Staten Island has seen rapid development in recent years—from large-scale commercial projects to expanding residential communities. But as construction ramps up across the borough, so do the risks for workers.
Whether you’re a union laborer on a commercial high-rise or a contractor on a smaller residential build, the job comes with real hazards. A fall from scaffolding, an equipment malfunction, or even safety oversight can result in devastating injuries.
At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP (WRSMH), we’ve spent more than 50 years advocating for injured workers in New York City. If you’ve suffered a construction injury on the job in Staten Island, it’s important to understand your rights and available legal options.
Construction Accidents in Staten Island
Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries in New York. According to OSHA and NYC Department of Buildings data, common accident types include:
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops
- Being struck by falling materials or tools
- Electrocution from exposed wiring
- Equipment-related injuries (e.g., cranes, forklifts)
- Trench collapses or structural failures
In Staten Island’s growing neighborhoods and job sites across Richmond County, workers often face these risks under tight deadlines and with minimal oversight. Unfortunately, safety violations and inadequate training still plague many projects—especially when general contractors cut corners.
What to Do After a Construction Accident
If you’ve been hurt in a workplace incident, follow these immediate steps to protect your health and your future claim:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if the injury seems minor, internal damage or soft-tissue trauma may not be immediately apparent. Get checked by a medical professional right away.
- Report the Injury: Notify your foreman, union steward, or site supervisor. Under New York law, workplace injuries should be reported within 30 days to preserve workers’ compensation eligibility.
- Document the Scene: If you’re physically able, take photos of the job site, safety equipment (or lack thereof), tools involved, and visible injuries. Also, gather names and contact info from witnesses.
- Avoid Making Statements or Signing Forms: Insurance companies and employers may attempt to get you to sign waivers or statements that could hurt your case. Don’t sign anything until you speak with a lawyer.
- Contact a Construction Injury Attorney: Consulting with a Staten Island construction injury lawyer ensures that your legal rights are protected from day one.
Who’s Liable for Your Injuries?
In many Staten Island job site incidents, liability goes beyond just workers’ comp. New York’s Labor Laws offer powerful protections to construction workers, especially in falls, scaffold incidents, or unsafe site conditions.
Labor Law 240 – The Scaffold Law
This law provides strict liability for falls from heights (or falling objects) on construction sites. If you fell from scaffolding, a ladder, or other elevated structure—even if you were partially at fault—you may have grounds for a lawsuit under this law.
A scaffold fall may trigger Labor Law 240, allowing you to sue general contractors, site owners, or other parties responsible for safety.
Labor Law 241(6) – Safety Violations
This law applies to worksite safety standards and requires that all construction areas be safely equipped. Violations of New York’s Industrial Code, such as exposed wiring or failure to use protective equipment, may create legal liability.
Labor Law 200 – General Negligence
This covers general site safety and allows claims against employers, site owners, and contractors for failing to provide a safe work environment.
Third-Party Lawsuits
While you generally cannot sue your employer directly due to workers’ comp laws, you may be able to file a lawsuit against other responsible parties. That may include:
- Subcontractors
- Equipment vendors
- Property owners
- Equipment manufacturers
- Safety inspection firms
What About Union Workers?
If you’re a member of a labor union and suffered a union site accident, your benefits may include:
- Workers’ compensation
- Disability pension (through your union)
- Supplemental insurance coverage
It’s important to remember that union workers are also entitled to file third-party lawsuits under Labor Law protections. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the intersection of your union rights and your legal rights to pursue full compensation.
Construction Accident Injuries
Staten Island job sites can be chaotic, noisy, and dangerous. Some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Fractures or crushed limbs
- Electrocution burns
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Long-term disability
These injuries often lead to high long-term medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, and a lifetime of physical limitations. That’s why the legal strategy for your case must consider not just your current bills but your future needs.
Safety Compliance in New York Construction
Site supervisors, owners, and contractors are required by law to comply with safety compliance standards in New York, including OSHA regulations and the NYC Building Code.
When safety compliance standards are violated, it strengthens your civil claim beyond basic workers’ compensation. Common violations may include:
- Lack of fall protection systems
- Failure to secure tools or materials at height
- Missing guardrails or harnesses
- Inadequate lighting or ventilation
- Poorly maintained equipment
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If your case qualifies for a civil lawsuit, you may be able to recover damages far beyond what workers’ comp provides. This includes:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
In cases of gross negligence or willful safety violations, you may even be entitled to punitive damages.
Why Choose WRSMH?
At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, we’ve been protecting New York construction workers for over 50 years. Our firm has recovered more than $2 billion for injured clients and has built a reputation for thorough preparation, aggressive negotiation, and courtroom success.
We focus heavily on construction accident cases, including scaffold falls, heavy equipment injuries, and contractor negligence. Our attorneys also work closely with engineers, safety experts, and union representatives to uncover violations and hold negligent parties accountable.
When you work with WRSMH, you’re not just hiring a law firm—you’re putting decades of trial experience and a full investigative team on your side. Some additional accolades include:
- Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Law Firms in NYC
- Attorneys consistently named to Super Lawyers and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- A proven record of securing multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements in construction cases
Speak With Our Experienced Construction Accident Attorneys Today
Don’t let contractors, property owners, or insurance companies downplay your injuries or deny your rights. At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, we proudly represent victims of Richmond County job site injuries, union site accidents, and scaffold falls in Staten Island.
You focus on healing—we’ll handle the rest. Call our Staten Island personal injury lawyers today at (212) 986-7353 to schedule a free consultation.