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Hiring an Attorney After an Injury on the Job: 6 Key Considerations for Construction Workers

Three construction workers wearing hard hats and safety vests reviewing documents at a job site with a crane and building under construction in the background. Overlaid text reads: "Hiring an Attorney After an Injury on the Job: 6 Key Considerations for Construction Workers."

Hiring an attorney after an injury on the job is a topic many construction workers encounter after serious incidents on active worksites.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction account for 21 percent of all work-related fatalities in the United States .making it one of the most dangerous industries nationwide. With heavy machinery, heights, and subcontractors involved, injuries on job sites can quickly become complex.

Bar chart from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing fatal occupational injuries across private industry sectors in 2023, with construction ranked among the highest, broken down by causes such as falls, contact with objects, transportation incidents, and exposure to harmful substances.
Construction continues to lead among U.S. industries with the highest number of fatal work injuries. This chart from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights how incidents such as falls, struck-by events, and equipment-related injuries remain common causes of on-site fatalities.

Hiring an attorney after an injury on the job brings up 6 key considerations for construction workers. These questions and concerns often shape how individuals move forward after an accident.

1. The Conditions on the Construction Site

Some workers experience injuries due to scaffold collapses, falling objects, or machinery malfunctions. Others are injured by the the actions of subcontractors or poorly maintained work zones. Understanding what contributed to the incident is often part of the conversation when legal support is considered.

2. Responsibility Beyond the Employer

Construction sites typically involve general contractors, property owners, and third-party vendors. In some cases, the cause of the injury may be tied to someone outside the direct employer. Exploring who controlled the site or provided equipment may be one of the 6 key considerations for construction workers after an injury.

3. The Medical Timeline and Recovery

Many construction injuries require extended treatment. These include fractures, spinal injuries, or long-term pain management. Some individuals express concern about when they will be able to return to their trade or whether their mobility will be the same. Medical documents and long-term care plans are often discussed in these scenarios.

4. Missed Work and Financial Impact

For those who rely on physical labor, time away from the site can create stress. Missed paychecks, gaps in projects, or inability to meet licensing deadlines are real issues for many. These financial disruptions are among the most commonly reported struggles following an on-site injury.

5. Time-Sensitive Deadlines and Legal Notices

Some individuals are unaware that time limits may apply when pursuing legal action, especially when city-owned property, large contractors, or union agreements are involved. Reviewing these timelines is often one of the 6 key considerations for construction workers who are thinking about next steps.

6. Finding Clarity

Hiring an attorney may not lead to a formal claim for everyone, but some individuals report that speaking with a legal team helped them understand what options existed. For many, it offers a sense of clarity when things feel uncertain.

Want to Explore More?

Do you want to learn more about this topic? Read more on our latest blog: Billionaire’s Row Controversy: Are NYC’s Construction Workers Paying the Price of a $100 Million-Dollar Cover Up?
Two construction workers in hard hats and safety gear reviewing documents together at an active job site, surrounded by scaffolding and structural framing.
After an injury on a construction site, reviewing job site conditions and paperwork is a common step for workers seeking clarity on what happened and who was involved. Image for illustrative purposes only.

Looking for Guidance?

At WSAT Law, we focus on supporting individuals injured on construction sites throughout New York. Our team is available to review incidents involving scaffolding, safety violations, and job site hazards. If you have questions, we welcome your call.

Call (212) 683-3800 to contact William Schwitzer & Associates.

Important:
This information is only a general guide and is NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Each case is different.
Images used are conceptual illustrations and do not depict actual events or clients.
The best option is to call our offices for specialized help. Call (212) 683-3800 to contact William Schwitzer & Associates for legal assistance.

About The Author

Picture of John C. Merlino, ESQ.

John C. Merlino, ESQ.

John C. Merlino is a zealous legal voice for injured construction workers. A senior attorney, Mr. Merlino was born and raised in Brooklyn, to immigrant parents. Mr. Merlino learned the importance of educating our clients of their rights and being a strong-compassionate advocate. Mr. Merlino, along with his mentor William Schwitzer, are among the most respected Construction Site Accident Lawyers in the State of New York.

About John C. Merlino, Esq.