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Queens Construction Accident Lawyer

Call Now: 1 (800) 318-8888

Gregory Spektor & Associates is a leading personal injury law firm in Queens that has extensive experience dealing with construction accident cases. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, a Queens construction accident lawyer is here to provide you with the legal representation you need. With years of experience handling construction accident cases, we understand the complexities and challenges associated with such cases.

We invite you to call us today at 1 (800) 318-8888 or use the contact form or live chat to tell us more about your case and schedule a free consultation. Our dedicated attorneys will guide you through the legal process, taking care to protect your rights. Don’t delay; take the time to contact us today to receive the experienced representation you deserve.

Hazardous Construction Site Accident Attorneys

Why Choose Gregory Spektor & Associates P.C.?

Although there are many precautions in place and proper safety devices that must be used at a job site, it is quite common for accidents to happen in Queens construction projects. The injuries from construction accidents, such as back injuries and brain injuries, warrant the support of a knowledgeable Queens construction accident lawyer who will fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Gregory Spektor & Associates in Queens, New York, we have years of experience handling a number of practice areas, including cases arising from car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, premises liability, and product liability.

Our dedicated team of attorneys understand the complexities of workers’ compensation insurance and can navigate negotiations with the insurance company and manage the legal process on your behalf, including by going to trial if necessary. We understand the devastating impact of wrongful death in construction accidents. Our compassionate attorneys are here to support you and your family during this difficult time. When we handle a wrongful death claim, we aim to alleviate the financial burdens associated with medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of income.

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Protecting Injured Workers and Their Information

Your privacy is first and foremost to us. We adhere to a strict privacy policy to ensure that your information is protected throughout the legal process. We are committed to providing effective legal representation while maintaining your confidentiality.

When choosing a Queens personal injury lawyer, look to the experienced team at Gregory Spektor & Associates. We have achieved favorable outcomes for numerous clients and are happy to share results and outcomes with you while protecting all of your sensitive information.

Understanding Hazardous Construction Accidents

Construction accidents in Queens can have devastating consequences for workers, leaving them suffering and facing financial hardships. In such cases, it is crucial to seek the assistance of an experienced accident lawyer who regularly handles construction accidents in Queens.

As you navigate the bustling streets of New York, the towering structures that define the cityscape stand as testaments to the diligent efforts of workers. Behind each completed building lies a construction site where these dedicated individuals worked diligently to bring the project to fruition.

The work of construction workers is difficult and can often be quite dangerous. There are a variety of types of equipment and heavy machinery on site, large building materials such as beams, and numerous ways injuries can occur. Various types of construction defects involving machinery or equipment can also lead to injuries. When construction accidents happen, it can be truly devastating for those involved in an accident on a construction site.

Those injured in Queens construction site accidents should be able to seek legal representation from a qualified construction accident lawyer. If the accident results in the death of workers, the qualified family members of those employees deserve compensation for their losses. While money can never be a substitute for the deceased loved one, it can be a relief for families wondering how they will pay for funeral expenses, survive without another source of income, and pay for other losses incurred as a result of the accident.

Our accident lawyers understand the difficulties of dealing with injuries resulting from another person or entity’s negligence or recklessness that led to the accident. Our law firm strives to protect the rights of injured New York construction workers and ensure that they can focus on healing and recovery. If you or a loved one is a New York City construction worker injured at a work site, contact our accident lawyers to discuss your accident injuries.

How New York Labor Laws Could Affect Your Case

Construction workers in New York City should be aware that general contractors and property owners are responsible for maintaining a safe working environment on a construction site. If these safety regulations are not met, serious, sometimes fatal, injuries can occur.

New York’s laws in this field are very specific regarding safety regulations, and any violation of these requirements leaves the general contractor and/or property owner vulnerable to a construction accident-related lawsuit.

The New York labor laws, as well as the Industrial Code of New York, are very specific when it comes to who is liable for accidents and the requirements for different segments of a construction site. Ramps, for instance, must be a certain height and width for people to use them safely. Should an accident occur on or because of that ramp, the Industrial Code ensures that the general contractor and/or property owner could face a lawsuit.

Construction sites are dangerous employment locations, and safety precautions are necessary to ensure the security of all personnel in the industry. Still, accidents happen, and the results are often catastrophic. For these serious injuries, you should reach out to a Construction Accident Lawyer in Queens.

