NY Queens Construction Accident Lawyer
Construction sites present some of the highest risks of serious injury, and when accidents happen, the legal aftermath can be complicated. If you work in this environment, knowing your rights and the legal options available to you is essential. After a construction accident, you may face mounting medical bills, lost income, physical pain, and the emotional toll of a life-altering injury. By working with a skilled Queens construction accident lawyer from Meirowitz & Wasserberg, you can focus on healing while your attorney takes on the legal battle.
Expertise
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Content written by Samuel Meirowitz
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
- New York construction workers have guaranteed rights under state labor laws, including the right to workers’ compensation benefits and to file a lawsuit if a third party’s negligence contributed to their injuries.
- Third-party lawsuits provide workers with more types of compensation than workers’ compensation claims, but workers can often pursue both claims at once.
- Working with a Queens construction accident lawyer after you become injured in an accident is the best way to build a strong case and maximize your compensation.
Quick Links
- Injured in a Construction Accident in Queens? Here’s What You Need to Know
- Why You Need a Queens Construction Accident Lawyer
- Types of Construction Accidents We Handle
- Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Construction Injury Case?
- What to Do Immediately After a Construction Accident
- Our Legal Process at Sam’N’Dan Law Firm– What to Expect
- Don’t Miss the Filing Deadline
- Speak With a Queens Construction Accident Lawyer Today
Construction work often involves multiple employers and contractors — how does this complicate who’s responsible for workers’ comp benefits?
"For many construction accidents, they’re either using undocumented labor, or even when the labor is documented, workers might only be there for a day. They get picked up, brought to the job site, and may only know the foreman they’re working for. They don’t know who their actual employer is. As a result, it can be a long process to figure out who the contractors on the site were and which one is responsible for the injured worker. "
Injured in a Construction Accident in Queens? Here’s What You Need to Know
- Understanding Your Legal Rights
Under New York law, injured workers have rights, including the right to workers’ compensation benefits if they become injured or ill on the job. For most construction workers, workers’ compensation is the primary source of compensation after an accident. This system prevents most workers from suing their employers directly, but you may be able to file a third-party lawsuit against an additional negligent party to recover more damages. Fault does not need to be proven for a workers’ compensation claim, but it must be for a personal injury lawsuit.
- Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Lawsuits
Most injured workers in New York are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of who caused the accident. These benefits can include medical coverage, lost wage reimbursement, disability payments, and more. However, if a party other than your employer caused your construction accident—such as a general contractor, subcontractor, or property owner—you may be able to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation.
Why You Need a Queens Construction Accident Lawyer
According to the City of New York, dozens of construction accidents are reported across New York City each month. In 2021, there were 24 construction accidents reported in the month of October, with that number jumping to 33 in November.
From automobile accidents to falls from extreme heights, these types of accidents are avoidable with the proper safety precautions.
A Track Record of Winning Complex Construction Cases
- $3.2 million for a construction worker with mesothelioma.
Types of Construction Accidents We Handle
- Falls from Heights (Scaffolds, Ladders, Roofs): Falls from heights on construction sites are the most common and the most deadly accidents. Failing to provide adequate site protection and protective gear can be a violation of Labor Law 240, leaving site managers liable for injuries.
- Equipment and Machinery Failures: Injuries from broken or failed cranes, forklifts, nail guns, and other tools may leave manufacturers liable for your injuries.
- Falling Objects and Debris: Without proper site management, workers can be injured by tools, building materials, or debris dropped from above.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: Cluttered walkways, open holes, and wet surfaces on construction sites can lead to slips, trips, and falls.
- Trench Collapses and Structural Failures: Poor engineering or mismanaged work can lead to crushing injuries from trench collapses or structural failures.
- Electrocution and Fire Injuries: Contact with live wires, lack of signage, and improper safety gear can lead to electrocution and fire injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Construction Injury Case?
On a construction site, property owners and general contractors are legally obligated to act in a way that avoids placing construction workers in harm’s way. Some of these parties may be liable if an accident occurs that they could’ve prevented. Contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers are all common third parties who may be negligent for construction injuries.
What to Do Immediately After a Construction Accident
After being injured in a construction accident, take the following steps to ensure your safety and document the accident.
- Report the Incident and Get Medical Help: Seek medical attention for your injury and notify a supervisor of the accident.
- Gather Evidence and Witness Statements: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, the tools involved, and location markings. Additionally, gather the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Don’t Sign Anything From Employers or Insurance Without a Lawyer: Without an attorney, your employer or a third party’s insurance company may try to get you to agree to a lowball settlement offer or a liability waiver. Don’t sign anything without having an attorney review the papers.
- Know That Undocumented Workers Still Have Rights: New York law protects all injured workers, regardless of immigration status.
Our Legal Process at Sam’N’Dan Law Firm– What to Expect
Meirowitz & Wasserberg LLP, also known as “Sam & Dan,” is a plaintiff-focused law firm built on the principles of personalized client care and an aggressive litigation strategy, striving to secure maximum compensation for clients. Our award-winning trial attorneys have recovered more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients. We have the resources, ability, and know-how to stand up to large corporations that place profit over workers’ safety.
When you work with Meirowitz & Wasserberg on your construction accident case, the first step is a free case review and initial consultation. Our attorneys will ask you for information about the accident, your employer, and any third parties that may have contributed to your injury. Next, we’ll investigate the accident, working with experts, private investigators, and OSHA to build a strong case. Then, we will file your claim for workers’ compensation, third-party lawsuit, or both, preparing to negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to trial.
Don’t Miss the Filing Deadline
Under New York’s statute of limitations for construction accidents, injured workers have three years from the date of the accident to file a third-party lawsuit. There are some exceptions–for instance, in cases against government agencies, which require you to file a notice with the relevant governing entity within 90 days of the incident. After that, you must file your lawsuit within 1 year and 90 days. If a construction accident resulted in your loved one’s death and you want to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit, you have two years to file.
Even though you may have years to file your case, it’s important to take action and get legal help as soon as possible. Evidence can be lost over time, witnesses’ memories can fade, and insurance companies may try to assert that your injury was caused by something other than the construction accident. If you’re unsure you have a case, or think you may have missed the statute of limitations deadline, a legal consultation can clarify your standing.
Speak With a Queens Construction Accident Lawyer Today
Injured in a construction accident? You don’t have to face this alone. Meirowitz & Wasserberg’s experienced Queens construction accident lawyers will fight for the compensation you deserve. As a nationally recognized injury law firm made up of award-winning trial attorneys, we’ve successfully handled countless work injury cases, recovering millions for injured workers and their families. We serve clients across all of Queens, including Astoria, Jamaica, Flushing, Long Island City, and more. Call 800-726-6326, extension 123, or fill out our online contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation to get started on the path toward justice and recovery.
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Notable Results
$200,000
Personal injury settlement
$235,000
Slip and fall injury
$675,000
Product liability injury
$555,000
Premises liability injury
Practice Areas
- New York Personal Injury
- New York Car Accidents
- New York Truck Accidents
- New York Motorcycle Accidents
- New York Bicycle Accidents
- New York Pedestrian Accidents
- New York Construction Accidents
- New York Slip & Falls
- New York Wrongful Death
- New York Mesothelioma
- New York Train Accident
- New York Burn Injury
Nancy, New York (NY)