New York City Workplace Accident Lawyer

At The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore, our New York City workplace accident lawyer fights for workers injured on the job across every industry in the five boroughs. Workplace injuries in New York are far more common than most people realize. Private industry employers reported 138,900 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in New York in 2022, with 91,600 classified as severe cases involving days away from work, job transfer, or restriction, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Slip and fall incidents accounted for 22% of all workplace injuries reported in NYC in 2021, while construction fatalities rose to 30 deaths in 2023, a 10-year high, according to NYCOSH. Perhaps most alarming, 74% of fatal workplace incidents in NYC occurred on worksites with prior Occupational Health and Safety Administration violations. This means many of these traumatic injuries and deaths were preventable. We have recovered millions for injury victims, including multi-million dollar construction accident settlements, and our personal injury lawyers are ready to fight for you.

Our New York City Workplace Accident Lawyer Fights for Your Rights

The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore provides aggressive legal representation for workers injured in all types of workplace accidents throughout New York City's five boroughs. We are 100% dedicated to maximizing your recovery and obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve. Our contingency fee model is simple: no win for us means no fee for you.

We represent workers across high-risk industries, including NYC construction, warehousing, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, hospitality, and retail. Our New York construction accident lawyers have secured notable recoveries of $11.25M, $6.5M, $5.25M, and $4.06M for injured workers in accident injury cases. Understanding the types of workplace accidents and the legal protections available is the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.

Types of Workplace Accidents in New York City

New York City's diverse economy exposes workers to a wide range of worksite hazards. From active construction sites to office buildings and warehouses, danger can strike in any workplace. The following are the most common workplace accidents that result in serious construction site injuries and other work-related injury claims across the city.

Construction and Industrial Accidents

Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries in New York City. Workers face life-threatening hazards every day on active job sites where workplace safety violations are common. The most frequent construction site accidents include:

• Falls from ladders and scaffolding, roofs, and elevated platforms, including scaffold accidents, ladder accidents, and window washer accidents
• Struck by falling objects, including tools, debris, crane loads, and heavy machinery accidents
• Electrocutions and electrical burns from exposed wiring and defective equipment
• Trench collapses, excavation cave-ins, and demolition accidents
• Caught-in or caught-between accidents involving heavy machinery and forklift accidents

The NYC Department of Buildings reported 482 construction worker injuries and 7 fatalities in 2024, even as construction activity rose 24%. Construction workers receive added protection under Labor Law Section 240, also known as the Scaffolding Law, as well as Labor Law Section 241(6) and §200 under NY Labor Law. These laws work alongside workers' compensation to provide injured workers with powerful legal tools. When the Department of Labor or OSHA investigations reveal safety violations, they strengthen your case. Our Manhattan construction accident lawyers and Brooklyn construction accident attorneys are experienced in applying these protections across all types of job site injury claims.

Non-Construction Workplace Accidents

Workplace injuries are not limited to construction sites. Workers in offices, restaurants, retail stores, hospitals, and warehouses face their own set of dangers. Common non-construction workplace accidents include:

• Slips and falls in workplaces with wet floors, uneven surfaces, and cluttered areas
• Repetitive motion injuries from prolonged physical or computer-based tasks, which accounted for 18% of all reported workplace injuries in NYC in 2021
• Chemical exposure and hazardous substances like asbestos, mold, and toxic fumes in healthcare, manufacturing, and maintenance roles
• Motor vehicle accident injuries for delivery drivers, rideshare workers, and logistics personnel, with 238 transport-related workplace injuries reported in NYC in 2022
• Workplace violence, including assaults and robberies, especially prevalent in healthcare, retail, and public-facing roles
• Elevator accidents and machinery malfunctions in manufacturing and warehouse settings
• Burns, lacerations, and crush injuries from defective equipment and unsafe conditions

If you were injured in a workplace slip and fall, our slip and fall accident lawyers in New York City understand how to pursue both workers' compensation benefits and third-party liability claims against negligent property owners.

New York Laws That Protect Injured Workers

New York provides some of the strongest legal protections for injured workers in the country. Multiple legal avenues may be available depending on the circumstances of your accident and the industry involved. Understanding these options under tort law and workers' compensation law helps you pursue the maximum compensation.

Workers' Compensation in New York

New York's Workers' Compensation Law provides no-fault benefits to employees injured on the job, regardless of who was at fault. Workers' compensation is available for almost all employees in New York State, with limited exceptions. The workers' compensation claim process provides benefits that include medical treatment, temporary and permanent disability payments, lost wage replacement at two-thirds of your average weekly wages subject to a cap, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits for surviving dependents.

There is a trade-off. In exchange for this no-fault coverage, employees generally cannot sue their employer for negligence. However, the workers' compensation insurance carrier must provide benefits regardless of fault. Our workers' compensation injury lawyers help clients navigate the claim process and work with the New York State Workers' Compensation Board to ensure benefits are not denied or underpaid. If your employer sends you for an independent medical exam, we prepare you for what to expect.
<h3Third-Party Personal Injury Claims

In addition to workers' compensation, injured workers may file a separate personal injury lawsuit against negligent third parties. Third parties are entities other than your employer that contributed to your work injury. Common third-party defendants include property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, drivers, trucking companies, and maintenance companies.