Causes of Construction Accidents in Queens

Work sites in Queens are prone to various hazards and situations that can result in serious injuries or fatalities if someone is negligent or reckless in their duties. While construction sites are inherently dangerous, there are many regulations in place to minimize those risks. The types of accidents that result will depend on the specific tasks and equipment the workers are using.

  • Falling: Construction workers often find themselves working from great heights and sometimes in precarious positions. Unsafe scaffolding and ladders can create hazardous situations leading to workers being seriously injured.
  • Struck-by objects: There are many moving parts on construction sites. When materials and equipment are handled unsafely, workers can be struck causing injury. 
  • Electrocution: Machines and power tools are coursing with electricity, however when equipment that use electricity is poorly maintained or power cords are left lying around, workers are at risk of being electrocuted. At a high enough voltage, electrocution can induce cardiac arrest and can damage the brain and nerves.
  • Defective equipment: Defective equipment can lead to terrifying construction accidents. When equipment fails or does not work as expected, the worker operating the equipment and those nearby can be injured. 
  • Unsafe ladders: Unsafe ladders present more than just a fall risk, the are a hazard to other workers around them. If an unsafe ladder falls or collapses, workers could be struck by the ladder or other falling objects.
  • Big equipment accidents: Heavy equipment is crucial to most construction projects. Cranes, backhoes, dumptrucks, concrete trucks, and loaders are just a few examples of the large equipment that operate daily around a site. When operators are negligent or this equipment fails, nearby workers and operators can be seriously injured.
  • Dangerous scaffolding: Besides being a fall risk, unsafe scaffolding presents a danger to everyone around it. If scaffolding moves suddenly or collapses, other workers could be struck causing them to get hurt.
  • Slips and trips: Slippery surfaces and objects lying around a construction site can cause workers to slip and trip. Slips and falls and trips and falls can result in a range of serious injuries.
  • Lack of safety equipment: Safety equipment is more than just an inconvenient OSHA requirement. It prevents construction workers from being severely hurt in preventable and non-preventable accidents. Lack of safety equipment increases risks on a construction site.
  • Fires and explosions: Combustible materials are often present on construction sites. Defective equipment and mishandled or improperly stored materials could lead to fires and explosions that can injure nearby workers. 
  • Improper training: At the core of construction site safety is worker training. When workers have not been taught safety procedures or how to handle equipment properly they risk hurting themselves and others.
  • Trench collapses: Sometimes it is necessary to dig down on a construction job. Poorly reinforced trenches can collapse, trapping individuals working in the trench, possibly leading to suffocation and other injuries.
  • Caught-between objects: Caught betweens happen when a worker is crushed between two objects. Getting stuck in moving parts of machinery are one such example that can lead to amputations, fractures, or death.
  • Falling debris: Lots of equipment and materials are used on any construction site. When negligently handled, these objects can fall striking workers below. Following safety protocols can prevent these incidents from causing severe harm.
  • Inadequate hazard communication: A necessary part of a construction site’s safety protocols is hazard communication. Letting workers know of a potential hazard and to avoid a danger is crucial to preventing injuries. 
  • Missing protections on power tools: Many power tools, like saws, come with protective guards or other features that prevent injuries. When these safety features are missing, workers can be hurt by flying or sharp objects.

Common Types of Construction Accidents in Queens

The following are some of the most common causes of construction accidents that our personal injury attorneys handle for accident clients in Queens:

Crane Accidents

Tower cranes present several different hazards that could potentially result in accidents with serious construction site injuries. Whether the accident is due to an equipment malfunction or operator error or anything in between, a crane incident may cause severe injuries and even death to the operator, any worker under or near the crane, and those in the surrounding areas.

Falling debris, a dropped load, or a crane collapse can have long-lasting repercussions for those working in the construction industry in Queens. Even though cranes are vital pieces of equipment, they pose a serious hazard, and those who are involved in a crane accident deserve compensation for their injuries.

Elevation Accidents

The most common accident in construction is likely related to falls. At work sites, individuals often do their jobs at extreme heights. Whether up on ladders, scaffolding along the outside of the building’s structure, or on the high beams, men and women do their best to complete their jobs as safely as possible while also being hundreds of feet up in the air.

Unfortunately, a common construction accident involves these elevations. People fall from heights or drop something from up high, and it lands on an unsuspecting worker down below. Regardless of how the accident happens, serious, often fatal, injuries can result. It is the obligation of the general contractors and/or property owners of construction sites to maintain the safety of their locations, including taking measures to secure high rises in Queens.

