Brooklyn Construction Injury Attorneys
Brooklyn Construction Accident Lawyers. Labor Law 240 Experts
Brooklyn's construction boom means more workers at risk. From Downtown Brooklyn towers to Williamsburg developments, our attorneys have fought for injured construction workers for over 35 years.
Brooklyn's Construction Boom, and Its Dangers
Brooklyn has seen unprecedented construction growth, with new residential towers, commercial developments, and infrastructure projects transforming the borough. But this building boom comes at a cost: construction remains one of the most dangerous industries in New York.
At AEE Law, we represent construction workers injured on job sites throughout Brooklyn, from scaffold falls in DUMBO to crane accidents in Downtown Brooklyn. We know Labor Law 240 inside and out, and we know how to hold negligent contractors accountable.
Active Brooklyn Construction Zones
Our attorneys handle cases from construction sites across Brooklyn:
- Downtown Brooklyn. High-rise residential and commercial towers
- Williamsburg & Greenpoint. Waterfront development projects
- Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park. Major mixed-use development
- Brooklyn Navy Yard. Industrial and commercial construction
- Gowanus. Rezoning and new construction
Types of Brooklyn Construction Accidents We Handle
- Scaffold collapses and falls
- Ladder accidents
- Falls from heights (roofs, floors, openings)
- Falling object injuries
- Crane and hoist accidents
- Electrocutions
- Trench collapses
- Equipment malfunctions
New York Labor Law Protection
New York's Labor Laws provide some of the strongest protections for construction workers in the country. Under Labor Law 240 (the "Scaffold Law"), property owners and general contractors face absolute liability for gravity-related injuries when proper safety equipment isn't provided.
This means that even if you made a mistake, you can still recover full compensation if the property owner or contractor failed to provide adequate safety equipment. Our attorneys have decades of experience applying these laws to get maximum compensation for injured workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New York Labor Law 240 and how does it apply to Brooklyn construction accidents?
Labor Law 240, known as the "Scaffold Law," provides absolute liability protection for workers injured in gravity-related falls at construction sites. If you fell from a scaffold, ladder, or height in Brooklyn and proper safety equipment wasn't provided, the property owner and general contractor can be held liable regardless of fault.
Can I sue my employer for a construction accident in Brooklyn?
While workers' compensation typically prevents suing your direct employer, you can often sue property owners, general contractors, equipment manufacturers, and other third parties whose negligence caused your injury. Many injured construction workers recover far more through third-party lawsuits than workers' comp alone.
What compensation can I receive for a Brooklyn construction accident?
Injured construction workers may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits plus additional compensation through third-party lawsuits, including medical expenses, lost wages (past and future), pain and suffering, and loss of earning capacity. Severe injuries can result in settlements or verdicts in the millions.
How long do I have to file a construction accident lawsuit in Brooklyn?
The statute of limitations for personal injury in New York is generally 3 years. However, workers' compensation claims have shorter deadlines, and cases involving government entities may require notice within 90 days. Contact a lawyer immediately to protect your rights.
How much do I pay for a New York construction accident lawyer?
Most New York construction accident attorneys, including ours, handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney's fees unless and until there's a recovery. The contingency percentage is set by agreement and disclosed in a written retainer, as required under New York's Rules of Professional Conduct. There are no upfront costs to retain us, and case expenses such as filing fees, expert reports, and medical record retrieval are typically advanced by the firm and reconciled at the conclusion of the case. If there's no recovery, you owe nothing in attorney's fees.
What is the most common accident in the construction industry?
Falls from elevation are the most frequently reported construction injuries in New York, a pattern consistent with federal OSHA data and with the volume of Labor Law § 240(1) claims filed in Kings County Supreme Court each year. That statute, often called the Scaffold Law, imposes absolute liability on property owners and general contractors when an elevated work condition causes an injury, making it one of the most significant protections available to construction workers in Brooklyn. Struck-by incidents involving falling objects, equipment, and debris represent the second most common category, and those claims can also fall under § 240(1) or Labor Law § 241(6) depending on the circumstances. An injured construction worker should speak with an attorney promptly, because notice and filing deadlines vary depending on whether the property involved is privately owned or belongs to a public entity like the City of New York.
Injured on a Brooklyn Construction Site?
You may have more legal options than workers' comp alone. Find out what your case is worth.