Construction Accidents

Experiencing a construction accident in Bergen County, NJ, can have life-altering consequences, from serious physical injuries to long-term emotional and financial strain. In such a critical moment, having a trusted construction accidents lawyer by your side is essential. Victims often face a complex maze of workers’ compensation claims, third-party liability issues, and insurance obstacles that can be overwhelming to navigate alone. By consulting a skilled attorney early on—ideally right after securing medical care—you can protect your rights, preserve key evidence, and improve your chances of receiving the full compensation you deserve.

Whether it’s a residential build, roadwork project, or high-rise development, construction sites are full of risks, where the pace of development rarely slows down. Even with safety gear and regulations in place, accidents still happen. And when they do, the consequences can be life-changing.

From painful injuries and lost wages to mounting medical bills and long-term recovery, a construction accident can turn your world upside down. That’s why it’s so important to understand what causes these incidents—and more importantly, what your rights are afterward. Speaking with a trusted construction accidents lawyer in Bergen County can make all the difference in protecting your future and getting the compensation you deserve.

Falls from Heights

One of the leading causes of serious injury and death on construction sites is falling from heights. Workers in Bergen County frequently operate on scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and elevated platforms—often without sufficient fall protection. In many cases, employers fail to provide proper harnesses, secure guardrails, or adequate training. Even a fall from a seemingly moderate height can lead to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or broken bones.

Job sites near elevated terrain in areas like Fort Lee, Englewood Cliffs, and Palisades Park are particularly high-risk.

New Jersey’s Occupational Safety and Health regulations require strict adherence to fall protection protocols, but lapses still happen—especially when contractors cut corners to save time or money. A Bergen County construction accidents attorney can investigate whether safety violations contributed to your injury and help build a strong legal case.

Struck by Falling or Moving Objects – Tools, Machinery, Trucks

Many construction workers get hurt when they’re hit by something—tools falling from above, unsecured materials sliding off a lift, or even getting struck by a forklift or dump truck. These accidents are common on busy job sites where multiple crews are working at the same time. If you’ve been hit by a falling object or moving equipment and ended up with a head injury, broken limb, or internal damage, you’re not alone—and yes, this is something workers’ comp is designed to cover.

The problem is that injuries like this often happen fast, and it’s easy to downplay them at first. You might feel sore or shaken but assume it will get better with rest. Then days later, you can’t move your shoulder, or your head is pounding, or you feel dizzy and nauseous. These symptoms matter. You need to report them and get a medical evaluation quickly—not just for your health, but to protect your legal rights. Waiting too long to say something can give the insurance company an excuse to deny your claim.

An attorney can help by making sure your injury is fully documented and that the insurance company doesn’t try to cut off treatment before you’re actually healed. If another contractor on the job site caused the accident, you may also have a separate claim against them, in addition to your workers’ comp case.

Electrocution and Electrical Injuries – Faulty Wiring, Power Lines, Tools

Electric shock accidents can happen in an instant and often come without warning. Construction workers sometimes come into contact with live wires, overloaded circuits, or defective tools. These injuries can be extremely dangerous, especially if the current passes through the chest, arms, or brain. Electrical burns, muscle damage, and nerve injuries are common. In more serious cases, electrocution leads to heart problems, seizures, or permanent disability.

We often see these injuries happen during renovation work, demolition, or when temporary power is being installed. Many buildings in the area—especially older homes and commercial structures in places like Ridgewood or Cliffside Park—have outdated or exposed wiring that hasn’t been upgraded to modern code. Even experienced electricians or laborers can get caught off guard if a job site isn’t properly labeled or de-energized.

If you’ve suffered an electrical injury, the first priority is medical care. But very soon after that, you may face pressure from your employer or their insurance company to get back to work—even when you’re not ready. A workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure your medical records are properly reviewed, that your injury is taken seriously, and that you’re not forced into early return-to-work. You may be entitled to temporary benefits, continued treatment, and potentially a long-term award depending on the extent of the damage.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 81 workplace fatalities in New Jersey in 2023. Out of these, 18 occurred in the construction industry, accounting for roughly 22% of all work-related deaths statewide. Bergen County, being one of the most developed and economically active counties, sees a significant portion of this activity. That makes local construction safety not just a concern—but a public responsibility.

