site accident lawyer trusted by NYC construction workers can help you explore your legal options. 

Speak With a Heavy Machinery Accident Lawyer in NYC

If you were injured by heavy equipment, defective machinery, or unsafe job site conditions, you may have the right to pursue compensation. 

Workers’ compensation may cover medical bills and a portion of lost wages, but it does not provide damages for pain and suffering. In many cases, injured workers can pursue third-party claims against negligent contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers. 

An experienced heavy machinery accident lawyer, trusted by NYC residents, can investigate your case, preserve critical evidence, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum represents injured construction workers throughout Brooklyn and New York City. If you were hurt in a machinery-related accident, do not delay seeking legal advice. 

Fill out our online form today to schedule your free consultation or call 718-237-5586 to speak with our office. 

Crane Collapse Causes Injuries and Death in New York


Posted on February 16, 2016 by

Crane over city skyline.

On February 5, 2016, a devastating accident shook Lower Manhattan Street: a crane collapsed, killing one individual in the area and causing injury to three more persons. As reported by NBC New York, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio, the collapse occurred when the crane was being lowered and secured. It is believed that the crane collapse may have occurred, or was aided by, high speed winds; nine minutes before the collapse, a 37 mile per hour wind gust was recorded.

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Construction Worker Killed By Falling Tape Measure


Posted on January 20, 2015 by

Construction worker holding a blue hard hat.

There are about 6.5 million construction workers employed at about 250,000 different worksites across the United States. And every year, thousands of construction workers are injured or killed at these worksites, often as a result of negligence on behalf of the construction site owner, contractor or sub-contractor. Some of the most dangerous hazards at construction sites include scaffolding, excavations, ladders, falling objects, and electrical wiring. Construction sites present precarious situations and even the most innocuous objects can be deadly.

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