Who Is Liable for a Construction Accident in New York?

 Posted on May 07, 2025 in Personal Injury

If New York is the city that never sleeps, that surely applies to construction in the city–it seems as if there is always something under construction. It is hardly possible to go for a walk in Manhattan or Brooklyn, or a drive in Westchester, without coming across one construction project or another. This may be annoying if you are stuck in traffic, but it can also have devastating consequences if you are injured in a construction accident or on the job at a construction site. If that happens, you may be wondering who is liable for a personal injury in a construction accident. An experienced New York Metro Area personal injury attorney can answer your questions and represent you if you have been injured in a construction accident. 

Who Is Liable for a Construction Site Accident?

Because so many different parties may be involved in any given construction project, determining who is liable for a construction accident can be complicated. Potentially liable parties include the property owner, contractor, subcontractor, the employer of the worker injured on the job, and other parties involved in the construction.

Property Owners

Property owners who are aware of a dangerous condition on a construction worksite and fail to do anything to repair or address it could be liable for the accident, especially if they had oversight of the construction project.

General Contractors and Subcontractors 

Contractors must ensure that adequate safety measures are enforced in the workplace, including by providing adequate training, maintaining safe equipment, and ensuring that Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements are followed. If they fail to enforce these safety protocols, they could be liable for the accident. Likewise, if subcontractors do not follow the safety guidelines or are negligent, they could be held liable for an injury.

Equipment Manufacturers

Construction sites use heavy machinery and plenty of equipment. If this equipment malfunctions or is defective and causes or contributes to an accident, the manufacturer could be held liable. 

Third Parties

Construction sites rely on third-party vendors to provide everything from food to material delivery to equipment maintenance. If a third party is negligent in improper installation or failure to maintain equipment, they could also be liable for personal injury compensation.

Call a New York Metro Area Construction Attorney 

If you or someone you love has been injured in a construction accident, there could be physical, emotional, and financial damage as a result. Do not wait to speak to an experienced New York Metro Area personal injury attorney who can advise you as to what to do and whether you have a solid personal injury claim. At Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC we represent clients with diligence and dedication. Call the firm at 203-661-6000 for a free consultation.