Scaffolding accidents pose a significant risk to construction workers in Queens. Proper installation, maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols are essential to prevent accidents and injuries related to scaffolding. However, even doing something as simple as using a ladder can lead to devastating falls.

Demolition and Renovation Accidents

Demolition and renovation projects are very common in Queens. Workers frequently use explosives and toxic chemicals while carrying out these construction projects. The very nature of this equipment poses a serious threat to those working in or around these sites.

Without the proper training and experience, a New York City construction worker can suffer serious harm or even be killed in accidents involving demolition and renovation work. It is the responsibility of the general contractors to keep the area clear of people who do not need to be there and to secure the project perimeter to prevent injuries, especially to those not involved in the project.

Forklift Accidents

Forklifts (much like tower cranes) are heavy machinery that require knowledge and training to operate proficiently. When the proper precautions outlined by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are not followed by the operators or other New York City construction employees in the area, the environment can become extremely unsafe.

Anyone at construction sites in Queens who uses a forklift should undergo training to use it properly or simply stay away from the heavy machinery. It is critical that anyone on-site use extreme caution to prevent injuries that could completely incapacitate an individual or even cause death.

Electrocutions

A very common accident at building sites is electrocution. Many sites require a good amount of electricity for their equipment to function properly and workers also may need to install electrical systems into new construction. There are clear safety standards in place that all construction sites must follow. When they are not followed, the results can be catastrophic.

Electrocution victims often have long-lasting effects from the accident and have to undergo multiple medical procedures. They also frequently have accompanying medical issues such as seizures, heart attacks, and neurological disorders. These complications can severely impact the lives of those New York City workers involved in electrocution accidents.

Slip-and-Fall Construction Accidents

No matter where you are or where you work, slip-and-fall accidents happen frequently. Whether it is a wet floor or an unexpected object in the way, slip-and-fall incidents have the potential to cause serious harm to those who are involved.

When it comes to a slip-and-fall accident at a grocery store or other place of business, the results can be serious but are unlikely to be catastrophic. In cases where a slip-and-fall accident happens at a construction site, the results can be truly devastating, especially if the fall is from a height.

Masonry Accidents

Masonry and bricklaying can be difficult, back-breaking labor, and those working in the field know exactly what types of strain they will put their bodies under. Sometimes, though, accidents can happen with heavy equipment, excessive physical exertion, and/or a fall from a height. Those individuals who have been injured deserve to fight for compensation when they have sustained injuries from any construction accident, including masonry incidents in Queens.

Excavation Accidents

Excavation and trench digging, like other types of construction work, involve the use of heavy machinery. In these cases, the surface upon which you work also causes issues due to being severely unstable. When accidents happen during excavation, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic and have long-lasting effects.

These New York City construction workers deserve to file a personal injury lawsuit and fight for compensation for their on-the-job injuries, losses, and damages. Your personal injury attorneys should be well-versed in construction accidents and ready to help workers protect their rights, reach settlements in their claims, or represent them in court.

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What Type of Construction Workers Are Eligible to File a Claim?

Depending on the situation, any injured employees in New York should be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. However, if you were involved in an accident caused by a third party’s negligence or recklessness on a construction site in New York and sustained devastating injuries, you may be able to initiate a lawsuit.

It is important for those who have been hurt in an accident to consult with an experienced attorney who deals regularly with construction accidents and workers’ compensation to understand their rights and determine the best course of action.

Common Construction Site Accident Injuries in Queens

Construction work poses various risks, and individuals in these high-risk jobs are susceptible to a wide range of accidents and resulting injuries. Whether it’s scaffolding accidents, falls down elevator shafts, being struck by falling objects, improper safety harness checks, or any other circumstance that results in serious injury at a job site, it is crucial to protect employees and defend their rights. Many of these injuries have long-lasting effects and often require multiple surgeries, leading to significant medical expenses and, potentially, permanent disability.

