Excavation work in New York comes with real hazards. A trench can cave in in seconds, and soil can weigh thousands of pounds. A trench collapse or excavation accident can result in crushing injuries, missed work, and stress about how you will support your family.
Many collapses trace back to avoidable safety failures. Excavation accident and trench collapse litigation can help you pursue compensation. When someone other than your employer created the danger, a third-party lawsuit can hold them accountable.
Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, P.C., has extensive experience helping workers injured in trench collapse and excavation accidents. Our NYC construction accident lawyers can investigate what happened, identify who played a role, and fight for the recovery you need to move forward.
Why Trench Collapses Happen
Trench accidents often involve predictable problems on the site. Some common causes that can support a third-party claim include:
- Missing protection—skipping trench boxes, shoring, or sloping to save time;
- Unsafe soil—wet soil, loose fill, or vibration from machines weakens trench walls;
- Edge pressure—spoil piles or heavy equipment sit too close to the trench lip;
- Poor planning—no safe entry/exit, no traffic control, or no emergency plan for a collapse; and
- Utility hazards—a strike to a gas, water, or electric line.
These details can point to who caused the unsafe conditions and what evidence your case will need.
Common Injuries After a Collapse
Trench collapses can cause life-changing injuries, even when a worker survives. Many people need emergency care, surgery, and long-term rehab.
Common injuries include:
- Crush injuries and fractures,
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Internal organ damage,
- Breathing injuries from compression or airway blockage, and
- Amputations or permanent disability.
When the injuries are this severe, workers’ compensation alone often does not match the true impact on your life.
Who Can Be Liable Besides Your Employer?
Greenspan & Greenspan does not handle workers’ compensation claims. We focus on third-party lawsuits that can seek broader damages when another party contributed to the hazard.
Depending on the job site and who controlled the work, excavation accident and trench collapse litigation may involve claims against:
- Property owner,
- General contractor or construction manager,
- Subcontractor,
- Equipment rental company,
- Outside driver or vendor,
- Utility company, or
- Equipment manufacturer (if a defect played a role).
New York law also imposes safety duties that may support a claim, depending on the facts. For example, owners and contractors must keep worksites reasonably safe. Additional statutes impose additional safety duties and compliance requirements, including specific job-site safety rules for construction-related work, including excavation.
A thorough investigation can help identify who controlled the site, allowing you to determine who should be held financially responsible.
What to Do After an Excavation or Trench Collapse Accident
After a trench collapse, companies may clean up the site fast, move equipment, or change procedures. You should protect your health and your legal rights early.
Practical steps that can help include:
- Get medical care. Follow treatment plans and keep records of symptoms and restrictions.
- Report it in writing. Tell a supervisor and ask for a copy of any incident report.
- Document what you can. Photos, videos, witness names, texts, and jobsite details matter in these cases.
- Be careful with statements. Avoid guessing or accepting blame, especially in recorded calls.
- Talk to a New York injury lawyer. A quick review can identify third-party options.
You do not need to have every answer today, but you should take steps that protect your future.
How Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, P.C., Can Help
If you suffered an excavation or trench collapse injury in New York, Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, P.C., can help. We can investigate the site conditions, preserve key evidence, identify every liable party, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, future care needs, and pain and suffering.
Greenspan & Greenspan brings decades of courtroom and negotiation experience to serious construction injury cases. We have represented injured New Yorkers since 1959, and our experience encompasses excavation accident and trench collapse litigation involving third-party negligence.
We are known for our strong advocacy and long-standing service to New York communities, recovering millions of dollars for our clients along the way.
Contact our office today to get started on recovering compensation for your injuries.