Specialized in Construction Accident Cases 
$15 million
Ecuadorian worker wins lawsuit for scaffold fall accident.
Results on Construction Accident Cases
The construction accident lawyers at Gorayeb & Associates in New York, recognized within the Hispanic community as "The People's Lawyers," have represented over 10,000 construction workers and won over 1 billion dollars for our clients.
Gorayeb & Associates’s "The People's Lawyers"
Assistance for Construction Accident Victims Includes:
Coordinate medical
treatment
Transportation for medical appointments
Request cash advances against your lawsuit
Process your medical
expenses claim
Win maximum compensation for your lawsuit
Gorayeb & Associates’s "The People's Lawyers"
Assistance for Construction Accident Victims Includes:
- Coordinate medical treatment
- Process your lost wages claim
- Transportation for medical appointments
- Request cash advances against your lawsuit
- Process your medical expenses claim
- Win maximum compensation for your lawsuit
Win with Gorayeb!
Our accident lawyer, Christopher J. Gorayeb
Attorney Gorayeb is of Hispanic origin with work experience in construction. No one is more committed to obtaining your compensation in the event of an accident. If you need a specialist in construction work accidents, just call us.
You have seen us in:
Latest Case
$15 Million Settlement
Gorayeb & Associates secured a $15 million settlement for a 63-year-old construction worker who fell from scaffolding due to the contractor's negligence in providing safety equipment and protection.
The client is an Ecuadorian immigrant from Queens. At the time of the accident, he was standing on scaffolding 8 feet above the ground, painting walls in a basement in Brooklyn. Suddenly, the scaffolding collapsed, causing the worker to fall to the ground.
The worker suffered severe injuries that required multiple surgeries and medical treatment for the rest of his life. "The People's Lawyers" at Gorayeb & Associates achieved justice for the client with a $15 million settlement.
In the city of New York, when a construction worker is injured in an accident, not only do they have the right to claim workers' compensation, but they may also hold another party accountable through a third-party claim. To determine the compensation options available in your case, it is important to contact an experienced construction accident lawyer.
At Gorayeb & Associates, we have over 35 years of experience advocating for construction workers. If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction site accident, call us today for a free consultation.
Types of Accidents We Handle in New York
Our accident law firm specializes in the following cases:
Construction Accidents
Personal Injury Accidents
Truck Accidents
Gorayeb & Associates's Construction Lawyers Are Here to Help You Obtain Fair Compensation
When you have a construction accident in the state of New York, you can claim workers' compensation. If you have this benefit, it is not possible to sue the employer for injuries sustained in a workplace accident. This is because it is an insurance contracted by the employer's company, and this benefit is even available if the worker is injured due to their own negligence.
Among the benefits that can be obtained with workers' compensation are:
- Hospital bills
- Ambulance and surgeries
- Medical devices
- Medications
- Home care
- Disability costs
- Lost wages
Weekly payments represent a percentage of the worker's weekly earnings and are based on the severity of their disability. A temporary total disability or a state of permanent partial disability can affect the total amount to be received.
It is important to know that workers' compensation provides a limited amount of money for medical bills, loss of income, and disability. This amount may be insufficient for the care of pain and physical and emotional suffering related to an injury resulting from a construction accident.
Furthermore, workers' compensation only covers treatments necessary to address the specific work-related injury. Therefore, injured employees may seek additional benefits through third-party liability.
Who Is Responsible for Construction Workplace Accidents in New York?
Third-party liability indicates that a third party, such as a property owner or product manufacturer, could be responsible for negligence in an accident that causes injury to a worker on a construction site.
In multiple circumstances, it is possible to sue a third party for injuries resulting from a construction accident. Owners, architects, contractors, and equipment manufacturers may be considered responsible for these incidents if they did not provide the necessary safety measures for the workers.
New York has enacted specific laws to impose liability on parties responsible for safety at construction sites. Therefore, general contractors and subcontractors are considered responsible for providing adequate protection and safety measures to maintain a secure working environment. If they fail to do so and a worker is injured as a result, they can be sued for their injuries.
Contractors and subcontractors have the obligation to:
- Warn about potential hazards on the site
- Hire trained employees for their tasks
- Coordinate safety measures at work
- Ensure that safety specifications are followed
Manufacturers of construction equipment are responsible for designing and maintaining safe products. If they fail to do so, the likelihood of injuries or death increases significantly. This can make them liable for an accident.