The key difference is that a third-party claim allows recovery of full damages, including pain and suffering. Workers' compensation does not cover pain and suffering. You can pursue both workers' compensation benefits and a third-party lawsuit at the same time. Labor Law Section 240, the Scaffolding Law, and Labor Law Section 241(6) are powerful tools for construction workers filing third-party claims against property owners who fail to provide proper fall protection and safety equipment. We identify all third-party liability to maximize your total compensation.

Compensation Available for NYC Workplace Accident Victims

Workplace injuries often result in devastating financial, physical, and emotional consequences. Head injury, traumatic brain injury, spine injuries, and other serious harm can change your life forever. Depending on the available legal avenues, injured workers may pursue the following types of compensation.

Workers' Compensation Benefits

Workers' compensation provides critical benefits to help injured workers recover from work-related injuries. These benefits do not require you to prove fault. The New York State Workers' Compensation Board administers the following:

• Full coverage of medical bills and medical expenses related to the workplace injury
• Temporary total or partial disability payments during your recovery
• Permanent disability benefits for lasting impairments, including scheduled and non-scheduled loss of use
• Vocational rehabilitation and retraining if you cannot return to your previous job
• Death benefits and funeral expenses for the families of workers killed on the job
• Social Security disability coordination for workers with qualifying long-term disabilities

Third-Party Lawsuit Damages

A third-party personal injury lawsuit can recover damages that workers' compensation does not cover. These claims allow injured workers to pursue full compensation for traumatic injuries, including brain damage, spinal injuries, and other catastrophic harm. You may be entitled to recover:

• All past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
• Emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD, and depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability, scarring, or disfigurement
• Property damage to personal belongings
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members, including loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral costs

New York does not cap non-economic damages in personal injury cases, and a jury verdict can reflect the full scope of your suffering. According to OSHA's injury and illness data, industries with the highest rates of serious workplace injuries in New York include construction, transportation, and healthcare, reinforcing why aggressive legal representation matters. We evaluate damages from both workers' compensation and third-party claims to ensure maximum total recovery.

What to Do After a Workplace Accident in NYC

The steps you take after a workplace accident can determine the outcome of your case. Quick action protects your health, your legal rights, and the evidence you need for accident investigation. Follow these steps if you are hurt on the job:

• Report the injury to your employer right away. New York law requires written notice within 30 days of the accident.
• Seek medical attention and make sure the provider documents your injuries as work-related in detailed medical records.
• File a workers' compensation claim (Form C-3) with the New York State Workers' Compensation Board within two years of the accident.
• Photograph the accident scene, including the equipment involved and any worksite hazards or workplace safety violations.
• Collect names and contact information of co-workers and witnesses.
• Preserve physical evidence, including damaged equipment, defective tools, personal protective equipment, and clothing.
• Do not sign any documents or accept settlement offers from insurance adjusters without legal representation.
• Contact The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore as soon as possible after your work injury.

We evaluate whether you have a workers' compensation claim, a third-party claim, or both. Our Bronx construction accident lawyers and Staten Island construction accident attorneys act fast to preserve critical evidence, request OSHA investigations and Stop Work Order records, and meet all filing deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Workplace Accidents

Can I sue my employer if I was hurt at work in New York?

Generally, no. Workers' compensation is the exclusive remedy against employers in New York. However, you may file a separate lawsuit against negligent third parties who contributed to your work injury.

What if my workers' compensation claim is denied?

You have the right to appeal. The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore can represent you at hearings before the New York State Workers' Compensation Board and fight to get your benefits approved, even if the workers' compensation insurance carrier disputes your claim.

How long do I have to file a workplace injury claim in New York?

You must notify your employer within 30 days and file a workers' compensation claim within two years. Third-party personal injury lawsuits have a three-year statute of limitations under CPLR 214(5).

Can I receive both workers' compensation and a third-party settlement?

Yes. You can collect workers' compensation benefits while also pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent third party for additional damages, including pain and suffering.

What is New York Labor Law §240, and how does it help injured workers?

Labor Law Section 240, the Scaffolding Law, holds property owners and contractors strictly liable for injuries caused by gravity on construction sites. This law protects workers regardless of their own fault in the accident.

How much does it cost to hire a workplace accident lawyer?

The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore work on a contingency basis. You pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.

Contact Our New York City Workplace Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation

Every worker in New York City has the right to a safe workplace. When employer or third-party negligence causes a work injury, victims deserve full and fair compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore has deep experience in both workers' compensation and third-party personal injury claims, including multi-million-dollar recoveries in construction accident cases and premises liability cases throughout New York City.

Do not wait to act. Reporting deadlines are strict: 30 days to notify your employer, two years for workers' compensation, and three years for third-party claims. Critical evidence from the accident scene, including safety equipment records and workplace safety violation documentation, must be preserved fast. Contact The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore today at (917) 809-7014 for a free, no-obligation consultation. No win for us means no fee for you. Visit our contact page to get started now.