Construction workers

Bronx Construction Accident Lawyers

Recent increases in development and construction may revitalize the Bronx, bringing more housing and jobs to the community.

But an increase in construction sites in the borough means a higher risk of catastrophic accidents for New York workers and residents.

The construction accident attorneys at the Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC are here to help...

When Safety Is Traded for Profits Construction Workers Can Depend on Us

The city that never sleeps never stops building either. But when companies start cutting corners on worksite safety and training, it’s the workers that pay. 

In the first five months of 2021 alone, seven people died in construction-related fatalities in New York City. In response, the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) kicked off a “zero tolerance” crackdown on safety violations.

Inspectors issued 3,600+ safety violations and nearly 1,500 stop-work orders. In the Bronx alone, DOB inspectors visited 722 sites, issuing 365 safety violations and 144 stop work orders. 

Unfortunately, one crackdown on safety violations won’t keep construction workers safe. “Construction deaths will be inevitable without constant vigilance,” noted one member of the NYC Council’s Committee on Housing and Buildings.

The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph is ready when construction site accidents lead to trauma and death. Our construction accident lawyers each have more than 20 years of experience.

And accidents will continue. Consider these 2021 construction accidents in the Bronx, which all happened after the city sweep for safety violations started in June:

  • Two men were critically injured in a Bronx scaffolding collapse on October 30, 2021. The men were doing interior construction at a building at 925 Hunts Point Ave. when it gave way and they fell 20 feet to the ground, according to a story by the New York Post quoting the New York Police Department.
  • A worker was buried in a trench collapse at a worksite on Mosholu Avenue in the Riverdale section of the Bronx on Dec. 16, 2021, reported ABC7TV. The worker, who was buried up to his waist, was transported to  Jacobi Hospital in serious but stable condition.
  • The front of a Bronx building under repair collapsed sending a few tons of debris onto a protective sidewalk covering, collapsing it, reported ABC7TV. The incident happened in August 2021 at a West Tremont Avenue building. Thankfully the collapse did not occur the following day when seniors line up in front of the building for “Senior Pantry” day. According to a preliminary investigation, construction workers were being hoisted up in a suspended scaffold along the front wall at the time of the collapse.      


Were You Injured in a Construction Site Accident?

Odds are you were injured because of a dangerous site condition, a dangerous work practice, or a violation of labor law. Our construction accident lawyers can fight to get the compensation you deserve.

$2.2 Million Settlement in a Construction Accident Case

Our Bronx construction accident lawyers secured this settlement for a client who was injured by a falling object.

How Much Money Has Been Invested in Bronx Development?

Consider These Startling Numbers...

*According to Welcome2TheBronx

From 2009 to 2018, nearly $19 billion were invested in Bronx development projects.

Were You Injured at a Bronx Construction Site? Contact a Construction Injury Attorney

As development increases throughout the Bronx, the dangers to workers and other members of the community increase. If negligence leads to a catastrophic or fatal injury at a construction site, you can count on our team of attorneys for help.

The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph stands with injured workers and other people affected by construction accidents. We work with a skilled investigator who will visit the job site where the incident occurred. The information gathered there in conjunction with other available evidence will help us build a strong construction accident case.  Whether it's an injury claim, a wrongful death lawsuit, or personal injury  you will not pay our law firm a cent unless your case is successfully resolved.

If you or a loved one has been injured at a construction site, contact our law firm. You can also reach our New York City construction accident lawyers by phone.

Call Us Today

(212) 858-0503

Attorney Michael H. Joseph

Attorney Michael H. Joseph and his team of skilled construction accident lawyers are here to help injured workers and their loved ones.

Legal Representation from a Lawyer You Can Trust Our Law Firm Is Here to Help the People of New York City

1

Anne Horan

2015

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Been with the Law Offices of Michael H. Joseph since 2012, and he is just great. So understanding, and an awesome guy in general. He is always providing me me with thoughtful and well reasoned advice, and overall was so communicative with me whether it was through email or by phone. Recommend Michael.

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Bobby Larson

2013

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The Law Office of Michael Joseph is by far the best attorney I have ever used. I have dealt with a lot of lawyers, Michael has been more then fair to me. He is a very down to earth, reasonable person, and very reasonably priced.

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A Tragedy in Mott Haven Fatal South Bronx Construction Site Accident

Elevator going up side of building under construction

There was a fatal construction accident on Bruckner Blvd. near Lincoln Ave. in Mott Haven on May 19, 2021. One construction worker was killed and another construction worker severely injured when an elevator carrying both men fell four stories. According to the Daily News, the construction supervisor died from injuries sustained in the elevator crash, while the other worker was taken to Lincoln Hospital in critical condition.

The four-story building where the accident occurred is being renovated into a K-6 charter school. Another construction worker died in a fall at this same building in December 2019.

Construction accidents like these may increase as more developments move forward throughout the Bronx.