It Is Important to Establish Responsibility in Your Construction Accident
Proving the cause of your accident can impact the types of compensation available in a potential construction accident lawsuit. Negligence in an accident must be proven for you to be compensated for your injuries. Therefore, you must provide evidence that the person you believe was responsible for your injuries had a duty to prevent you from suffering harm.
To learn more about the responsibility for your accident, consider asking yourself these questions:
- How did the accident happen?
- Were there other people involved in the accident?
- What could have caused the accident?
- Were you operating equipment? Did you know how to operate it?
- Did I receive training to operate the equipment?
- Was I wearing safety equipment?
- Were there safety signs?
- Was the equipment well-maintained?
These are some questions among many that you can ask to investigate how the accident occurred. The answers will guide you in determining who was negligent.
In our law firm, we provide legal support to individuals injured in construction accidents, regardless of their immigration status in this country. We recognize that facing the consequences of a workplace accident on a construction site can be stressful, and we strive to help overcome this situation without immigration status being an obstacle.
Immigrants have rights and can file claims for injuries, regardless of their legal status. Our team of accident lawyers in New York will protect your rights and seek medical attention and fair compensation. We analyze each case individually, gather evidence, and consult experts to build a strong case. We are here to listen to your story, assess your case, and provide legal guidance.
Don't let the lack of documents be a barrier to seeking justice. Contact us today for a free consultation. At Gorayeb & Associates, "The People's Lawyers," we are ready to help you obtain the fair compensation you deserve.
At Gorayeb & Associates, we understand that individuals who have suffered injuries in a construction accident may be concerned about the costs associated with hiring a lawyer. However, we want to assure you that you won't have to worry about legal expenses as our firm operates on a contingency fee basis.
This means there will be no upfront costs or payments out of your pocket during the legal process. We will cover all necessary expenses to pursue your case, including legal fees, investigations, and hiring experts if needed. We believe that every victim of a construction accident deserves strong and fair legal representation, and we don't want costs to be a barrier for you to obtain the compensation you deserve.
So, if you have suffered injuries in a construction accident, feel free to reach out to us. Our team of experienced construction accident lawyers in New York is ready to provide you with a free and no-obligation consultation.
In our law firm, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services in Spanish to handle your construction accident case from start to finish. Our legal team is trained to address all your legal needs related to your accident, from gathering evidence to courtroom representation. Our priority is to ensure that you receive the justice you deserve.
It is also important to note that Attorney Christopher Gorayeb, the leader of our team, has Latin roots. As a descendant of Latinos, he understands the specific concerns and challenges faced by the Hispanic community. His cultural connection and personal experience allow him to offer a sensitive and personalized approach to each case.
We are committed to protecting your rights and seeking fair compensation for your construction accident. Our goal is to provide you with strong legal support, giving you peace of mind and confidence throughout the entire process. Contact us today for a free consultation in Spanish. We are here to assist you and ensure justice is served in your construction accident case.
Some of the reasons why accidents happen at construction sites include:
- Lack of proper protective equipment
- Poorly installed scaffolding
- Equipment, machinery, and tools with inadequate maintenance
- Defects in equipment and machinery
- Lack of proper supervision
- Failure to communicate potential hazards
- Insufficient training to handle heavy machinery and complex equipment
Some of the accidents in constructions sites can be caused by:
- Falling objects
- Crane accidents
- Scaffold accidents
- Slips and falls
- Electrocution and electrical discharge
- Accidents with power tools
- Accidents on stairs
- Truck accidents
- Tractor accidents
- Excavator accidents
- Forklift accidents
- Backhoe accidents
- Heavy equipment accidents
- Boiler accidents
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
Some of the types of injuries sustained from a construction accident include:
- Fractures
- Amputations
- Burns
- Inhalation of chemicals
- Lacerations
Laws that Protect Construction Workers in New York
In the state of New York, labor laws and industrial code standards help protect workers and reduce accidents.
These standards require owners, developers, and general contractors to adhere to the Industrial Code, a set of safety rules designed to keep construction workers safe and healthy.
Both New York labor laws and OSHA safety standards are designed to ensure the safety of construction workers in their workplace. Contractors and subcontractors must adhere to these regulations.
What Happens if a Construction Worker Dies at Their Workplace?
If a loved one dies due to a construction workplace accident in New York, you may be eligible to claim compensation. Depending on your relationship with the deceased, you might be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
The benefits you may receive through workers' compensation include:
- Cash benefits
- Payment of funeral expenses
To determine if other types of benefits can be claimed, it is important to consult with a construction accident lawyer to analyze the specific circumstances.
