New Jersey Construction Trip & Fall Accident Lawyer

Construction sites are full of hazards, and trips and falls remain one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities. Uneven surfaces, unsecured materials, and improper safety measures put workers at risk. In New Jersey, falls account for nearly a quarter of all workplace deaths, with construction workers facing the highest danger.

If you were injured in a trip or fall accident on a job site, you have the right to workers’ compensation benefits for medical care and lost wages. Employers and insurers often dispute claims, but New Jersey law protects injured workers. At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we fight to secure the full benefits you deserve. Call 973-920-7900 for a free consultation with a New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney on our team. 

Why Trips and Falls Happen on Construction Sites

Falls, slips, and trips are among the most common causes of serious construction injuries in New Jersey. Workers face daily risks with unstable walking surfaces, heavy equipment, and constantly shifting work environments. Recent data suggests that nearly 1 in 5 workplace fatalities occurred in the construction industry, and 47.4% of those deaths were caused by falls, slips, and trips. These accidents don’t just happen – they result from unsafe conditions, improper safety measures, and negligence.

Construction employers have a duty to provide safe work environments. However, when hazards are ignored, or proper precautions are not taken, workers pay the price. Understanding how these accidents happen can help prevent future injuries and support workers seeking compensation.

What Workers’ Compensation Covers After a Fall

A trip or fall on a construction site can leave you with significant medical expenses and lost wages. Workers’ compensation provides financial relief, but the process is rarely simple. Employers and insurers often try to minimize claims, delay medical approvals, or push workers back to the job before they have fully recovered. Understanding the available benefits and how to secure them can help you avoid these obstacles.

Medical Treatment and Employer Control Over Care

Under New Jersey law, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer selects the treating physician for all job-related injuries. This means injured workers cannot simply see their own doctor unless treatment is an emergency. If a trip or fall on a job site results in severe injuries, hospitalization, or ongoing medical needs, workers’ compensation should cover the full cost of treatment, including:

• Emergency care and hospitalization;
• Surgeries and follow-up procedures;
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation; and
• Medications and medical equipment.

However, insurance companies frequently deny necessary treatments, arguing that certain procedures are not work-related or medically required. If your care is delayed or denied, you have the right to challenge the decision through a workers’ compensation claim.

Disability Benefits for Injured Workers

Workers unable to return to work after a trip and fall accident may be eligible for temporary or permanent disability benefits. These benefits provide financial assistance while you recover or if you have long-term impairments.

Types of Benefits Available to New Jersey Workers:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD). If a fall prevents you from working for more than seven days, you may receive 70% of your average weekly wage (subject to statutory limits). Payments continue until you are medically cleared to return to work or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD). If you sustain lasting impairments but can still perform some work, you may qualify for partial disability benefits based on the severity of your condition.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD). Workers who can no longer work in any capacity due to fall-related injuries may receive long-term disability benefits, which could continue for life.

Using an experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney to secure your disability benefits is often the best decision. Insurance companies routinely argue that workers can return to their jobs before fully recovering. If your benefits are reduced or denied, legal action may be necessary to challenge the decision to obtain full compensation.

Common Causes of Trip and Fall Accidents

Trips and falls on construction sites occur for many reasons, often involving multiple safety failures. Poor site maintenance, lack of safety equipment, lack of training, and hazardous work environments increase the chances of serious injuries.

Uneven Walking Surfaces and Unstable Ground

Construction sites are constantly shifting, creating uneven terrain and unstable walking surfaces that put workers at risk. Many falls happen when workers move across unfinished flooring, loose gravel, or unsteady ground, making it difficult to maintain balance. Sites filled with construction debris, unsecured materials, and exposed trenches create even more hazards, increasing the likelihood of trips and falls.

Some of the most common ground-related hazards on construction sites include:

• Unsecured planks and makeshift walkways that collapse under pressure;
• Loose debris and scattered materials that create tripping obstacles;
• Uneven pavement and potholes that make it difficult to walk safely; and
• Shifting soil or improperly supported ground that becomes unstable after multiple uses.