While fatalities draw attention, nonfatal injuries remain a daily concern. In 2020, New Jersey’s construction sector reported a nonfatal injury rate of 2.1 per 100 full-time workers—higher than many other private industries. These injuries can range from sprains and fractures to serious burns or long-term disabilities. Often, these injuries are caused by repetitive motion, unsafe ladders, improper tool use, or failure to follow lockout/tagout procedures.

If you’ve been injured on a construction site, you’re likely dealing with more than just pain — you may be missing work, unsure of your rights, and trying to figure out how to cover your bills. We’ve handled many of these cases over the years, and we want to walk you through how to protect yourself legally after a construction accident in New Jersey.

Get Medical Attention and Notify Your Employer Immediately

The first step after any construction injury is to seek prompt medical treatment. Even if you think you can tough it out, don’t delay — your medical records will play a major role in your claim. Once you’ve been treated, you also need to notify your employer or supervisor right away.

In New Jersey, you’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, but only if your employer is aware of the accident. Ideally, report it in writing and keep a copy for your records. Verbal reports are allowed, but in my experience, they often get forgotten or denied later.

File a Workers’ Compensation Claim — No Need to Prove Fault

New Jersey has a no-fault workers’ compensation system. That means you don’t need to prove that anyone was negligent — if you were hurt on the job, you’re entitled to benefits. These may include:

• Authorized medical care (paid by your employer’s insurance)
• Temporary disability benefits (if you’re out of work for more than 7 days)
• Permanent partial or total disability, depending on the extent of your injury

If your employer refuses to report the injury or their insurance denies treatment, you may need to file a formal Claim Petition or request an informal hearing with a judge. These forms are available directly through the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation.

During our time dealing with workers compensations, We’ve seen too many injured workers wait too long and miss critical deadlines. Don’t assume everything will be handled fairly — stay proactive.

Know When a Third-Party Lawsuit Might Apply

Workers’ comp protects your employer from being sued directly — but that doesn’t mean you’re limited to it. If a third party caused your injury, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to your workers’ comp claim. Common examples I’ve seen include:

• A subcontractor leaving equipment in a dangerous position
• A property owner failing to maintain a safe work environment
• A driver hitting you in a roadside work zone
• Defective tools, ladders, or safety gear

A third-party lawsuit can recover things that workers’ comp does not cover — like full lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. These cases require a deeper investigation and legal strategy, but they can make a major difference in your long-term recovery.

Speak to a Lawyer Who Understands Construction Law in NJ

You don’t have to hire an attorney to file a basic workers’ comp claim. But when your injury is serious, your treatment is delayed, or you’re missing more than a few days of work, it’s in your best interest to get legal advice.

We’ve seen firsthand how insurance carriers try to minimize payouts. Sometimes they’ll push you back to work too soon, deny you surgery you need, or assign you a low disability rating. Having someone in your corner who understands the system can make a big difference.

Act Quickly — Deadlines Matter

There are strict legal time limits involved in these cases:

• Workers’ comp claims: You have two years from the date of the accident — or the last payment of benefits — to file a formal claim
• Third-party lawsuits: You generally have two years from the date of injury to file suit

If you miss these deadlines, your claim can be denied forever. Even if you’re still recovering, it’s wise to get legal guidance early on, just to be safe.

Final Advice: You Don’t Need to Handle This Alone

Construction sites are dangerous by nature, but that doesn’t mean you should bear the burden alone when something goes wrong. We’ve handled many Bergen County construction accident claims, the earlier you take action, the better your chances of getting the benefits and compensation you deserve.

If you’re injured, don’t wait for the insurance company to play fair. Learn your rights. Protect your future.

Sammaro & Zalarick has had decades of experience handling construction accident claims in Bergen County, we’ve seen how quickly a normal workday can turn into a medical emergency. Whether you fell from a scaffold, were struck by machinery, or suffered an injury due to unsafe conditions, what you do in the first hours and days after the accident can have a major impact on your health, your job, and your legal rights.

New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system is designed to support injured workers—but it doesn’t always work the way it should. Employers and insurance carriers may delay treatment, deny benefits, or try to push you back to work before you’re ready. Our job is to prevent that from happening. Below is a detailed guide to help you understand exactly what to do after a construction accident in Bergen County, NJ, based on years of successful advocacy for local workers.

Get Medical Attention Right Away—Even If You Think You Can “Walk It Off”

Your health is the first priority. If you’ve been seriously injured on a construction site, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately. Do not wait for your supervisor’s permission—emergency care comes first. For non-life-threatening injuries, report the incident and ask your employer where to go for medical treatment. In New Jersey, your employer or their insurance carrier has the right to direct your medical care for workers’ compensation claims, and they must provide access to a doctor or clinic.