Why Is it Important to Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer?
When a construction worker experiences an accident at the workplace, they have a 3-year window to file a compensation claim. If they fail to do so within that time frame, they may lose the opportunity to receive compensation.
It is advisable to hire an experienced construction accident lawyer immediately, such as those at Gorayeb & Associates, who will fight for your compensation. You should never sign a settlement offer without consulting a lawyer.
A construction accident lawyer will help you:
- Investigate your construction accident
- Look for signs of employer or third-party negligence
- Gather evidence and hire experts
- Answer your questions
- Obtain the best medical care to recover your health
- Negotiate with the insurance company for your compensation
- Calculate the amount of compensation
- File the required documentation
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident and needs legal advice in New York, call the construction accident lawyers at Gorayeb & Associates to receive a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Question About
New York Construction Accident Lawyers
If you were injured at a construction site in New York City, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your medical expenses and other losses related to your injuries. In fact, as a construction worker, there may be multiple parties responsible for your injuries.
To protect your rights and preserve your chances of obtaining the maximum monetary compensation possible, you should follow the steps outlined below.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, call Gorayeb & Associates for a free consultation.
Step 1: Seek medical attention for your injuries
Above all, you should seek immediate medical attention to address your injuries. There is nothing that can replace immediate and professional medical care. Additionally, waiting too long for treatment may decrease your chances of obtaining fair compensation.
Keep in mind that to benefit from workers' compensation insurance, you must see a doctor approved by the New York State Workers' Compensation Board. You can ask the doctor's office or hospital if they "accept workers' compensation insurance" to find out if the doctor is approved. You can also contact Gorayeb & Associates, and a member of our team will refer you to a board-approved doctor.
Step 2: Follow your doctor's advice
It is as important to see a doctor as it is to follow their advice. While you might feel tempted to return to work before fully recovering from your injuries, this can jeopardize both your health and your compensation claim. If the doctor advises you to use an orthopedic device, you should use it. If the doctor advises you to rest, you should rest.
Step 3: Report the accident to your employer
In New York, you have 30 days to report a workplace accident to your employer. Waiting too long may result in losing the right to claim workers' compensation benefits. Your employer should have a standard form for the report. We can assist you in filling out the form and ensuring it is submitted on time.
Step 4: Take photos and make notes
After experiencing an accident at a construction site, try to take as many photos as possible. Take pictures of the construction site, your injuries, and any clothing or other personal items that have been damaged. It may also be helpful to note everything you remember about the accident to prevent others' versions of what happened from influencing your memories.
Step 5: Don't let your employer take advantage of you
Some employers may try to take advantage of their employees. Unfortunately, these abuses often occur, especially when it comes to Hispanic or Latino workers whose native language is not English. Do not let your employer dictate which doctor to see. Additionally, avoid giving any written or recorded statements that could be used against you.
Step 6: Hire an experienced lawyer to represent you
Finally, to ensure that you protect your rights, the best and easiest thing you can do is to hire an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer can help you take the necessary steps to obtain fair compensation. This includes not only filing a claim for New York workers' compensation insurance but possibly filing personal injury lawsuits against contractors and third parties. At Gorayeb & Associates, we have obtained millions of dollars in compensation for construction workers injured in New York City.*
Specific details about case outcomes and settlements are not indicators of future case outcomes and settlements, nor should they be considered guarantees or predictions about the results of our firm's representation.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, call Gorayeb & Associates for a free consultation.
There are specific laws in place to protect construction workers. The law states that when construction is carried out in nearly any building in the state of New York, the building owner and the general contractor, if there is one, are responsible for enforcing these laws and ensuring the safety of the workers. For instance, the law specifies that it is the responsibility of the building owner and the general contractor to provide safety equipment to prevent a worker from falling off a ladder, scaffold, roof, or any elevated surface. If a worker falls, the law is presumed to have been violated, and the building owner and general contractor are held accountable for that worker's accident.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, call Gorayeb & Associates for a free consultation.
In New York, there is a workers' compensation system designed to assist employees in the event of work-related illnesses or accidents.
When the employer has workers' compensation insurance, you cannot sue them. Only if they do not have it, you may sue for damages.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, call Gorayeb & Associates for a free consultation.
Workers' compensation benefits in New York are limited; they cover medical expenses and approximately two-thirds of your average weekly wage before the accident. The reason benefits are limited is because they are subject to restrictions. For instance, you may have to see a doctor selected by the employer. Additionally, the amount of wage replacement benefits you can receive is capped on a weekly basis.
