New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that construction and extraction workers in New York bear the greatest risk of fatal workplace injuries. According to a report in the New York Post, the BLS data, which tracked employee deaths throughout New York State in 2024, showed that the construction and extraction group had 55 fatal workplace injuries and that falls, slips and trips resulted in 24 of the 55 deaths.
Worker safety advocates also point out the report’s findings that a high number of job-related deaths involve local workers of color. Latino workers in particular account for a greater number of those killed in New York construction accidents. Advocates say these tragedies are preventable with sustained investment in rigorous safety training, strong and proactive oversight of worksites and real accountability for contractors who violate safety laws. In 2024, construction accidents accounted for 1,034 of the 5,070 workplace deaths that occurred nationwide.
In New York, we’ve already seen a devastating construction accident in 2026. On Feb. 27, a 47-year-old construction worker was killed and a 40-year-old man was left in critical condition after a trench collapse in Brooklyn. That incident closely trailed the death of a construction worker who fell 60 feet into a massive ditch at Hudson Yards in October.
Fatal Construction Accidents
Construction accidents that lead to fatalities often involve falls, equipment-related issues and unsafe conditions. Falls from heights are the leading cause, especially from ladders, scaffolding and roofs. Workers may also be struck by falling objects such as tools, materials or debris, which tend to cause severe head injuries or death. Electrocution is another major hazard, typically occurring when workers come into contact with exposed wiring or power lines.
Caught-in or caught-between accidents happen when workers are trapped in machinery, collapsing trenches or between heavy equipment. Also, vehicle-related incidents, when victims are hit by construction trucks or cranes, contribute significantly to fatalities. Poor training, lack of proper safety gear and failure to follow safety protocols often increase these risks. Ensuring proper supervision, providing protective equipment and appropriate training can help reduce the likelihood of these deadly accidents on construction sites.
Compensation for Injured Workers
Injured construction workers may be able to seek compensation for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost income and benefits, hospitalization, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. When a construction worker is injured on the job, the first line of financial protection is usually workers’ compensation. This system provides benefits regardless of fault, covering medical expenses, a portion of lost wages and rehabilitation costs. In cases of permanent disability, workers’ compensation may also provide long-term or lifetime benefits. However, workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering and benefits are often limited compared to the full extent of losses. The large verdicts and settlements occur when others are sued in third-party cases.
In some situations, injured workers may also pursue a third-party lawsuit in addition to workers’ compensation. These claims arise when someone other than the employer or co-employees — such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner and manager — contributed to the accident. For example, if a defective elevator caused injuries and damages, the manufacturer may be held liable. Third-party lawsuits can provide compensation for damages not covered by workers’ compensation, including pain and suffering, emotional distress and full lost earnings, and these verdicts and settlements can be quite large.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
If you have suffered injuries in a construction-related accident, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you. It is in the best interest of injured victims and their families in such cases to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer before contacting the people responsible for the injuries, and definitely before contacting or communicating with any insurance company, or their lawyers, investigators, or adjusters.
Our law firm recovered $3,375,576 for a construction worker (an undocumented immigrant) who was injured on the job — one of the highest construction case settlements in New York that year. Our law firm also recovered $3,000,000 for a man who fell and suffered two broken legs when he walked into an open elevator shaft. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys‘ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury, lead poisoning, paraplegia cases and medical malpractice cases including, brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) and cerebral palsy cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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