How Much Does It Cost to Hire a New York Construction Accident Lawyer?

Factors That Can Affect Your Attorney’s Fee Percentage 

While 33.3% is the standard contingency fee, certain factors can affect the final percentage. Cases involving multiple defendants, extensive expert testimony, or trial preparation carry more risk and complexity, which may be reflected in the fee agreement.  

Some attorneys also adjust their percentage if a case proceeds to trial. A reputable firm will always be transparent about these variables upfront, before you sign anything.  

“Before we take on a case, we sit down with the client and go through every aspect of the fee agreement,” explains attorney Thomas Giuffra. “We clarify what we charge, how expenses are handled, and what to expect at each stage. Our clients should never have to wonder what something is going to cost.” 

What the Law States About New York Attorney Fees  

New York law sets clear limits on what attorneys can charge. Under 22 NYCRR 603.7(e), contingency fees in personal injury cases cannot exceed one-third (33.3%) of the sum recovered. Attorneys are also required to provide a written retainer agreement detailing fees and how expenses will be handled.  

If a dispute arises, clients have access to New York’s Attorney-Client Fee Dispute Resolution Program. This is a free arbitration process administered by the court system that allows clients to formally challenge a fee they believe is excessive or inconsistent with their retainer agreement. 

The Benefits of a Contingency Fee Model 

The contingency fee model exists because construction accident litigation is expensive, and most injured workers cannot pay a retainer or hourly rate, particularly while they are out of work and managing medical costs.  

Beyond accessibility, it aligns the interests of the attorney and the client because both are working toward the same goal. And because attorneys only accept cases they believe they can win, signing a contingency agreement is itself a signal that your claim has merit. 

How to Choose the Right Attorney 

Choosing the right construction accident attorney can be the difference between a fair recovery and leaving money on the table, and attorney’s fees are just one deciding factor.  

Before you sign anything, look at:  

• Track record — Ask for specific results in personal injury cases. For example, our firm has recovered over $2 billion for clients across New York since 1971.  

• Case resources — Find out whether the firm invests in expert witnesses and who will actually handle your case. With Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP, our partners are directly involved in litigation.  

• Discount fee caution — A lower percentage may mean less investment in your case and a lower settlement, or none at all.  

• Retainer agreement review — Before signing with any firm, confirm that the fee percentage, expense deductions, and terms for an unsuccessful outcome are stated clearly in writing. 

Statistics Highlighting the Need for Legal Representation 

Construction remains one of New York’s most dangerous industries. The numbers reflect why skilled legal representation matters: 

• NYC recorded 30 construction worker deaths in 2023. That’s the highest in a decade, per NYCOSH. 

• New York State saw 74 construction fatalities in 2023, a 48% increase from the prior year (NYCOSH) 

• 74% of fatal construction sites reviewed by NYCOSH had prior OSHA violations, evidence that can be critical in civil litigation (NYCOSH) 

• Falls account for approximately 58% of NYC construction deaths, and fall protection has been OSHA’s most-cited violation for 14 consecutive years nationally. 

• Non-union workers account for 77% of fatal construction incidents in New York State (NYCOSH). 

These numbers make one thing clear: Construction accidents in New York are not random misfortune.  They are often the result of repeated, documented failures by employers, contractors and property owners.  

If you or someone you love has been injured on a job site, the evidence needed to support your claim may already exist. Our attorneys can evaluate the facts of your case, identify applicable Labor Law protections, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. 

Schedule a Consultation with a Construction Accident Lawyer 

The attorneys at Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP handle construction injury cases with the time, care, and resources your situation requires. We understand that this may be one of the most difficult periods of your life, and we are committed to guiding you through every step with professionalism and clarity.