We often speak with workers who tried to tough it out, only to realize days later that their pain wasn’t going away. By then, the insurance company may question whether the injury was even work-related. Early medical documentation is critical. Whether you sprained your back, got a head injury, or suffered burns or fractures, getting evaluated right away helps protect both your health and your claim. Always request a copy of your medical records, follow your treatment plan, and keep notes on how you’re feeling throughout the recovery process.

If your employer refuses to authorize treatment or claims your injury wasn’t serious, contact a workers’ compensation attorney immediately. We routinely assist clients who’ve been ignored or dismissed by their employers after reporting an injury. You have a legal right to treatment—and we’ll make sure you receive it.

Report the Injury to Your Employer—Immediately and In Writing

After you’ve been stabilized, the next step is to report the accident to your supervisor or employer right away. This must be done as soon as reasonably possible. New Jersey law requires timely notice in order for your workers’ compensation claim to proceed smoothly. Verbal notice is allowed, but we always recommend making a written report or having a trusted coworker witness the report.

If you didn’t report the injury on the day it happened—don’t panic. You should still report it as soon as you can. Waiting too long opens the door for the insurance company to question whether the injury really happened at work. We’ve seen countless cases where clients assumed a minor injury would heal on its own, only to end up with a herniated disc or torn rotator cuff weeks later. By then, the delay may become a legal hurdle—but one we can often help you overcome.

When you report the injury, ask your employer for the name of their workers’ compensation insurance provider and request a copy of any paperwork they file (such as the “First Report of Injury”). If you are met with resistance or excuses, our firm can step in and demand compliance. We deal with insurance companies every day—and we don’t let them give our clients the runaround.

Document the Scene, Witnesses, and Details—Preserve the Evidence While You Can

Construction sites change quickly. Equipment is moved, hazards are cleaned up, and witnesses disappear onto other jobs. If you’re able, try to capture as much information about the accident scene as possible—photos, videos, the weather conditions, the equipment involved, and any safety hazards present. These details can be important later, especially if there is a dispute about how or why the accident occurred.

Also, get names and contact information for coworkers or supervisors who witnessed the incident. Their testimony can be critical if the insurance company tries to deny your version of events or suggest the injury happened somewhere else. If you weren’t able to gather evidence due to the nature of the injury, don’t worry. As your attorneys, we can launch an investigation, preserve evidence, and issue legal notices to preserve job site records and camera footage if needed.

Remember, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means you don’t have to prove someone else caused the accident. But in some cases, a third party—such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner—may also be responsible. Having strong documentation allows us to pursue maximum compensation, including filing a third-party claim for pain and suffering, in addition to your workers’ comp case.

Follow Through with Medical Care and Don’t Rush Back to Work

Once treatment has begun, it’s important to follow all medical advice and attend every appointment. Your weekly wage benefits—known as temporary total disability (TTD)—depend on your continued care. If you miss appointments or stop therapy, the insurance company may use that as a reason to terminate your benefits or argue that you’ve reached “maximum medical improvement.”

We understand the pressure to get back on the job—especially for construction workers supporting a family. But going back too soon can cause long-term damage. Don’t let your employer or their insurance adjuster decide when you’re ready. That decision should be made by a medical professional, and if there’s disagreement, we can help you get a second opinion from a qualified doctor who understands workplace injuries.

In many cases, you may also be entitled to a monetary award for permanent injury. This can apply even if you return to work. We’ll guide you through an independent medical exam and ensure your level of disability is fairly assessed under New Jersey law.

Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Bergen County Early in the Process

You are not required to hire a lawyer to file a workers’ comp claim—but having one on your side can make a major difference. From ensuring that medical care is authorized, to making sure your wage checks arrive on time, to pursuing full disability compensation, we handle the legal burdens so you can focus on healing. And if your claim is delayed, denied, or undervalued, we can file a formal claim petition and represent you at hearings.

We’ve helped injured construction workers throughout Bergen County—including Hackensack, Garfield, Lodi, Teaneck, Paramus, and Fort Lee. We know the local employers. We know the insurance carriers. We know how to build a strong case and make sure you’re treated with respect throughout the process.

There’s no cost to speak with us, and no legal fees unless we recover for you. Let us deal with the paperwork, phone calls, and negotiations.