Time matters after a construction accident. Not because you have to rush into a decision, but because evidence and witness memories fade—especially on active projects.
Within the first 72 hours, focus on:
- Medical documentation: Get evaluated and keep every visit note, imaging report, work restriction letter, and discharge summary.
- Scene details you can safely capture: Photos of the hazard, the work area layout, lighting conditions, barriers, signage, and anything that could show why the injury happened.
- Who was involved: Names of the injured worker’s supervisor, the general contractor or site lead, and the specific subcontractor(s) on the task.
- What you can write down while it’s fresh: A brief timeline—what you were doing, what you saw immediately before the injury, and what you noticed after.
- Avoiding “off the record” statements: If someone asks you to explain what happened before you speak with a lawyer, be cautious. Early statements can be twisted or treated as admissions.
If you’re tempted to rely on an online “quick guidance” tool, remember: it can’t review your medical history, your jobsite context, or New York-specific claim requirements. A lawyer can.