Lower Concourse
Rezoning Projects

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  • Bronx Point mixed-use development
  • The Universal Hip Hop Museum
  • Affordable housing
  • Community facility space
  • Infrastructure improvements to Exterior Street
  • New 2.3-acre park along the Harlem River
  • More than 10,000 square feet of retail space

The Plight of Latino
& Immigrant Workers

An August 2019 tragedy at a construction site in the Bronx highlights the plight of Latino construction workers. Segundo Huerta was crushed to death and two other relatives were seriously injured in the construction site accident  on East 208th Street in Norwood,

Segundo was an Ecuadorean immigrant and like many immigrants, not a member of a union. Statistics highlight the issues immigrants working in construction face.

According to the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH), a workers’ safety advocacy group.

  • Latino workers made up only 10 percent of the state’s workforce but accounted for more than 20.5 percent of worker fatalities in 2019.
  • Latino and immigrant workers are exploited by employers who willfully violate safety and health protections on the job. 
  • Immigrant workers are less likely to report violations out of fear of retaliation. 

Nothing better than dealing with people that are knowledgeable and professional. That's exactly what you get when you go to The Law Office of Michael Joseph.

– Eve L., 2015. Read Review on YellowPages

Undocumented Workers Have Rights Request a Free Consultation

Hablamos Español | Falamos Português

Our construction accident lawyers stand at the ready to defend the rights of undocumented construction workers. Undocumented and immigrant workers employed at non-union sites face a greater risk of a construction injury, a fact highlighted by this stark statistic from NYCOSH: 78 percent of workers who died on private worksites in New York State in 2019 were non-union.

If you are an undocumented worker who has been injured in a construction site accident, you have the same rights as New Yorkers. You can receive workers’ compensation benefits and sue if you are injured at a construction site following the same labor laws used by US citizens.

The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph can see to it that you are treated fairly under the law.

If you were injured on the job but are unsure of your rights, request a free consultation to learn what you can do to provide for yourself and your family after a devastating accident leaves you facing skyrocketing medical bills. 

Leave us a message or call to request a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis in construction and personal injury cases, which means there is no fee unless we win your case. 

(212) 858-0503

"Highest Quality in the Business"

1

Renee Fasma

2013

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I actually did an internet search for car accident lawyers in the area. Initially the meeting with my attorney went well. He put all terms into language I could understand. They were pretty affordable, and I was happy with the final result.

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Rian W

2020

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Mr. Joseph is a pleasant and understanding attorney that will fight hard to resolve disputes. His work product is of the highest quality in the business. He's willing to invest his time into cases so you'll to be in the best position to win.

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We Have Your Back

Our lawyers have won major legal decisions for injured construction workers. Our successful lawsuits have changed the law and increased protections for the valued workers that make New York City bigger and better every day.

Options for Pursuing Compensation Workers' Compensation Claims vs. Injury Lawsuits

Workers' Compensation Claims

Workers' compensation is a type of insurance that is intended to cover injuries sustained while performing your duties on the job. These benefits can be sought if a construction accident was the result of a supervisor's negligence, a co-worker's negligence, and even your own negligence. Keep in mind that injured workers are not guaranteed to receive compensation benefits, even if they file a legitimate injury claim.

Filing an Injury Lawsuit

You may have grounds to file a construction accident lawsuit if there were dangerous conditions at the job site, health or safety violations were present, or unsafe equipment was being used. The compensatory and possible punitive damages awarded in a lawsuit are much higher than the compensation granted through workers' compensation. Yet filing a lawsuit does not guarantee a successful verdict or settlement.

Don't Sell Yourself Short You May Deserve More Than Workers’ Compensation

We can determine if your case allows you to seek workers' compensation and also file a lawsuit for full compensation.

Construction workers know one fact: Workers’ compensation typically pays only part of your lost wages. And it doesn’t compensate for non-economic losses such as the pain and suffering that goes along with serious construction accident injuries.

What many people don’t know is that New York has additional legal protections for construction workers that allow them to sue for compensation on top of workers’ compensation in specific situations.

However, these laws are complex. You will need professional legal advice to determine which labor laws may apply in your case. The construction accident lawyers at Law Office of Michael H. Joseph have decades of experience protecting the rights of construction workers.

If you’ve been injured at a construction site, you should determine if your case is eligible for financial compensation using these state laws designed specifically for construction workers.

We’ve got your back. Request a free consultation to learn the full extent of your rights under the law. We have offices in Manhattan and White Plains that are convenient for commuters and NYC residents.  You can leave us a message or call:

(212) 858-0503

There Is Never A Fee Unless We Win Your Case

Which Option Should I Pursue?

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Construction accidents can lead to expensive medical bills, long-term disability, lost wages, and the loss of future earning potential. When weighing your options, it's important to consider what would be best for your livelihood and your family. During a free legal consultation at the Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, we can review the details of your case. We can review the pros and cons and help you make an informed decision about what you should do next.

Attorneys Committed to Workers and Families Representing People Throughout New York City

1

Maria Correa

2021

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I want to thank the law office of Michael and Joseph, they handled my case that when I came to them I was told by previous counsel that I had no case, once the law office of Michael and Joseph seen my case they said I have a case and they could win it and that’s exactly what they did. Whenever I was concerned they responded very quickly. I would recommend them to anyone of my family and friends. They are winners and thank them for all they did for me!!

