De Caro & Kaplen has a history of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our New York construction accident clients. Recent cases which resulted in successful recovery include:
New York's powerful Labor Laws provide exceptional protections for construction workers. De Caro & Kaplen, LLP has secured life-changing compensation for in cases involving:
Read more: Do I have a construction accident case?
De Caro & Kaplen LLP has a 4.9 star rating on Google reviews, aggregated from over 175 client reviews. Below are a selection of reviews from our clients.
"My family needed help with a complicated personal injury case. I was fortunate to be referred to De Caro & Kaplen. Outstanding attorneys! Michael and Shana are reliable, intelligent, and dedicated advocates. There were a number of times I had specific concerns about the case and Michael was always steps ahead. The attention paid to details was truly remarkable. Shana and Michael always responded quickly to every call and email. Their assistant, Andy was consistently patient, kind, and helpful. They provided seamless referrals to rehabilitation facilities and elder care experts as needed. Shana and Michael consistently went above and beyond in countless ways throughout 2 1/2 years to ensure the most favorable outcome for my family. De Caro & Kaplen navigated each and every aspect of the lawsuit and mediation with professionalism and integrity. Incredible given the many delays due to COVID. I highly recommend De Caro & Kaplen."
"After my first meeting with Michael Kaplen I knew I was in the right hands. He and his team are amazing. I would recommend them to anyone in need of an attorney that will get the job done while giving their clients a piece of mind. Complete honesty and candor each step of the process which I respect."
"Fantastic experience! Accepted to pursue my case with many challenges. Michael Kaplen never gave up, even when posed with a vicious defense attorney. He was always one step ahead of the attorney and beat her at ever turn. When I called, emailed, or texted, Mr. Kaplen responded personally. The customer service was terrific and I always felt their entire team was attentive to every concern I had. I highly recommend the DeCaro/Kaplen team and thank them for everything they did for me!"

With over 45 years experience in construction accident law, our partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen help our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve. Our attorneys have the passion and persistence to take on any construction accident case in New York—and win.
Call today on (212) 732 2262 or email help@brainlaw.com to arrange your free consultation.
When you hire De Caro & Kaplen, LLP for your construction accident case in New York our partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen will personally handle your case from start to finish. Unlike some other prominent NYC firms, who will hand your case off to a paralegal, Shana and Michael, who each have over 45 years experience in personal injury and medical malpractice law, will personally work on your behalf to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve, preparing every case as if it will go to trial.


Any individual or entity whose negligence has contributed to injury on a construction site may be liable, including:
General contractors are responsible for overseeing construction projects, ensuring that their sites are safe for workers, and that all safety protocols are fully understood and adhered to.
Property owners have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment for construction workers undertaking construction or renovation work on their premises, and in some cases may be held accountable for injuries.
Subcontractors have the same responsibility as general contractors to maintain a safe working environment for workers. If an injury occurs due to the negligence of a subcontractor, they can be held accountable.
Architects and engineers who design buildings and structures must adhere to professional standards. If their designs or inspections contribute to accidents they can be held accountable.
If a construction worker is injured due to faulty equipment, the manufacturer or supplier may be held liable in some cases. However if the equipment has not been properly maintained, liability is likely to fall on the contractor, employer, or property owner.
In some cases, government agencies responsible for inspecting and regulating construction sites may share liability if they fail to enforce safety regulations or conduct adequate inspections.
It’s common knowledge that if construction workers are hurt on the job, they can collect Workers’ Compensation benefits. But that’s not necessarily the end of the story. Anyone injured at work may also be entitled to file a personal injury claim. Here are the main differences between Workers’ Compensation and a personal injury claim:
With Workers’ Compensation, there is no need to prove fault in order to collect weekly benefits. But these benefits are limited. They only compensate you for lost wages, medical bills, and permanent impairment.
In order to recover damages through a personal injury claim, your attorney must prove that another party—such as the construction site owner, building owner, general contractor, or subcontractor—was negligent or reckless. A personal injury claim seeks to recover all of the damages you’ve had to deal with due to your bodily or brain injury. You can seek compensation for pain and suffering, loss of life’s pleasures, lost earning capacity, and even future medical and rehabilitation costs.
Maybe you were told that accepting Workers’ Compensation benefits prevents you from suing. But this isn’t always true. Whether you were hurt on a construction site, factory floor, or other location, it may be possible to bring a claim or lawsuit to recover additional and substantial compensation. This would be above and beyond any workers’ compensation benefits you receive. Consult our personal injury lawyers today.
Our firm has a deep understanding of New York Labor Laws, including Sections 200, 240, and 241(6). We are particularly adept at leveraging Labor Law §240(1), often called the Scaffold Law, which imposes absolute liability on employers for failures in fall protection. This means that if a fall occurs due to inadequate protection, the responsibility is clear, significantly strengthening our clients' cases.
Yes. While workers' compensation provides benefits, it may not fully cover your losses. De Caro & Kaplen helps clients understand the difference between workers' compensation and personal injury claims. In many construction accident cases, you may be entitled to additional compensation through a third-party personal injury claim, which we can pursue on your behalf.
Yes. Brainlaw has significant experience proving brain injuries that may not be visible on MRIs or even standard neurological exams. We understand that these injuries can be debilitating despite 'perfect' medical imaging or tests. Our firm employs advanced strategies and expert testimony to demonstrate the reality and severity of such 'invisible' injuries.
To thoroughly build your case, our partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen collaborate with a network of medical experts. This includes neuropsychologists, neurological experts, medical consultants, and vocational specialists. These professionals provide crucial insights into the extent of your injuries and their long-term impact, ensuring your claim is supported by robust medical evidence.
Our partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen addresses future financial needs by utilizing Life Care Plans and assessing diminished earning capacity. We work with vocational specialists to meticulously calculate your past and future loss of earnings. This ensures that your settlement or verdict accounts for the full economic impact of your injuries, including long-term earning potential.
Yes. Our partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen have a proven track record of identifying and proving violations of the New York State Industrial Code. In one notable construction accident case, our success in demonstrating these violations contributed to a significant $2.48 million settlement for our client, highlighting our attention to regulatory details.
Our firm leverages the 'absolute liability' provision of New York Labor Law 240(1), commonly known as the Scaffold Law. This law holds property owners and general contractors strictly liable for gravity-related accidents, such as falls from heights, when proper protective measures are not in place. We use this powerful tool to establish clear responsibility and maximize compensation for injured workers.
Our partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen are committed to meticulous trial preparation, especially when dealing with complex medical evidence. We excel at organizing expert reports, developing clear legal arguments, and presenting medical information effectively. This thorough preparation is crucial for justifying the full compensation our clients deserve for their construction-related injuries.
Our nconstruction accident lawyers serve the entire State of New York including New York City, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island and Queens. We also serve Nassau and Suffolk, Rockland, Westchester Counties, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse and surrounding areas.
All construction workers deserve a safe work site, safe working conditions, and safe equipment. When brain trauma or other serious personal injuries occur, De Caro & Kaplen, LLP is prepared to represent you in a court of law to obtain fair and full compensation for your hardships. Here, we’re not just attorneys—we’re client advocates who genuinely care about helping you reach a better place in your life.
You pay no legal fees up front to hire us. Payment is only due when we win a favorable settlement or verdict for your case. Don’t wait—talk to our firm today.
You can telephone us toll free for a no obligation, free consultation at (866) 272 4652, text us at 833 227-1410, or use the contact form below.