When you have an expert construction accident attorney, a thorough analysis can be conducted to determine the full scope of workers' compensation benefits that can be claimed.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, call Gorayeb & Associates for a free consultation.
It is possible, because while it's true that when the employer has workers' compensation insurance coverage, you cannot sue them. The accident that caused the worker's injury might have been caused by a third party.
This means that when someone else (other than the employer) is responsible for a worker's accident, you could sue them. So, a lawsuit depends on who and what caused the accident. Potential parties responsible could include:
- Property owners
- Contractors and subcontractors
- Construction professionals (engineers or architects)
- Manufacturers or designers of defective equipment or tools
- Third-party suppliers
- Utility companies
- Government agencies
If the accident attorney can prove the third party's liability, a compensation lawsuit could be filed.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, call Gorayeb & Associates for a free consultation.
Not at all, you don't need to worry about hiring the services of Gorayeb & Associates' lawyers because we work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only charge if we win a settlement or verdict for you. When we win your case, we charge a pre-agreed percentage of your compensation. Additionally, our initial consultation to discuss your case is free.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, call Gorayeb & Associates for a free consultation.
If your employer violated New York law and does not have workers' compensation coverage, you still have the right to compensation.
You have these 3 options:
- Sue your employer for injuries
- File a claim with the New York Uninsured Employers' Fund (UEF)
- File a claim under the project owner's or general contractor's workers' compensation policy
To learn more about the options you have for claiming compensation for injuries suffered in a construction accident, it's important to consult with a lawyer.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, call Gorayeb & Associates for a free consultation.
The statute of limitations is a type of law that prevents someone from filing a lawsuit after a certain period of time has passed. This means that to file a lawsuit or claim for an accident, you must do so before a certain amount of time has elapsed.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, call Gorayeb & Associates for a free consultation.
In New York, personal injury cases are subject to a three-year statute of limitations. This includes claims for negligence related to construction site accidents. In cases of wrongful death resulting from a workplace accident, there is a two-year timeframe to file a lawsuit.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, call Gorayeb & Associates for a free consultation.
The compensation benefits that can be obtained include:
- Present and future medical care.
- Temporary disability benefits based on your average weekly wage (AWW) and the disability rating given.
- Disfigurement to the face, neck, or head.
- Vocational rehabilitation.
- Funeral expenses.
If the claim is made against a third party, you may be able to obtain:
- Full wages lost beyond workers' compensation limits.
- Medical expenses not covered by workers' compensation.
- Pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress, disfigurement, scarring, loss of quality of life, and more.
An experienced construction accident attorney can accurately calculate the compensation.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, call Gorayeb & Associates for a free consultation.
Our construction attorneys are experts in handling these types of cases:
- Stair accidents
- Scaffold accidents
- Roof accidents
- Roof collapse accidents
- Building demolition accidents
- Falling objects/material accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Electric saw accidents
- Eye injuries
- Machinery accidents
- Cleaning accidents
- Elevator accidents
- Crane accidents
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, call Gorayeb & Associates for a free consultation.
Yes, they can. A photo or statement made in a positive sense can be taken out of context and have a negative effect on the case. Therefore, it is important not to comment or make posts on social media.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, call Gorayeb & Associates for a free consultation.
To win a case, the accident lawyer needs to analyze what happened to the worker and have evidence to support their arguments.
Some key evidence includes:
- Official reports or records
- Medical records of the injured worker
- Statements from witnesses
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Copies of work contracts
- Information about contractors
- Insurance policies
If you or someone you know has been injured, call our New York construction accident lawyers at Gorayeb & Associates for a free consultation.
Construction accidents can happen due to:
- Lack of protective equipment for workers
- Inadequate safety measures when working near power lines
- Lack of fall prevention measures for workers on elevated structures
- Inadequate protection for power tools and other equipment
- Tripping hazards due to cluttered materials and debris
- Unsafe or defective equipment
- Unsafe conditions on the property
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, call Gorayeb & Associates for a free consultation.
More About our Founding Attorney, Christopher J. Gorayeb
My family is of Hispanic origin, my paternal great-grandmother came from Nicaragua in the early twentieth century. Something that has made me feel like a member of this beautiful community.
My desire in choosing to study law was always to be able to help the most vulnerable people to get justice and live a better life.
At Gorayeb "Los Abogados del Pueblo" we defend the rights of workers and the immigrant community. Our job is to achieve justice for the injured and to help them achieve economic security for their future.
Christopher J. Gorayeb
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