Construction Fall Accident Lawyers

Construction falls remain the number one cause of death in New York’s construction industry, accounting for 33.5% of all construction-related fatalities, according to the latest OSHA data. These catastrophic incidents happen in an instant but leave lasting devastation, often resulting in permanent disability, financial instability, or loss of life.

At the Porter Law Group, we've seen firsthand how preventable construction falls disrupt the lives and livelihoods of hardworking New Yorkers. Our dedicated construction fall lawyers specialize in advocating for accident victims throughout New York State, with particular expertise in OSHA “Fatal Four” cases.

Common Types of Construction Fall Accidents in New York

Construction falls in New York are most often caused by systemic lapses in safety planning, inadequate training, or failure to follow established regulations. In fast-paced and high-risk environments like those found across NYC and other urban centers, these incidents frequently involve:

• Scaffolding failures (37%): Collapses or tipping of improperly erected or unsecured scaffolding systems
• Unprotected edges (22%): Missing guardrails or inadequate fall protection along elevated surfaces
• Ladder accidents (20%): Falls from unstable, defective, or improperly positioned ladders
• Roof work hazards (12%): Lack of proper safety harnesses and fall arrest systems during roofing projects
• Floor openings (6%): Uncovered holes, open shafts, or unsecured floor openings
• Structural collapses (3%): Failure of temporary supports, platforms, or floors during construction

According to recent data from the NYC Department of Buildings, construction-related falls have risen 13% since 2019. Notably, fatal fall incidents are reported to occur 2.5 times more often on non-union job sites compared to union-supervised projects, highlighting disparities in training, oversight, and enforcement.

Understanding the OSHA Fatal Four and Why Falls Lead the List

The construction industry’s “Fatal Four” hazards—identified and monitored by OSHA—are responsible for more than 60% of all construction worker fatalities in the U.S. each year. Knowing what these hazards are and how they can be prevented is essential for both workers and employers:

1. Falls (33.5%): Leading the Fatal Four, falls from heights are the most frequent cause of fatal construction accidents, accounting for approximately one-third of all deaths. In New York, the rate is even higher at 38.2%, largely due to the state’s concentration of high-rise and vertical construction projects.
2. Struck-by Objects (11.1%): The second most common fatal event involves workers being hit by moving, falling, or flying objects, including construction vehicles, loose materials, or improperly secured equipment.
3. Electrocutions (8.5%): Contact with energized power lines, exposed wiring, or defective tools results in fatal electrical injuries, particularly on sites lacking proper lockout/tagout procedures or PPE.
4. Caught-in/between (5.5%): These accidents occur when workers are crushed, caught, or trapped between heavy machinery, collapsing structures, or shifting materials.

Falls alone contribute to approximately 320 of these preventable deaths, highlighting why fall protection remains OSHA’s top construction enforcement priority and why New York continues to focus legislative and legal efforts on fall prevention. OSHA estimates that eliminating the Fatal Four would save nearly 600 workers’ lives annually across the U.S. 

Construction Fall Prevention: Essential Safety Measures

Effective construction fall prevention requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates proper equipment, thorough training, and a proactive safety culture. OSHA regulations outline mandatory protections that, when fully enforced, can drastically reduce the risk of falls on construction sites.

Mandatory Fall Protection Equipment

• Personal fall arrest systems (PFAS): Required for all work performed at heights of six feet or more
• Guardrail systems: Must meet OSHA’s specified height, strength, and installation requirements
• Safety net systems: Installed no more than 30 feet below the working surface when other systems are not feasible
• Warning line systems: Used for roofing work on low-slope roofs to delineate safe working areas

Core Fall Prevention Strategies

• Job site planning: Conduct pre-task safety assessments to identify and mitigate fall hazards
• Regular equipment inspection: Examine all fall protection systems before each use
• Worker training: Provide ongoing education on recognizing fall risks and properly using protective equipment
• Proper scaffold assembly: Ensure all scaffolds are erected per manufacturer guidelines and OSHA standards
• Ladder safety: Maintain correct ladder angles and secure ladders to prevent slipping or tipping
• Floor and roof opening protection: Cover or guard all floor holes, skylights, and open shafts with clearly marked barriers

When correctly implemented, OSHA estimates these fall prevention measures can reduce fall-related incidents by up to 70%. Yet despite these proven strategies, our construction fall lawyers continue to handle cases where contractors put speed ahead of safety—with life-altering consequences.

New York's Unique Legal Framework for Fall Victims

New York State provides some of the most robust legal protections in the country for construction workers, especially in fall-related cases. These protections are outlined in the state’s Labor Law and often offer stronger safeguards than federal OSHA regulations:

• Labor Law § 240 (the "Scaffold Law"): Holds property owners and contractors strictly liable for gravity-related injuries when proper safety equipment isn't provided. Unlike standard negligence cases, workers don't need to prove negligence under this statute.
• Labor Law § 241(6): Requires compliance with specific safety regulations in the New York Industrial Code, providing additional avenues for recovery beyond OSHA violations.
• Labor Law § 200: Serves as the state’s general duty clause, requiring all employers and certain site operators to provide a safe work environment. This statute allows liability to extend to parties beyond the direct employer, such as property owners or site managers.

These statutes create powerful tools for injured construction workers, especially in fall-related cases. However, successfully navigating these laws requires experienced legal counsel familiar with New York’s construction liability landscape. The statute of limitations for most construction injury cases in New York is three years, though shorter deadlines apply when claims involve municipal or public entities, making early legal consultation essential.