We file lawsuits on behalf of those harmed in New York construction accident cases involving various injuries, including:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBIs occur when there is trauma to the head or when the brain bounces inside of the skull. Head trauma can permanently affect motor function and cognition. Falling on the job or being hit by a falling object are just a few of the risks that can cause a brain injury. 
  • Broken Bones: Broken bones are a common injury on construction sites. While many don’t believe breaks to be serious, a fracture can leave you unable to work and permanently affect your mobility. Severe breaks can require surgery to fix and intense therapy in order to recover.
  • Back and Neck Injuries: Strain and trauma from a construction accident can cause the body to move in unnatural ways damaging the muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the back. Moreover, vertebrae and discs in the spine can be compacted or damaged during a fall. 
  • Shoulder Injuries: Shoulder injuries, like a rotator cuff tear, can happen from overuse or as a result of a fall. Other injuries may be caused by improperly lifting heavy items. Proper use of equipment and safety protocols can sometimes prevent this from happening.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Trauma to the spine can be serious. These injuries are often painful and debilitating. Spinal cord injuries may require surgery or other interventions are required to stabilize the spine to prevent further injury. 
  • Paralysis: If the spinal cord is severed or crushed during a construction site incident, it can lead to paralysis. Depending on location of the spinal damage, victims may lose feeling and loss of motor control over some or most of their body. For workers who rely on their mobility for their job, this can be devastating.
  • Amputations: Loss of a limb can be life-changing and disfiguring. Dismemberment occurs when limbs are severed during a construction accident. In some cases, amputation may also be medically necessary as a result of your injuries.
  • Burn Injuries: Construction sites present a range of hazards. Burns from fires or chemicals are painful, disfiguring, and debilitating. Severe burns may require multiple surgeries to repair, and a full recovery is not always possible.
  • Crushing/Caught Between Injuries: Caught betweens are considered one of the “fatal four” on job sites. When a worker finds themselves squeezed between two objects or caught in machinery, they are at risk of losing life and limb. Broken bones, internal injuries, and amputations can all result.
  • Eye Injuries: Flying objects and exposure to toxic substances can cause eye injuries. This damage is not only painful, but may cause permanent blindness. Adequate eye protection helps prevent many of these injuries. 
  • Facial Injuries: Being struck by an object during a construction accident can cause contusions and lacerations to the face, and sometimes even fractures. Severe injuries can cause permanent disfigurement. 
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: In manual labor jobs, injuries to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons are quite common. Sprains, strains, and bruises may be caused by blunt force trauma, overuse, or unnatural movements.
  • Hearing Loss: Construction sites are known to be loud, unfortunately accidents with heavy equipment are often even louder. Any damage to the ears can cause total or complete loss of hearing. This can have serious implications for workers on jobs with certain physical requirements.
  • Scars and Disfigurement: Permanent scarring and other disfigurements are a traumatizing experience for injured workers. These injuries can affect relationships and social life, causing a life-time of suffering.
  • Mesothelioma: Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a disease that affects the lungs. Improper safety practices and lack of remediation puts construction workers at risk. It can take 20-60 years for mesothelioma to develop.
  • Toxic Chemical Exposure: Exposure to toxic chemicals can cause a wide range of injuries. Asthma, cancer, chemical burns, and a whole host of other damage can happen to construction worker’s bodies.
  • Death: Fatalities are an unfortunate outcome of construction accidents. When a worker is killed, their surviving loved ones can be left grieving and in an uncertain financial situation. Pursuing survivor’s workers’ compensation or a wrongful death claim are two avenues available to those who lost their loved one.

Construction accidents that violate New York’s labor law often result in severe injuries. As an injured worker, it is crucial to have an experienced legal team on your side, working to secure compensation and providing you with advice for your legal situation.

Construction Accident Workers’ Compensation Claims

More often than not, the most reasonable and potentially only option for an injured worker to collect from their employers is through workers’ compensation. Under New York law, most businesses are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. The good thing about workers’ compensation is that it is a “no-fault” system. In other words, if you were hurt while in the workplace, you can likely recover compensation even if the accident was not your employer’s fault.

However, in exchange for this coverage, employees often forfeit the right to sue their employer in an injury case. This is a downside because the funds available through a workers’ compensation case do not include damages for pain and suffering or emotional harm that often occurs in these accidents. In a lawsuit, there are more types of damages, and the potential compensation and costs you could recover may, in turn, be higher.

Sometimes, such as in a case of willful harm, you might have additional options. There are other avenues for filing an injury claim by suing other parties that may share in the liability, including:

  • A manufacturer, if the accident relates to a defective product
  • A third-party contractor
  • A sub-contractor
  • Onsite engineers

Reaching out to a Queens accident attorney after one of these events means always having someone in your corner to look out for your needs.

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Types of Damages Available for Queens Construction Injury Victims

In injury cases, construction injury victims may be eligible to seek two categories of damages, depending on the circumstances. These are compensatory and punitive damages.

Compensatory Damages

This category is the most common type claimed in personal injury cases, including accidents on job sites. These damages aim to provide financial compensation for the injuries sustained in accidents caused by someone else’s negligence.

