Falls Remain the Leading Cause of Death in Construction
Why Fall Hazards on New York Construction Sites Demand Immediate Attention
Every year, hundreds of construction workers across the U.S. lose their lives in preventable falls. In New York, where scaffolding and high-rise construction are part of daily life, the risk is even greater. The National Safety Council reports that over one-third of all construction industry deaths result from falls to a lower level—a statistic that hits especially hard in a city built vertically.
At Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP, our New York construction accident lawyers have spent decades fighting for workers injured in falls. We know how quickly a fall can derail a career, devastate a family, or end a life—and we know how to hold negligent employers, contractors, and property owners accountable.
Why Falls Are So Common on New York Construction Sites
Construction workers often operate at dangerous heights—on scaffolding, ladders, rooftops, and unfinished structures. Despite strict safety laws, fall protection violations remain widespread. Unsafe work surfaces, faulty equipment, missing guardrails, and inadequate training all contribute to the ongoing crisis.
New York law is clear: when general contractors or property owners fail to protect workers from gravity-related risks, they can and should be held liable. Under New York Labor Law Section 240, also known as the “Scaffold Law,” workers injured in height-related falls may have a right to take legal action beyond workers’ compensation.
The Fatal Four: Falls Still Top the List
OSHA’s “Fatal Four” highlights the top causes of construction deaths:
- Falls
- Struck by object
- Electrocutions
- Caught-in/between incidents
Falls remain the most deadly, year after year. Whether due to broken harnesses, unguarded edges, or collapsing scaffolds, these incidents often trace back to preventable hazards.
Stand-Down Week Calls Attention to Safety Failures
From May 5–9, 2025, construction employers and safety advocates across the country are participating in the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls. The campaign encourages job sites to pause work and educate crews on fall prevention.
While awareness is critical, awareness alone doesn’t stop unsafe practices. When employers cut corners, workers pay the price.
Legal Options After a Construction Site Fall in New York
If you or a loved one suffered a fall on a job site, you may be entitled to compensation through one or more of the following avenues:
- Workers’ Compensation: Covers medical treatment, lost wages, and potential permanent impairment—but not pain and suffering.
- Third-Party Lawsuits: If a contractor, property owner, equipment supplier, or other non-employer party contributed to the fall, a lawsuit can help recover additional damages.
- Labor Law 240 Claims: New York’s Scaffold Law provides powerful protections to workers hurt in gravity-related incidents and can hold owners and contractors strictly liable for safety failures.
Construction Falls Often Lead to Life-Altering Injuries
Victims of construction falls can face devastating injuries that take months—or a lifetime—to recover from. These include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones and orthopedic trauma
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
In fatal fall cases, families may be eligible to pursue wrongful death benefits, including lost income, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship.
Let a New York Construction Accident Lawyer Fight for You
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a fall from scaffolding, a ladder, or another elevated surface, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. The New York construction accident attorneys at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP are ready to step in, investigate what happened, and build a strong case for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait. Talk to a lawyer who knows how to hold negligent parties accountable—and who has spent decades delivering justice for New York’s workforce. Contact us today for a free consultation.
“Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano L.L.P. offered a professional and supportive experience throughout the entire process. The entire team was courteous and efficient, ensuring a smooth and manageable journey.” – Dwight, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