Construction Worker Injury Case: $900,000 Settlement
At MidHudson Injury Law, we recently resolved a construction worker injury case that demonstrates the very real dangers of unsafe equipment on job sites—and the legal protections available to those who are hurt. Our client suffered serious injuries when a makeshift scaffold-ladder combination collapsed beneath him. He clung to the edge of an opening in the ceiling to avoid a devastating fall, relying only on his own strength. The fall left him with lasting physical and psychological trauma.

New York State labor laws offer strong protections for injured workers, especially under Labor Law § 240(1), commonly known as the “Scaffold Law.” This law holds general contractors and property owners strictly liable when a worker is injured due to inadequate fall protection or defective elevation-related equipment. In this construction worker injury case, the unstable and unsafe scaffold-ladder configuration which the general contractor’s onsite supervisor permitted clearly violated that statute. A jury would have almost certainly found the defendants liable.
We litigated the case extensively and worked closely with two physicians who fully documented our client’s injuries. Their evaluations helped establish the physical damage and long-term effects—including chronic pain, mobility issues, and psychological stress. These findings were instrumental in securing a $900,000 settlement for our client.
What Should You Do if Equipment Seems Unsafe?
We know it can feel risky to speak up on a job site. But protecting yourself is critical. If you see something unsafe:
- Report it to your supervisor in writing. Ask if the equipment meets OSHA or site safety standards.
- Document the hazard. Take photos if it’s safe. Note the date, time, what you observed, and who witnessed it.
- Refuse dangerous work. OSHA protects your right to say no to unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.
- Follow up. If your concerns are dismissed, send a follow-up email or text to create a written record.
Know your rights. Both federal and state laws make it illegal to retaliate against workers who report safety issues.
Understanding Third-Party Claims vs. Workers’ Compensation
Construction work is inherently dangerous—but that doesn’t mean you should bear the consequences of someone else’s negligence. If faulty equipment, unsafe conditions, or missing safety measures led to your injuries, you may be eligible for more than just workers’ compensation.
In many cases, filing a third-party personal injury claim—as we did in this construction worker injury case—is the best path forward. Here’s how it differs:
- Workers’ compensation pays for medical expenses and part of your lost wages, but it prohibits lawsuits against your employer for recovering damages for pain and suffering.
- A third-party injury claim allows you to take legal action against someone other than your employer—such as a general contractor, subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner—when their negligence or statutory violations caused your injury.
These claims may allow you to recover:
- Full lost wages and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
In our case, the injured worker filed a third-party claim under New York Labor Law § 240(1) because another party—not his employer—was responsible for the unsafe scaffold-ladder setup.
We Stand With Injured Workers
At MidHudson Injury Law, we focus on protecting workers who have been harmed by preventable job site accidents. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll a serious injury can take on you and your loved ones.If you’ve experienced a construction worker injury case, don’t wait. Reach out. We’ll review your situation and help you explore every legal option available—so you can focus on healing while we focus on justice.