I’ve been representing injured workers in the Bronx for more than 25 years, and one thing I’ve learned is that nobody goes to work expecting to get hurt. You show up, do your job, and trust that the place you’re standing in won’t turn against you. But whether you’re on a construction site in Mott Haven, driving a delivery route through Hunts Point, or mopping the floor of a building on the Grand Concourse, the truth is this: workplace safety doesn’t just happen. It’s earned through vigilance, training, and accountability.

Too often, I meet clients who tell me the same story in different ways.
“I thought the floor was dry.”
“They told me the ladder was fine.”
“The machine had been acting up for weeks.”
“The boss said to finish the job even if the guardrail wasn’t up yet.”

These are good people and hard workers who trusted that someone else had done their part. And when they get hurt, their world doesn’t just change physically. It changes emotionally, financially, and sometimes permanently.

That’s why I want to talk about workplace safety from a perspective most people don’t think about: your rights before, during, and after something goes wrong.

The Bronx Work Ethic Meets Reality

Let’s be honest, Bronx workers have grit. Whether you’re hauling sheetrock, stocking shelves, driving a cab, or working security at night, you do what you have to do. But that same toughness can backfire when it comes to safety. A lot of my clients tell me, “I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it.” Or, “I figured it’d be fine.”

I get it. Nobody wants to be the one who slows down the crew or complains to the supervisor. But here’s the thing: safety rules aren’t about ego, they’re about survival. A wet stairwell, a broken light fixture, a loose scaffold. They don’t care how tough you are.

And when something goes wrong, the company lawyers and insurance reps will dig into every decision you made. They’ll ask if you reported it. They’ll ask if you followed procedure. They’ll ask if you took photos or if you waited too long to get medical help. That’s why protecting yourself starts long before you ever call someone like me.

What to Do If You’re Hurt on the Job

If you ever find yourself injured at work, whether it’s a slip and fall, a fall from height, or a vehicle accident, here’s the checklist to keep at top of mind:

1. Get medical attention right away.
   Don’t “walk it off.” Even if it seems minor, get checked out. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately, especially head, back, and internal injuries.

2. Report it immediately.
   Tell your supervisor or manager, and make sure it’s documented in writing. Ask for a copy. If they hesitate or try to downplay it, note that too. It can matter later. And don’t fear intimidation, just write down exactly what happened and what was said.

3. Take photos and video.
   The scene can change fast: spills get cleaned, scaffolds get moved, lighting gets replaced. Use your phone to capture what happened, your injuries, and any equipment involved.

4. Get witness information.
   If anyone saw what happened, get their name and contact info. Don’t assume management will record it or even save it. Keep in mind, if you contact an attorney, one of the first things we will do is pursue a copy of all on-site video.

5. Don’t sign anything without legal advice.
   Some companies try to rush paperwork after an accident, especially if they know they’re at fault. Talk to an attorney before you sign any release or statement.

6. File for workers’ compensation, but don’t stop there.
   Workers’ comp covers medical bills and part of your lost wages, but it doesn’t cover everything. You may have a separate personal injury claim if someone else’s negligence caused the accident (like a contractor, building owner, or equipment manufacturer).

When Safety Fails (and Who’s Responsible)

Every workplace accident has a story behind it. In my experience, most of those stories start with something preventable:

• A spill that wasn’t cleaned up because someone said, “We’ll get to it later.”

• A machine without a guard because production was behind schedule.

• A missing warning sign because a supervisor thought “everyone knows that’s wet.”

• A scaffold without proper support because corners were cut to save money.

When negligence leads to injury, responsibility doesn’t end with an apology. In New York, laws are clear: owners and contractors are required to provide a safe environment. That includes proper safety equipment, training, and maintenance. If they fail to do that, they can be held accountable.

It’s Not Just Construction Workers

Most people hear “workplace safety” and picture hard hats and high-rises. But I’ve represented clients injured in every type of workplace imaginable. Anything can happen:

• A supermarket worker who slipped on melted ice from a freezer.

• A home health aide who fell on an unlit staircase.

• A delivery driver who was struck while unloading on a busy street.

• A janitor who inhaled cleaning fumes without proper ventilation.

Accidents don’t discriminate. If your job puts you in harm’s way, physically, chemically, or even psychologically, you have the right to be protected.

Your Safety Is Your Leverage

Here’s something I tell every client: you can’t control what others do, but you can control how seriously you take your own safety.

If you see a hazard, report it.
If you’re pressured to work in unsafe conditions, document it.
If you’re hurt, don’t hide it.
And if you’re treated unfairly, whether by your employer, an insurance company, or an officer — remember, the law was written to protect you, too.

The Bronx was built by workers who take pride in what they do. You deserve the same pride from the people responsible for your safety.

Final Word

Workplace safety isn’t just a checklist, it’s a culture. It’s the promise that everyone who clocks in deserves to clock out in one piece.

If you’ve been injured at work, in a car accident, or through misconduct by an employer or officer, you don’t have to face it alone. Talk to someone who knows these streets, these job sites, and these laws. Someone who’s been protecting Bronx workers and families for decades.

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about lawsuits, it’s about lives. And in my book, that’s worth fighting for.

If You Would Like To Find Out More About Having Getz & Braverman, P.C. Represent You Or Provide Legal Advice, Email, Live Chat, Or Call Us At 718-618-5567. We Also Accept Text Messages At 917-734-7583.

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