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1

Darleny Almonte

2019

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My husband has been with them since 2014 and still counting and they have been absolutely awesome. HE IS TRULY PROFESSIONAL!!! definitely will split the sea for you. We are blessed to have him handling my husbands case and already recommended him to a cousin which was also really pleased with the services. Michael is a shark and will bite these defense attorneys in there behind. BEWARE!!!!

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We Work for You Not Construction Companies

Construction workers know there are numerous ways to be injured at a worksite, especially on non-union sites or joint sites with both union and non-union workers where safety may be lax.  NYCOSH reports that non-union job sites are especially dangerous for workers, pointing out that in 2019, 78 percent of workers who died on private worksites were non-union.

If you’ve been injured, our construction accident attorneys, who each have more than 20 years of experience, have the skills you need to build a strong case. We have a deep understanding of New York construction law and industrial codes and know how they apply to electricians, carpenters, plumbers, window washers, painters, and laborers on a worksite. Common construction site accidents include:

Scaffold Accident & Ladder Falls

Were you injured in a fall due to poorly constructed or maintained scaffolding? Or were you struck by falling materials that were improperly hoisted or secured?

Labor Law 240, New York’s venerable Scaffold Law, places absolute liability on owners or general contractors for these “gravity-related” accidents. Under Labor Law 240, you may be able to collect workers’ compensation and also sue for pain and suffering, all of your lost wages, and more.

Fallen ladder
Wet Floor

Dangerous Site Conditions

Were you injured because of dangerous conditions at the construction site or a dangerous work practice? Perhaps you were not provided with the correct safety gear.

You may be able to collect workers’ compensation and also bring a lawsuit. If your injury qualifies under New York Labor Laws 200 or 241, you are permitted to hold the landowner or general contractor liable for your injures. 

Excavation  Accidents

New York Labor Law §241(6) requires contractors and property owners to comply with specific regulations during excavations. If the code was not followed you may be able to collect workers’ compensation and also sue for your injuries, pain and suffering, and disability.

Our New York construction accident lawyers have handled numerous cases all over the state and can determine your rights to sue for more complete compensation for your injury.

Excavation accident
Woman calling for help as her coworker is injured

Hoisting & Falling Accidents

Falling debris and objects that swing and hit people are common worksite dangers. New York labor laws, including Labor Law 240 and 241, require that workers be protected from falling objects and objects being hoisted.

When those laws aren’t followed, our construction lawyers can use them to seek more complete compensation for your injuries than just workers' compensation alone provides. Both 240 and 241 generally do not consider a work’s own negligence as a factor in the accident.

Falling debris can also lead to personal injury cases if pedestrians are injured

It's a Job. It Shouldn't Cost You Your Life. Request a Free Consultation

The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph has been in the trenches for decades defending and advancing the rights of construction workers in the Bronx and throughout New York. 

We know that property owners pressure contractors for low bids. Contractors then turn around and cut corners to save money. Too often those cuts put construction workers at risk when safety rules are ignored and working conditions at the site deteriorate.

Our attorneys have decades of experience fighting for injured construction workers. We have won lawsuits throughout the Appellate and Supreme Courts of New York, including notable cases that have expanded protection for injured construction workers.  

We don't shy away from tough construction and personal injury cases. If you are not sure you have a case, request a free consultation to find out where you stand. Feel free to leave us a message or call: 

(212) 858-0503

Office

"I’m Grateful for Everything He Has Done"

1

Gabriel Arias

2021

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I had a personal injury in the state of New York and at the same time I was living in Rhode Island not knowing who to trust or who I should take my case too I looked up the best lawyers in the area . I came across Michael’s law firms after speaking to other lawyers . when I called him he picked up took my information over the phone and assured me he was going to take care of me. That he did . Michael is professional, timely , and organized, . I would recommend him as the best personal injury lawyer in the westChester área. Today my case was resolved and I am completely satisfied with the service I received. If your in the westChester área or in New York and your in need of a personal injury lawyer Michael is the lawyer for the job .

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1

Serguey Padron

2020

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Knowledgeable and efficient attorney who genuinely cares I would highly recommend Michael Joseph for legal matters involving injuries. I was in a car accident and Michael took my case without hesitation and gave me great advice. Michael was wonderful the whole time and kept in touch during the entire process. I never had to contact him for updates since he was right on top of things. The whole process moved a lot faster than I expected and Michael won my case. I’m grateful for everything he has done and for fighting for me as a victim of a car accident. If you ever need someone to represent you due to personal injuries don’t hesitate to contact Michael Joseph. You will never regret it!

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The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC

Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC

The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC, has been helping injured victims recover compensation for their injuries for over a decade. Our attorneys are members of several prestigious organizations, including: 

  • New York State Trial Lawyers Association
  • American Association for Justice
  • New York County Bar Association
  • Westchester County Bar Association

To request your free initial consultation with our team, call our New York City office at (212) 858-0503 or our White Plains office at (914) 574-8330. You can also request a case review online.

Contact Us Today

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18 W 33rd St
Ste 400
New York, NY 10001

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203 E Post Rd
White Plains, NY 10601

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