How to Hire the Best Construction Accident Lawyer in NY

According to a 2025 report published by the New York Committee for Occupational Safety & Health, there was a surge in the number of construction worker fatalities in NYC in the past few years. In 2023, 30 people died in the metropolitan city due to construction accidents, which was 50% more than the figures in 2021, while countless others suffered serious injuries. Across the state, 73 people lost their lives working in this dangerous industry.

This deadly upward trend could be due to the decrease in OSHA fines or inspections and the construction companies' lack of safety measures. While injured workers and grieving family members can bring a workers' compensation claim or a lawsuit to recover compensation for the damages caused, most affected parties often face challenges on the path to financial recovery.

Fortunately, the Law Office of Carl Maltese is here to help. Our five-star-rated construction accident lawyers have been helping injured construction workers and affected New Yorkers seek the justice and compensation they deserve since 1966.

Those who have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a New York construction accident should contact the Law Office of Carl Maltese to discuss their case and learn more about their legal options. They can help advise on how to hire the best pedestrian accident lawyer in NY.

How to Hire the Best Construction Accident Lawyer in NY

A construction worker injured on-site should immediately seek medical attention and consider hiring a skilled personal injury attorney to protect their rights.

Here are the key steps to finding the best legal representation in New York City:

Determine the Type of Claim

While there are many law firms offering services to New Yorkers, affected parties need to understand that not all of them may have the necessary skills and expertise to handle their construction accident case. This is because there are several types of claims that may arise, each with different nuances and a unique set of requirements to fulfill. Working with an attorney who practices in that particular field is crucial to ensure the best legal representation. The Law Office of Carl Maltese can share insight on how to hire the best slip and fall lawyer in NY.

Before contacting a law firm, affected construction workers should determine the type of claim to file. These may include the following:

Workers' Compensation Claim

In New York, employers are legally required to maintain workers' compensation insurance if they have employees. It's a policy that protects the affected parties financially in case of work-related accidents.

However, once the plaintiff receives benefits through the workers' compensation system, they forfeit the right to file a lawsuit against their employer.

While workers' compensation claims may seem straightforward, they are often complex. Affected parties may face several challenges as they navigate the path to securing benefits.

Insurance companies may dispute the severity of the injuries or make pre-existing condition arguments to reduce or deny payouts. This makes it incredibly important to work with a skilled personal injury attorney with substantial experience in handling workers' compensation claims. They can help affected parties overcome the obstacles and increase their chances of a fair settlement.

Construction Accident Lawsuit

Although employers with workers' compensation insurance may receive legal cover in case of an accident at the construction site, that's not always the case.

Sometimes, tragic incidents involving extreme gross negligence or violation of New York labor laws may create grounds for suing the company, allowing the affected party to bring a construction accident lawsuit against the negligent employer.

Third-party Personal Injury Lawsuit

There could be many people working on the same site simultaneously. Some may be third-party contractors the construction company hires to assist with the project.

When an outsider causes an accident resulting in injuries or death, they or their company may be liable for the damages caused. If that is the case, affected parties can not only claim workers' compensation benefits from their employers but also bring a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent individual or entity responsible for the traumatic incident.

A key thing to understand is that workers' compensation only covers medical bills and a portion of lost wages. It doesn't pay for the pain and suffering the affected party experiences following the construction site accident. To recover non-economic losses, filing a lawsuit in case of third-party liability is crucial.

An experienced construction accident lawyer can assess the facts surrounding the claim to determine the plaintiff's legal options.

Product Liability Claims

If a construction accident occurs due to faulty equipment or defective machinery, the affected party could pursue a product liability claim against the negligent manufacturer to seek compensation. This may be in addition to workers' compensation benefits or damages obtained through third-party lawsuits, depending on the circumstances.

A product liability claim or lawsuit is often more challenging to pursue than a personal injury case. Large manufacturers typically have teams of lawyers prepared to defend against construction accident litigation arising from faulty equipment or defective products.

