New York Construction Slip and Fall Lawyer

Common Causes of Construction Site Slip and Fall Accidents 

Construction sites are constantly changing, and walking surfaces are often affected by weather, materials, and ongoing work. When safety measures are not followed, even routine movement across a job site can become dangerous. 

Slip and fall accidents on construction sites frequently result from preventable conditions such as: 

• Wet or slippery surfaces caused by water, oil, concrete slurry, or other substances 

• Spilled materials or construction debris left in walkways 

• Ice, snow, or rain that was not properly addressed 

• Uneven flooring, temporary surfaces, or unsecured planking 

• Missing railings, guardrails, or edge protection 

• Poor worksite housekeeping and lack of routine cleanup 

• Inadequate lighting in stairwells, corridors, or work areas 

Many construction sites also involve elevated walking and working surfaces, including scaffolding and temporary platforms, where a slip or loss of footing can result in a serious fall from height. For more information about these types of incidents, see our scaffolding accident lawyer page. 

Why Construction Slip and Falls Are Especially Dangerous 

Falls on construction sites tend to be more severe than slips and falls in ordinary settings. Workers may be carrying equipment, navigating uneven terrain, or working near open edges, machinery, or elevated areas. 

A slip on a construction site can result in a fall onto hard surfaces, down stairways, or into hazardous areas. Even a fall from standing height can cause serious injury when the surrounding environment is unsafe. 

Who May Be Liable in a Construction Slip and Fall Case? 

Construction slip and fall cases often involve parties other than the injured worker’s direct employer.  

Depending on how the site was managed, responsibility may fall on: 

• Property owners, who have a duty to maintain safe conditions on the premises 

• General contractors, who often oversee site safety and coordination 

• Subcontractors, whose work may have created or contributed to hazardous conditions 

• Site safety managers or supervisors, responsible for enforcing safety protocols 

• Third-party vendors or service providers, whose actions affected walking surfaces or access areas 

Identifying who controlled the area where the fall occurred is a key part of these cases. 

Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Civil Claims 

After a construction slip and fall accident, most workers are directed to file for workers’ compensation benefits. While workers’ compensation provides limited medical and wage benefits, it does not always reflect the full impact of a serious injury. 

Many construction slip-and-fall accidents involve third parties whose negligence contributed to unsafe site conditions. When this is the case, New York law may allow injured workers to pursue a separate civil claim in addition to workers’ compensation. 

Third-party civil claims may allow recovery for losses not covered by workers’ compensation, including pain and suffering and lost wages. At Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP, our  NYC construction accident lawyers examine site control, safety practices, and compliance with New York Law to identify all responsible parties. 

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Construction Slip- and Trip and Falls 

Slip and fall accidents on construction sites can cause a wide range of injuries, from conditions that resolve with treatment to those with long-lasting effects. The severity often depends on the surface involved, the surrounding environment, and how the fall occurred. 

In construction slip and fall cases, injuries commonly include: 

• Fractures to the arms, legs, hips, ankles, or wrists 

• Back and neck injuries, including sprains, strains, and herniated discs 

• Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) 

• Shoulder and knee injuries, including ligament and cartilage damage 

• Soft tissue injuries that interfere with work and daily activity 

• Injuries that result in ongoing pain, limited mobility, or time away from work 

Some injuries may improve with rest and treatment, while others require surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term care. Even injuries that initially appear manageable can have lasting consequences for a construction worker’s ability to perform physical work. 

Relevant New York Labor Laws in Construction Site Slip and Fall Cases 

If you were injured in a construction slip and fall accident, the legal rules that apply are governed by New York labor laws designed to regulate construction site safety. 

The statutes most commonly involved in these cases include: 

Labor Law §200 

Labor Law §200 requires property owners and contractors to provide a reasonably safe work environment. In slip and fall cases, this law may apply when injuries result from unsafe walking surfaces, poor housekeeping, or inadequate supervision and control over site conditions. 

Labor Law §241(6) 

Labor Law §241(6) requires owners and contractors to comply with specific safety rules contained in the New York Industrial Code. Many of these rules address flooring conditions, passageways, stairways, and housekeeping requirements on construction sites. Violations of applicable Industrial Code provisions may form the basis of a civil claim. 

The New York Industrial Code 

The Industrial Code contains detailed safety regulations governing construction sites throughout New York, including rules related to tripping hazards, debris removal, lighting, and safe access routes. These regulations are often closely scrutinized in construction slip-and-fall litigation. 

When Construction Slip and Fall Injuries Are the Result of Negligence 

Not every fall on a construction site leads to a civil lawsuit. Slip and fall injuries become legally actionable when they occur because someone responsible for site safety failed to meet a legal or safety obligation. 

In practice, negligence in construction slip and fall cases often involves situations where: 

• Hazardous conditions were allowed to remain in walking areas 

• Spills, debris, or materials were not cleaned up in a reasonable time 

• Weather-related hazards were ignored or inadequately addressed 

• Required safety measures, such as railings or lighting, were missing 

• Applicable Industrial Code safety rules were not followed 

When injuries occur under these circumstances, they raise questions about preventable safety failures rather than unavoidable accidents. 

What to Do After a Construction Slip and Fall Accident 

The steps taken after a slip and fall accident can affect both health and legal options. Injured workers should seek medical attention and report the incident as soon as possible. 

When able, it is important to document the condition that caused the fall, including photographs of the area, footwear worn, and any debris or substances present. Witness information and incident reports may also become important later. 

Construction sites change quickly, and unsafe conditions may be corrected soon after an accident. Preserving evidence early can be critical. 

Compensation Recoverable in a Civil Slip and Fall Case 

A serious construction machinery accident can affect far more than a person’s ability to return to work. Medical treatment, time away from employment, and lasting physical limitations can place real and lasting strain on injured workers and their families. 

Civil construction accident lawsuits are designed to address those losses by allowing injured workers to seek compensation that reflects the full scope of their injuries, including: 

• Past and future medical expenses 

• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity 

• Pain and suffering 

• Long-term disability and loss of quality of life 

In fatal construction machinery accidents, surviving family members may also pursue wrongful death damages to account for the financial and personal losses caused by the death of a loved one. 

Why Choose Rheingold Law for Your Construction Slip and Fall Case? 

Construction slip-and-fall cases require a detailed understanding of New York Labor Law, Industrial Code regulations, and construction site operations. Our firm has decades of experience representing injured construction workers in complex, high-value cases. 

We approach each case with careful investigation, collaboration with safety experts, and a litigation strategy designed to hold responsible parties accountable. If your slip and fall injury was caused by unsafe site conditions, we are prepared to review your case and seek justice for your rights under New York law.