Catastrophic Consequences of Height-Related Falls

The impact of construction-related falls reaches far beyond the moment of the accident, often resulting in devastating physical injuries and overwhelming financial burdens.

Life-Altering Physical Injuries

Construction falls from significant heights frequently cause multiple-system trauma and long-term disability, including:

• Spinal cord injuries: Often resulting in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong care
• Traumatic brain injuries: Ranging from concussions to permanent cognitive impairment
• Complex fractures: Typically requiring multiple surgeries, hardware implantation, and extended rehabilitation
• Internal organ damage: Can cause life-threatening complications and long-term health issues
• Fatal injuries:  Leading to wrongful death claims and irreversible loss for families

Financial and Emotional Impact

The average lifetime cost of a serious construction fall can exceed $4.2 million when accounting for:

• Immediate emergency medical care and hospitalization
• Multiple surgical procedures, intensive care, and  ongoing specialist consultations
• Long-term rehabilitation and physical therapy programs
• Loss of income and future earning capacity
• Costly home modifications for mobility and accessibility
• Mental health support, including therapy for post-traumatic stress and emotional trauma
• Compensation for pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life
• Emotional toll on loved ones, including relationship strain and caregiver burden

These consequences underscore the urgent need for rigorous fall prevention protocols and aggressive legal advocacy following a fall-related construction injury. If you've been injured in a construction fall accident anywhere in New York, contact us for a free consultation. View the results we've achieved for previous clients and learn more about how we can help you recover compensation.

How The Porter Law Group Advocates for Construction Fall Victims

Our construction fall lawyers combine aggressive legal advocacy with compassionate client-focused support through our proven structured and effective approach:

1. Comprehensive Case Investigation

We conduct in-depth investigations that include:

• Documenting the accident scene and identifying safety violations
• Partnering with OSHA experts and construction safety consultants
• Evaluating compliance with New York Labor Law and OSHA standards
• Identifying all potentially liable parties, including property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and equipment providers
• Preserving time-sensitive evidence, including surveillance footage, site reports, and witness statements

2. Maximum Compensation Recovery

Our construction fall lawyers fight tirelessly to secure compensation covering:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering damages
• Rehabilitation, therapy, and long-term care expenses
• Home and vehicle modifications for permanent disabilities
• Loss of enjoyment of life and everyday functionality
• In wrongful death cases, we pursue damages for funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship

3. OSHA Coordination and Compliance Expertise

As specialists in OSHA Fatal Four cases, we:

• Collaborate with OSHA investigators to strengthen your case
• Translate technical safety violations into clear legal arguments for liability
• Identify patterns of negligence or repeated violations across job sites
• Leverage OSHA citations and findings to support Labor Law claims and third-party lawsuits

From the moment you contact us, we commit to building a strong, evidence-based case that positions you or your family for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Falls

What should I do immediately after a construction fall accident?

Seek immediate medical attention first, even if injuries appear minor. Then, report the incident to your supervisor or site manager. If possible, document the scene with photos, gather contact information from witnesses, and consult a construction fall attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters or signing any documents.

Can I file a lawsuit if I'm receiving workers' compensation?

Yes. While workers’ compensation offers basic benefits regardless of fault, New York Labor Law permits additional claims against property owners, general contractors, and third parties if safety violations or negligence contributed to the fall. 

How long do I have to file a construction fall lawsuit in New York?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, though this can be shorter when government entities are involved. For wrongful death cases, families typically have two years from the date of death to pursue a claim.

What makes construction falls different from other workplace accidents?

Construction falls are subject to specific regulations under both OSHA and New York Labor Law, particularly the "Scaffold Law" (Labor Law 240), which creates strict liability for safety violations involving elevation-related hazards.

How does the OSHA Fatal Four classification affect my case?

Because falls are the leading cause of construction fatalities in OSHA’s Fatal Four, there are extensive industry standards and legal precedents related to fall prevention. Our construction fall lawyers use OSHA violations and safety failures as powerful evidence to establish liability and strengthen your case.

Hurt in a Construction Accident in New York?

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Why Choose The Porter Law Group for your Construction Fall Injury Case

The lawyers at the Porter Law Group have decades of experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by catastrophic injuries. We have obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in courts throughout the State of New York. We are a state-wide firm that handles cases with a hometown feel.

Our clients come to us looking for guidance and answers. With seasoned trial lawyers, the Porter Law Group has the resources necessary to help you navigate the most complex cases, against goliath insurance companies that will stop at nothing to prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve.  

You only get one chance to choose the best lawyer for you and your family. Hire the lawyers most recommended by former clients and local attorneys, and the firm that delivers superior results. 

When you or a loved one’s life has been devastated by a serious personal injury in New York, don’t hire a lawyer without calling the Porter Law Group to learn why so many of our clients are thankful they trusted us with their case in their time of need.     

Contact New York Construction Fall Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a construction fall in New York, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and statutory deadlines limit your window to pursue justice.

The Porter Law Group offers:

• Free, no-obligation consultations to evaluate your construction fall case
• Contingency-fee representation meaning you pay nothing unless we win
• Experienced trial attorneys ready to take your case to court when necessary
• Proven results in OSHA Fatal Four and construction fall cases

Don't face this challenging time alone. Contact our construction fall lawyers today at 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com for a free consultation. Let our family of legal advocates help yours on the path to justice and recovery.

The Porter Law Group: New York's leading construction fall lawyers championing the rights of injured workers for over two decades.