At The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore, our New York City bridge construction accident lawyer fights for workers hurt on some of the most dangerous job sites in the country. NYC DOT owns, operates, and maintains close to 800 bridges and tunnels across the city. These massive projects demand thousands of construction workers who face risks far beyond those on a typical construction site.
In 2024, NYC saw 482 construction worker injuries and 7 fatalities on building construction sites, with falls from heights remaining the leading cause of death. Bridge construction carries unique hazards, from working at extreme heights over waterways to navigating active traffic lanes below. We have recovered millions of dollars for injured workers, and we are ready to fight for you.
Our New York City Bridge Construction Accident Lawyer Fights for Your Rights
We provide aggressive legal representation for workers injured on bridge construction sites across all five boroughs. Our construction accident lawyers in New York City handle complex claims that involve multiple liable parties, including general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and government agencies. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. No win for us means no fee for you.
Our track record in construction accident cases speaks for itself. We have secured recoveries of $11.25 million, $6.5 million, $5.25 million, and $4.06 million for construction workers injured on the job. Each of these results came from a thorough investigation and relentless advocacy. To build the strongest claim for your bridge construction accident, you need to understand the common dangers these worksites present.
Common Causes of Bridge Construction Accidents in NYC
Bridge construction projects in New York City expose workers to a wide range of hazards every day. The most common causes of construction accidents on these sites include:
- Falls from heights off scaffolding, elevated platforms, or unguarded edges over water
- Struck-by incidents from falling tools, debris, steel beams, or crane loads
- Structural and scaffold collapses due to poor assembly or defective scaffolding
- Electrocution from overhead power lines near bridge spans
- Equipment malfunctions involving cranes, hoists, and heavy equipment
- Hazardous weather exposure, such as high winds and icy surfaces at elevation
Falls accounted for roughly 25% of all NYC construction incidents and about half of all construction fatalities in recent reporting years, a pattern consistent with OSHA's Fatal Four construction hazards data. Bridge work amplifies every one of these dangers. Workers operate over open water, active traffic, and at extreme heights with limited fall protection options. Scaffold, crane, and struck-by incidents are far more likely to cause catastrophic or fatal injuries in these settings.
Serious Injuries From Bridge Construction Site Accidents
Injuries resulting from bridge construction accidents are often severe and life-changing. Workers on these sites face a higher risk of catastrophic harm because of the heights, heavy equipment, and environmental conditions involved. Common injuries from bridge construction site accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage
- Broken bones, fractures, and crush injuries
- Burns and electrocution injuries
- Drowning or near-drowning from falls into waterways
- Amputations and permanent disfigurement
- Internal organ damage
These workplace injuries often demand long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Many victims face permanent disability that changes every part of their daily life. If your bridge construction accident caused a traumatic brain injury, our New York City brain injury lawyers work with neurologists and life care planners to build a compensation case that accounts for every long-term consequence of your harm. At The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore, we fight to ensure our clients receive compensation that covers the full scope of their suffering, their medical bills, and their future needs.
You deserve Moore Justice
(917) 809-7014We are 100% committed and dedicated to maximizing your recovery and obtaining the justice and compensation that you deserve.
New York Labor Laws That Protect Bridge Construction Workers
New York has some of the strongest worker protection statutes in the country. These laws matter even more for bridge construction workers who face gravity-related hazards every shift. Three key sections of the New York Labor Law give injured workers powerful tools to hold property owners and general contractors accountable.
New York Labor Law §240(1) — The Scaffold Law
Labor Law Section 240, known as the Scaffold Law, holds property owners and general contractors strictly liable for injuries caused by gravity. This includes falls from heights and injuries caused by falling objects. The law applies to all elevated work, which makes it critical for bridge construction involving scaffolding, aerial lifts, and elevated platforms. Under Labor Law Section 240, strict liability means the injured worker does not need to prove negligence. You only need to show that a proper safety device was missing, defective, or inadequate. This makes Labor Law §240 one of the most powerful legal tools for bridge construction workers in New York.
New York Labor Law §241(6) — Safety Standards Compliance
Labor Law Section 241 requires all construction sites to comply with the specific safety regulations outlined in the New York Industrial Code. These rules cover fall protection, safety nets, body harnesses, hard hats, guardrails, and other personal protective equipment. A violation of any of these safety standards can serve as a direct basis for a personal injury lawsuit. We investigate every detail of our clients' cases to identify code violations that strengthen their claims. For bridge construction workers, violations of the Industrial Code are common due to the complex and dangerous nature of the work.