Falls from unstable surfaces are particularly dangerous when workers are on elevated platforms. In 2021–2022, the construction industry experienced an annualized rate of 13.9 falls to a lower level per 10,000 full-time workers, nearly three times the rate of falls in private industry. Without proper site maintenance and hazard prevention, construction workers face avoidable risks every day.

Poorly Maintained or Cluttered Work Areas

Construction sites must be organized and free of unnecessary hazards to reduce the risk of trips and falls. When tools, materials, and equipment are left scattered, workers are forced to navigate an unpredictable and dangerous environment. Loose cords or power cords running across a walking path, improperly stored supplies, and slippery surfaces increase the likelihood of a serious fall.

Common hazards that contribute to trip and fall accidents include:

• Extension cords and hoses stretched across pathways, creating unexpected tripping hazards;
• Tools and construction materials left in high-traffic areas, making it easy to trip; and
• Wet or slippery surfaces caused by spilled liquids, rain, or mud, increasing the risk of slip and fall accidents.

A lack of enforcement regarding site cleanup puts workers in unnecessary danger. These accidents could be avoided with routine inspections, clear storage policies, and proper site organization. Employers who maintain a clean and hazard-free job site create a safer work environment, and help avoid risks that leave workers vulnerable to serious injuries.

Ladders and Scaffolding Failures

Falls from ladders and scaffolding remain one of the leading causes of serious or fatal injuries on construction sites. In 2022, construction workers accounted for nearly half of all workplace fall-related deaths, highlighting the dangers of working at heights without proper precautions. Many of these incidents occur when ladders are placed on uneven surfaces, causing them to shift unexpectedly. Scaffolding that lacks guardrails leaves workers vulnerable to dangerous drop-offs, while overloaded platforms can collapse under excessive weight. The risk of falls increases significantly without proper safety inspections, training, and fall protection gear. 

Employers must follow OSHA safety standards to prevent these accidents, yet many fail, putting workers at unnecessary risk.

Other Factors That Increase Fall Risks on Construction Sites

Beyond hazardous work environments, several additional factors contribute to falls on construction sites. Lack of proper fall protection, poor training, and unsafe work practices all increase the likelihood of serious injuries. Employers are responsible for providing safety equipment, enforcing regulations, and ensuring workers receive the necessary training, yet many fail to meet these obligations.

Failure to Provide Proper Fall Protection

Workers operating at heights should have harnesses, guardrails, and safety nets, yet many construction sites fail to supply or enforce the use of fall protection gear. When safety precautions are ignored, the risk of catastrophic falls increases.

Several failures lead to unnecessary injuries:

• Employers cut costs by not supplying required safety gear (e.g., personal protective equipment (PPE), hard hats, respirators, etc.), leaving workers unprotected;
• Improperly installed fall protection systems fail when workers need them most; and
• Insufficient training leaves workers unsure of how to secure harnesses and properly use safety equipment.

Without these critical safeguards, falls from scaffolding, roofs, and ladders often result in life-altering injuries or fatalities. Employers are required to follow OSHA regulations, yet violations remain common.

Lack of Training and Unsafe Work Practices

Many trip and fall accidents occur because workers are not adequately trained to handle equipment, recognize hazards, or use protective gear. Employers must ensure that every worker understands site safety, but fast-paced job sites often prioritize speed over safety.

Several factors contribute to preventable falls:

• New hires receive little or no safety training instruction before being assigned to hazardous tasks;
• Tight deadlines force workers to rush, increasing the chance of mistakes; and
• Supervisors fail to enforce safety rules, creating an environment where hazards are ignored.

Falls, slips, and trips are largely preventable, yet workers continue to suffer serious injuries due to poor training and site mismanagement. 