Working with a personal injury attorney specializing in product liability claims can help affected parties level the playing field. They understand the tactics large manufacturers and their legal teams use, enabling them to act quickly, gather the right evidence to build a strong case, and increase the plaintiff's chances of obtaining maximum compensation.

Wrongful Death Claims

Construction accidents can have catastrophic consequences. While the number of fatalities is far lower than the number of injuries reported at construction sites each year, even one loss due to such traumatic incidents is too many. When that happens, it can give rise to wrongful death claims.

In such situations, it's crucial for grieving family members to work with an experienced wrongful death attorney, as they can treat their case with empathy and compassion.

Ask Family and Friends for Attorney Recommendations

After determining the type of claim they have, injured construction workers should consider reaching out to family members or others in their social circle who may have experienced similar trauma. They may have worked with an attorney for a workers' compensation claim or another type of lawsuit, which could help connect affected parties with legal representation.

When seeking attorney recommendations from friends and family, injured workers should ask as many relevant questions as possible to better understand their experiences. This will help them gather enough information to determine whether a particular lawyer is the right fit for their legal needs.

Research Construction Accident Attorneys Online

If seeking a recommendation fails, online research is the next best alternative for finding a reliable attorney for injured workers. A quick Google search with terms like 'New York construction accident lawyer' can generate a long list of nearby law firms. While this is a useful way to find qualified legal representation in the Big Apple, it is crucial to conduct due diligence before signing any agreement.

Injured construction workers should consider the law firm's reputation and its attorneys' credentials. Visiting the firm's website can provide valuable information, such as years of experience, education, certifications, past client results, and reviews, all of which can help in making an informed decision.

Read Testimonials and Go Through the Reviews

Most law firms in New York are listed on Google Business, where affected parties can read detailed reviews to learn more about former clients' experiences. This can be a great way to assess the quality of legal representation provided by a firm.

It is essential to understand that someone's past experiences are not a guarantee of what an injured worker can expect in their case. However, they can offer insight into how the construction accident law firm operates and how its attorneys interact with clients.

Besides Google, affected parties can also check out testimonials and go through the reviews on other platforms or online directories like Yelp, Avvo, Justia, and Martindale Hubbell, among others. It can help injured workers narrow down a large number of law firms in New York City to just a handful, making it easy to find the right one for their construction accident claims.

Ask Important Questions Before Hiring

Once affected parties have shortlisted the law firms through online research, they should begin reaching out to them. Most construction accident lawyers offer free consultations, providing an opportunity to speak with the attorney and learn more about them. Some may provide guidance over the phone, while others might schedule an in-person meeting at their office.

During consultations, asking attorneys about their experience, track record, communication style, fee structure, and expertise is crucial. As the injured construction worker interviews lawyers one by one, they will begin to recognize the traits they value most.

An attorney can be a powerful advocate, protecting the rights of the injured and standing by them to ensure they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Treating the consultation as a research opportunity and learning more about the lawyer can help injured workers find the best legal representation in New York City.

Here are a few questions affected parties should consider asking attorneys before hiring them:

• How many years of experience does the construction accident lawyer have in this specific practice area?

• Will the attorney handle the case directly, or will they primarily supervise junior staff?

• What percentage of the settlement or award will the lawyer charge if they win the case?

• What are the chances of success for this case?

The last question is especially important to ask. An experienced construction accident attorney will avoid making promises or upfront commitments. Even if a case seems straightforward, its outcome can depend on the available evidence. Any lawyer who guarantees a win is likely being dishonest, and it is best to avoid working with them.

Injured Workers Can Trust the Law Office of Carl Maltese with Their New York Construction Accident Cases!

Finding the right attorney is about having patience, researching, and trusting your gut feeling. If you feel uneasy during the consultation, it's best to move on and speak with another lawyer.

The Law Office of Carl Maltese is an award-winning law firm that has recovered over $150 million in compensation for injured victims in New York City. Our NYC construction accident attorney has the skills, expertise, and resources to investigate your accident, gather evidence to build a strong case, and help you navigate the complex legal process to ensure maximum chances of financial recovery.

If you've suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a construction accident in Long Island, New York, call us to schedule a free case evaluation today!