Construction Accident Claims Against Government Agencies

When City Projects Turn into Construction Zone Catastrophes

A government-run job site isn’t where you expect things to go wrong. But accidents on public projects are more common than many realize. When safety falls short, real people get hurt. Construction accident attorneys see firsthand how weak oversight can lead to serious injuries, leaving workers and bystanders dealing with the fallout.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand this process goes far beyond paperwork. It affects your health, your income, and your ability to move forward. Feeling unsure about what comes next is completely normal.

Claim rules vary across states. In New York, you may have just 90 days to file. Maine allows more time, but the steps are strict. New Hampshire and Vermont each follow their own deadlines and liability rules. Filing late or naming the wrong agency can derail your claim before it even starts. Acting early helps protect your rights.

Red Tape, Short Timelines, and the Battle to Be Heard

You might think help will come automatically after a government site injury, but what happens next can feel like a maze. Insurance companies know how hard it is to keep up, especially when deadlines are tight and support is limited.

Insurance Companies Count on You Being Overwhelmed

After an accident on a government site, many expect help to follow, but insurance companies move fast to protect their bottom line. They often delay responses, minimize injuries, or question how the incident happened.

Insurance companies know how to exploit these cases, especially when people are still recovering and unsure of their rights. Filing a claim with a public agency starts with paperwork, but the process quickly grows more complex under strict rules that often favor the agency.

You Only Get 90 Days And That Clock’s Ticking Fast

Filing a claim against a government agency means acting fast. These cases follow strict deadlines, and missing one can end your case before it starts. Hazards like poor lighting around job sites increase the risk of serious injuries during emergency or overnight work. Lighting-related fall accidents are a clear example.

This is how the timeline breaks down:

• A “Notice of Claim” must be filed within 90 days of the incident if the city or state is involved
• There’s a mandatory 30-day waiting period after submitting the notice before a lawsuit can proceed
• The final lawsuit must be filed no later than 1 year and 90 days from the date of the accident

That 90-day window moves quickly, especially if you’re recovering or focused on your family. Your paperwork also has to be clear and complete from the start. Missing even one detail about how the injury happened or what the agency failed to do can stop your case in its tracks.

One Missed Step and Your Case Disappears

One wrong form. One missed deadline. One unchecked box. That’s all it takes to lose your chance to recover. Uneven sidewalks, cracked curbs, and poorly maintained road edges often cause trip-and-fall accidents near public projects. These overlooked hazards can become the strongest proof in your claim against a city or state agency.

But even with clear evidence, your case can fall apart without timing. Government-related claims follow stricter deadlines than other personal injury cases. Filing at the right time is more than helpful. It’s often what keeps your case moving forward.

Building a Strong Case Against Public Negligence

Even when a claim is filed correctly and backed by solid evidence, that doesn’t mean it moves quickly. Many cases get delayed before the deeper investigation even begins.

Why Some Cases Drag On Longer Than Expected

Even with clear evidence, claims against public agencies can stall due to missing records, legal resistance, or court delays. Many victims are surprised by how long their personal injury case can take, especially when government entities are involved. 

Knowing the timeline helps manage expectations and reduces added stress. But meeting deadlines is only part of it. Once your case begins, proving exactly how the agency failed to protect you becomes the priority.

Digging Up the Truth Behind Government Negligence

Building a case against a public agency takes solid proof. Stairs near public buildings, trench collapses, and faulty equipment often cause serious injuries, especially when safety is ignored. If stairwells lack railings or crews don’t get the protection they need, defective stair accidents happen. Under the Scaffold Law, agencies may be liable for not supplying safe work equipment or fall protection.

An experienced lawyer can:

• Identify which level of government is responsible
• Investigate whether they ignored safety standards or skipped inspections
• Obtain maintenance records, crew logs, or contract documents proving negligence
• Work with safety experts and medical professionals to build a rock-solid claim
• Handle every procedural step, from the notice of claim to courtroom representation

When liability is on the table, every step has to be accurate. Gathering the right documents and presenting them clearly gives your claim the best shot at success.

What Real Recovery Looks Like After a Government Screw-Up

Government-related construction injuries are often serious, especially where oversight is weak or job sites are disorganized. These aren’t minor wounds; they cause long-term physical and emotional harm.

Common injuries in these cases include:

• Serious back and spinal cord injuries from falls off unsafe scaffolds
• Traumatic brain injuries caused by falling tools or debris
• Crushed limbs from collapsed trenches or unstable walkways
• Long-term disabilities from electrocutions on poorly marked city projects

Construction remains one of New York’s most hazardous industries. Worker deaths jumped 48% in 2023, highlighting the growing risks many face on public sites.

Some government-run job zones also present hidden threats like chemical exposure, fuel storage, or exposed electrical wiring. In extreme cases, long-term exposure or electrical failures have resulted in toxic exposure-related deaths. These preventable dangers make it clear that strong oversight and proper safety measures are critical.

The Support You Need After a Government Construction Injury

Government construction accident claims can be tough to handle while you’re trying to recover from serious injuries. The deadlines are short, the paperwork is detailed, and even small errors can affect your case.

If you’re unsure how to get started, now’s the time to take action. Contact Horn Wright, LLP, to connect with construction accident attorneys who understand how to hold public agencies accountable.