Workplace Injuries

Don’t Let An Accident Cripple You Financially

Injured on a New York construction site?

Getting hurt at work puts everything you’ve built at risk — your health, your income, your future, and your family’s security.

Workers’ Compensation alone rarely covers the true cost. Don’t gamble with your livelihood.

These Aren’t “Accidents” — They Are Jobsite Failures

Fell from a ladder, scaffold, roof, ramp, bulkhead, or unguarded floor opening. 
Were struck by falling tools, bricks, demolition debris, or an unsecured load. 
Slipped or tripped on garbage, debris, or a slick surface that should never have been there.

If so, then the law says: the people in charge—not you—are responsible.

Unsafe and unclean worksites are predictable, preventable, and obvious failures in safety. They don’t “just happen.” They happen because safety rules weren’t followed.

The Injuries Are Real — And So Are the Consequences

For more than 40 years, Schwartzapfel Holbrook has fought for injured New York construction workers.

Every case has one thing in common: if the safety rules had been followed, the injury would never have happened.

we’ve seen it all:

Torn muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Broken bones and crushed limbs

Damaged spinal cords, paralysis, and traumatic brain injuries

Severe burns, surgeries, and even wrongful death

Your Rights Under New York Law

New York gives construction workers some of the strongest legal protections in the nation.

These laws make sure that when safety is ignored, those in charge are held accountable.

LABOR LAW §240

THE “SCAFFOLD LAW”

Protects workers involved in building, demolition, repairs, alterations, painting, cleaning, and pointing. 
Covers falls from any height and injuries caused by objects falling from above. 
Requires effective safety devices: ladders, scaffolds, hoists, harnesses, ropes, rails, nets, rigging, and more. 
If those protections were missing, weak, or failed, the owner or general contractor is strictly liable.

PLAIN ENGLISH

If you fell—or something fell on you—the law is on your side.

LABOR LAW §200

SAFE PLACE TO WORK

Covers anyone working or lawfully on site. 
Requires owners and contractors to maintain a reasonably safe job site and safe equipment. 
If a hazard was known (or should have been known) and not fixed, they are responsible.

PLAIN ENGLISH

If the site was unsafe and the boss/owner didn’t fix it, they’re on the hook.

LABOR LAW §241(6)

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY RULES

Applies to construction, demolition, and excavation sites. 
Requires compliance with New York’s Industrial Code (Part 23). 
Rules cover things like: guarding openings, keeping passageways clear, shoring excavations, maintaining and inspecting equipment. 
If a specific safety rule was violated and you got hurt, those in charge are liable.

PLAIN ENGLISH

If a safety rule was broken and that caused your injury, you can recover against the owner/GC — even if a subcontractor was at fault.

Why This Matters For You

You don’t have to prove negligence under §240 — if fall or gravity protections failed, the law is automatic. 

You may be entitled to more than just Workers’ Comp, including full lost wages, medical care, and pain and suffering.

Even if you think you made a mistake, the law still protects you — owners and contractors cannot shift the blame onto workers when safety rules weren’t followed.