Typical compensatory damages sought in personal injury claims often include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Coverage of Medical Treatment and Bills
  • Future Medical Expenses
  • Medical Equipment (Crutches, Wheelchairs, etc.)
  • Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
  • Lost Wages
  • Loss of Future Earning Potential
  • Loss of Consortium
  • Psychological Trauma
  • Reduced Life Expectancy
  • Pain and Suffering

This list may not be exhaustive, and the applicability of any will depend on your situation. Your scaffold law attorney will assess your case and determine what you may be eligible to include in your claim, as well as effective strategies for proving your case and pursuing fair compensation.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are another category that some injury victims may claim. However, they do not apply to every case, and it is the burden of your attorney to demonstrate that the party responsible for the accident acted maliciously and intentionally caused serious harm.

A judge may award both compensatory and punitive damages if the defendant is found guilty of gross and willful misconduct that endangered human life or safety. The primary purpose here is to serve as a deterrent against future malicious behavior by the defendant or others who may be aware of the situation.

During your free consultation with our law firm, we will discuss your case, determine if you are eligible to file a claim and identify the types of damages we can fight for on your behalf in court if you choose to work with a Queens Construction Accident Attorney.

How A Queens Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case

Depending on the cause of your construction accident injuries, you may be able to pursue a worker’s compensation claim and personal injury claim. While, in general, contractors and property owners are protected from tort claims by injured construction workers, there are some situations where they can be held liable. Moreover, if you were hurt because of a defective product or the actions of a third-party you may be able to seek compensation from them

Our attorneys can help you with:

  • Filing your workers’ compensation claim
  • Managing all claim paperwork and helping you understand your obligations
  • Representing you in proceedings regarding your workers’ compensation claim
  • Appealing denials of workers’ compensation coverage
  • Identifying liable parties and seeking personal injury compensation
  • Filing a personal injury lawsuit
  • Negotiating a fair settlement
  • Representing  you in court 

Your personal injury attorney is your legal guide, advocate, and representative in all aspects of your construction accident claim. Let our experienced team provide you with peace of mind during these difficult times.

Steps To Take After a Construction Accident in Queens

After a construction accident, it is critical to take certain steps to secure your compensation claims. Ensuring your health and safety should be your top priority.

  1. Seek immediate medical attention. 
  2. Report the accident to your supervisor.
  3. Document the scene and your injuries, if you are able.
  4. Contact a construction accident lawyer to assist you.
  5. Provide your attorney with all information and evidence regarding your accident.
  6. Your lawyer can help you file a workers’ compensation claim and personal injury suit.
  7. Follow all requirements and steps for workers’ compensation.

By taking the appropriate actions following a worksite incident, you can secure your rights to financial compensation.

Statute of Limitations for a Construction Accident Claim in Queens

Multiple statute of limitations may impact your Queens construction accident claim. First, you have two-years to file a workers’ compensation claim if you are suffering from a work-related injury or illness. However, it is important to note that you only have 30 days after the incident occurred to notify the employer in writing of the injury or illness.

Second, victims typically have three years to file a personal injury claim. However, this timeline is shorter for wrongful death claims (two years) and government agencies (90 days for claim and one year and 90 days for lawsuit).

Time is of the essence in regards to your claim. Your attorney can help you determine the statute of limitations that impact your case. Acting quickly can be essential to timely filing and recovering full compensation.

What Is My Construction Accident Case Worth in Queens?

The value of your construction accident case depends on (1) the cause of your injuries, (2) the extent of your injuries, (3) the liable parties, and (4) the types of compensation available to you. For workers’ compensation claims, injured employees are entitled to receive two-thirds of their weekly wages for up to 52 weeks, up to a maximum amount of $1,145.43 per week as of 2024. 

Additionally, New York does not have a damage cap. This means that there is no limit on the amount of personal injury compensation you can recover. Your attorney can help you calculate your damages and what compensation may be available to you.

Contact A Queens Construction Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Queens construction accident, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties. Proving your case in a construction accident lawsuit requires the help of professionals. Our experienced Queens construction accident lawyers at Gregory Spektor & Associates handle such cases and can provide you with the legal representation you need.

Don’t hesitate to reach out. Remember that the New York state statute of limitations places time constraints on your claim. Contact our Queens construction accident attorneys today to schedule a free case consultation. We will conduct a thorough evaluation of the details of your case, provide you with legal advice, and outline the best course of action for seeking the compensation you deserve. Remember, following workplace accidents, time is of the essence. Don’t delay in seeking the representation you need for your personal injury case.

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