The Expert:
Greg Perruzzi
Senior Vice President, Practice Leader, Construction Vertical
Gallagher Bassett
QUESTION: What are some of the most significant developments shaping the construction market so far in 2026? What trends are you seeing in construction claims, and what can the industry expect going forward?
A: The U.S. construction market is entering the second half of 2026 amid significant transition. While overall activity continues to grow, that growth is increasingly uneven, with investment concentrating in high-demand sectors such as data centers, power infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and other large-scale projects.
At the same time, contractors continue to face pressure from elevated construction costs, persistent labor shortages, changing project demands, and increasingly complex claims. The result is a market where project viability, operational efficiency, and effective risk management are becoming more important to long-term performance.
2026 Construction Claims Trends
Construction injury claims across the U.S. are increasing in 2026, reflecting a shift in underlying risk dynamics despite recent improvements in fatality rates. Several factors are contributing to this trend.
The industry’s reliance on less experienced labor is linked to inconsistent safety adherence, particularly in fall protection, equipment handling, and trench safety. At the same time, multi-trade congestion and coordination challenges on large jobsites contribute to accidents and exposure to injury-related claims, making proactive risk management increasingly important.
The complexity of construction projects is also affecting how claims are investigated and resolved. Large-scale developments can involve numerous contractors, subcontractors, project owners, and other stakeholders, creating more complicated liability structures and contractual relationships. As a result, claims investigations often require greater documentation, longer resolution timelines, and higher legal costs.
Another area of concern is construction equipment theft, which has become more organized, technology-driven, and more difficult to recover. Construction equipment theft alone is estimated to cost the U.S. $300 million to $1 billion annually, with a recovery rate of less than 25% each year due to limited equipment identification systems and the difficulty of tracking missing assets once they leave the job site.
Developments Shaping the 2026 Construction Market
Construction growth is becoming increasingly concentrated in large-scale megaprojects, which now account for approximately 25% of nonresidential construction spending, with data centers and infrastructure driving significant investment.
Labor remains another critical constraint. The industry is projected to face a shortage of approximately 349,000 workers in 2026, according to Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), putting pressure on project delivery, productivity, and margins.
Technology is becoming an essential part of the solution. Artificial intelligence (AI), automation, real-time data, and integrated platforms are increasingly being used to address workforce challenges, improve productivity, and strengthen project oversight.