New York Labor Law §200 — General Duty of Care
Labor Law Section 200 codifies the common-law duty of property owners and contractors to maintain a safe worksite. Unlike Sections 240 and 241(6), this statute requires proof that the responsible party had control over the work and knew of the hazard. This higher burden of proof makes §200 claims harder to win on their own. However, they still provide another path to recovery when combined with other Labor Law claims. Our Manhattan construction accident lawyers and Brooklyn construction accident attorneys use every available legal avenue to pursue full compensation for injured bridge construction workers.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a NYC Bridge Construction Accident?
Bridge construction projects involve many parties, and each one may share responsibility for a worker's injuries. This creates several potential avenues for a personal injury claim or third-party claim. We conduct thorough investigations to identify all liable parties and maximize our clients' recovery. The parties that may be held responsible include:
- General contractors and project managers
- Subcontractors responsible for specific tasks
- Property owners or government entities such as the city, state, MTA, or Port Authority
- Equipment manufacturers responsible for defective cranes, scaffolding, or safety devices
- Engineering and design firms
Third-party liability claims allow injured workers to pursue compensation beyond workers' compensation benefits. Claims against government entities are subject to special procedures, including a Notice of Claim that must be filed within 90 days under CPLR 214. Missing this deadline can destroy your case, so prompt legal action is critical. Our workers' compensation injury lawyers help clients pursue both benefit streams simultaneously to maximize total recovery.
Compensation Available for Bridge Construction Accident Victims
Bridge construction accident victims may be entitled to significant compensation for their injuries and losses. The damages available depend on the facts of your case and the legal claims we pursue on your behalf. Injured parties can seek the following types of compensation:
- Medical expenses, including current and future surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress
- Permanent disability and loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
- Workers' compensation benefits, which can be pursued alongside a third-party personal injury claim
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction workers face some of the highest rates of fatal and nonfatal workplace injuries of any industry in the country, reinforcing why pursuing every available avenue of compensation matters. We evaluate the full extent of every client's damages, including non-economic damages that insurance companies often try to minimize. Our Bronx construction accident lawyers and <a " href="https://www.injurylawatty.com/practice-area/construction-accident-lawyer/queens-ny/">Queens construction accident attorneys pursue maximum compensation through both workers' comp and personal injury claims so that our clients receive every dollar they deserve.
Steps to Take After a Bridge Construction Accident
The actions you take right after a bridge construction accident can make or break your case. Protect your health and your legal rights by following these steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention and make sure every injury is documented
- Report the accident to your supervisor and confirm that it gets formally logged
- Collect contact information from coworkers and witnesses
- Do not sign any statements or accept early settlement offers from insurance companies
- Contact The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore as soon as possible
The statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit in New York is three years from the date of the accident. However, claims against government entities require a Notice of Claim within just 90 days. Acting fast protects your legal rights and gives us the best chance to preserve critical evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Bridge Construction Accidents
How long do I have to file a claim for a bridge construction accident in New York?
You have three years to file most personal injury claims. Claims against government entities require a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident.
Can I sue if I was partially at fault for my bridge construction accident?
Yes. New York follows comparative negligence rules. You can still recover damages, but your percentage of fault will reduce your award.
What is the Scaffold Law, and how does it apply to bridge accidents?
The Scaffold Law is Labor Law §240(1). It holds property owners and general contractors strictly liable for gravity-related injuries on elevated worksites, including bridges.
Can I file a lawsuit and collect workers' compensation at the same time?
Yes. You can receive workers' compensation benefits and also pursue a separate third-party personal injury claim for full damages, including pain and suffering.
What if a defective piece of equipment caused my bridge construction injury?
You may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. This claim exists in addition to any claims against the contractor or property owner.
How much does it cost to hire a bridge construction accident lawyer?
We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win your case. No win for us means no fee for you.
Contact Our New York City Bridge Construction Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation
Bridge construction injuries can change your life in an instant. You deserve a legal team that fights for full compensation and holds every responsible party accountable. At The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore, we have recovered millions for NYC construction accident victims, and we are ready to do the same for you. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health consistently identifies construction as one of the most hazardous industries in America, making experienced legal representation essential after a serious job site injury.
Evidence can disappear fast, and filing deadlines are strict. If your injuries involved a slip or fall on a public walkway connected to a bridge site, our sidewalk accident lawyers may be able to identify additional liable parties for your claim. Do not wait to take action. Contact us today at (917) 809-7014 for a free consultation, or visit our contact page to get started. No win for us means no fee for you.