Weather Conditions Impact Construction Site Falls

New Jersey’s seasonal weather presents additional challenges for construction workers, increasing the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls. Rain, snow, and ice create hazardous walking surfaces, while extreme temperatures can make equipment challenging to handle. Without proper precautions, workers are left vulnerable to serious, preventable injuries.

Some of the most common weather-related hazards include:

• Wet scaffolding and ladders—rain makes metal surfaces slick, causing workers to lose their grip and balance; 
• Accumulation of snow and ice—roofs, platforms, and walkways become dangerously slippery, leading to unexpected falls; and
• Reduced visibility from heavy rain—workers may struggle to see uneven ground, hidden holes, or other trip hazards.

Employers must consider weather conditions by de-icing surfaces, providing slip-resistant footwear, and adjusting work schedules when conditions become unsafe. Failing to address weather-related hazards puts workers at unnecessary risk of severe injuries.

The Long-Term Consequences of Construction Falls

Falls on construction sites don’t just cause temporary injuries—many workers suffer long-term or permanent disabilities that impact their ability to work. In 2023, over 2.6 million workers experienced nonfatal injuries or illnesses in the workplace, many of which required prolonged medical care and rehabilitation.

Common Injuries from Construction Falls

Falls can cause a wide range of injuries, including:

• Broken bones that require surgery and months of rehabilitation.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) leading to cognitive impairment.
• Spinal cord damage, resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
• Severe lacerations and internal injuries, leading to long-term complications.

Some injuries never fully heal, forcing workers into early retirement or alternate careers due to physical limitations. Workers’ compensation should cover these costs, but insurers often fight to limit benefits.

Potential Third-Party Claims

When a worker is injured on-the-job, they may have the option to file a workers’ compensation claim and/or a third-party personal injury claim if the worker’s injury was due to negligence on the part of another party. In a third-party claim, the person or entity responsible for the worker’s injury is known as the “third-party” or “at-fault party.”

If a third-party’s negligent actions contributed to your injury, you may have legal options beyond workers’ compensation. A third-party lawsuit could allow you to recover damages for pain and suffering, lost future earnings, and ongoing medical expenses. Third-party liability claims allow workers to recover personal injury compensation beyond the financial support workers’ compensation offers, including damages for pain and suffering. At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we thoroughly investigate your injury claim to identify all responsible parties and secure the maximum compensation available for your recovery.

Speak with an Experienced New Jersey Construction Accident Lawyer Today!

If you were injured in a trip or fall down accident on a construction site, you should not have to struggle to secure the benefits you deserve. New Jersey law protects workers’ rights against those employers and insurance companies who often try to deny or minimize claims to avoid paying the full compensation you are entitled to. When medical bills are piling up, and lost wages make it difficult to support yourself and your family, you need an experienced attorney to fight for your rights.

At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we have over 35 years of experience advocating for injured construction workers across New Jersey. Whether you need help securing workers’ compensation benefits, or pursuing a third-party lawsuit, our legal team is ready to take action.

If you, or someone you love, has been seriously injured by any type of construction site injury, or sadly passed away due to an accident, you should immediately seek the help of an experienced Construction Accident Injury lawyer right away. Whether you suffered an injury on a construction site, or in a public setting, our lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights. Construction site injuries are often the result of negligence, and our experienced attorneys will work aggressively to get you the compensation you deserve.

Our New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys have over 35 years of experience aggressively representing construction, manufacturing, and warehouse workers seriously injured while on-the-job. Our personal injury lawyers have also assisted workers in their third-party claims involved in all types of accident claims, including slip and fall accidents, dog bite attacks, car accidents, etc. We have successfully handled thousands of claims involving injured New Jersey workers, recovering over $100 million for our clients.

Whether it be through a workers’ comp claim and/or a third-party personal injury case, our worker’s compensation and personal injury lawyers will help you navigate the complexities of the process, so you can focus on your recovery. To learn more about how we can help you pursue a workers’ compensation claim, give us a call today at (973) 920-7900 to request a FREE and confidential consultation. You can also connect with us through our online form. There is never a fee unless we win. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey.