Queens Construction Accident Lawyer
New York construction sites are some of the most dangerous places to work and have a high risk of accidents and injuries. Construction workers in Queens face countless dangers on the job on a daily basis. Falling from heights, electrocutions, falling objects, structural collapses, and more are all too common, especially when a construction site is not properly maintained.
If you or a loved one have been injured while working on a construction site in Queens, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. Contact Lever & Ecker today to speak with an experienced Queens construction accident attorney about your case.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Lever & Ecker to Represent You After a Construction Accident in Queens?
- How Much Is Your Construction Accident Case Worth in Queens?
- Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Queens, NY
- Common Injuries Suffered by Construction Workers in Queens
- Who Could Be Held Liable for Your Injuries in a Construction Accident in Queens?
- New York Laws That Protect Injured Construction Workers in Queens
- How Often Do You See Safety Violations on New York Construction Sites?
- Construction Accident Cases We Handle in Queens
- How Long Do You Have to File a Construction Accident Lawsuit in Queens?
- Contact The Queens Construction Accident Lawyers at Lever & Ecker
Why Choose Lever & Ecker to Represent You After a Construction Accident in Queens?
At Lever & Ecker, our Queens personal injury lawyers have decades of experience handling construction accident cases, and everything we do is in the best interest of our clients. With a 99 percent success rate, we take a hands-on approach to every client’s matter, guiding them through each step of the legal process with compassion and open communication. Our attorneys are motivated to provide injury victims with top-tier legal representation. Though we are able to settle most cases, and so quite favorably, we are always prepared to go to trial if necessary.
Settlements Recovered for Construction Accident Victims
Lever & Ecker’s construction accident attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for injured workers over the years, including:
How Much Is Your Construction Accident Case Worth in Queens, NY?
The value of a construction accident case in Queens depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries and the specific details of your accident. Cases involving more serious injuries or negligence tend to have a higher value. If you’ve been injured on a construction site in Queens, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:
Medical Expenses
Injuries from construction accidents often result in substantial medical costs. You can recover compensation for all medical expenses related to your injury, including emergency treatment, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care. These costs can add up, especially for ongoing treatments, and your Queens construction accident lawyer can help ensure all current and future medical expenses are covered.
Lost Wages
Construction injuries often force workers in Queens to miss time from work. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages during your recovery period, as well as future earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job. If your ability to work long-term is impacted, your lawyer can help you seek compensation for that lost income as well.
Pain and Suffering
Construction accidents in Queens can cause severe physical pain and emotional distress. You may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering caused by your injuries. This includes chronic pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of activities that were part of your everyday life before the accident.
Disability Benefits
If your injuries result in permanent disability, you may qualify for disability benefits. This compensation can help cover the long-term impact on your ability to work and daily life. Your Queens construction accident attorney can help you secure benefits for permanent disabilities, along with any ongoing medical expenses related to your condition.
Wrongful Death
If a loved one dies due to a construction accident in Queens, surviving family members may be able to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. A Queens wrongful death lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you seek justice for your loved one.
Can You Still Sue if You Pursue Workers’ Compensation?
Yes. If you are pursuing workers’ compensation for your construction accident injuries in Queens, you can still file a lawsuit against a third party responsible for your accident, such as a subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer. Workers’ compensation typically does not cover pain and suffering or certain other damages, so a third-party lawsuit can help you recover additional compensation beyond what workers’ compensation provides. A knowledgeable Queens construction accident lawyer can help you navigate both claims simultaneously and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Queens, NY
Construction workers in Queens face serious risks every day, with accidents leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. Understanding the most common causes of these accidents can help injured workers recognize what went wrong and take the necessary steps to protect their rights.
Falls from Heights
Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injuries on construction sites, often occurring due to a lack of proper safety measures. Common scenarios include:
- Scaffolding failures
- Falls from ladders, roofs, or cranes
- Missing or defective safety equipment (harnesses, guardrails, nets)
Injuries from these accidents frequently include fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and spinal cord damage.
Struck-By Accidents
Construction sites involve heavy materials, tools, and machinery, which can pose a significant danger to workers. Struck-by accidents often result from:
- Falling tools, debris, or unsecured materials
- Collisions with heavy machinery or site vehicles
- Flying objects from power tools or equipment failures
These incidents can lead to broken bones, head trauma, and life-altering injuries.
Electrocution Injuries
Electrical hazards are present on many construction sites, especially when proper precautions are not in place. Common risks include:
- Contact with live power lines
- Exposed or faulty wiring
- Defective electrical systems in tools or machinery
Electrocution accidents can cause severe burns, nerve damage, and even cardiac arrest.
Caught-In/Between Accidents
Workers can become trapped or crushed between equipment, materials, or collapsing structures, leading to devastating injuries. These accidents often involve:
- Trench collapses burying workers
- Machinery or conveyor belts pulling in workers
- Being pinned between heavy objects or structures
Caught-in/between accidents can result in crushing injuries, amputations, and suffocation.
Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs)
While many construction accidents happen suddenly, repetitive movements over time can also lead to serious injuries. Common causes include:
- Heavy lifting leading to back and shoulder injuries
- Prolonged kneeling or bending, causing joint and muscle damage
- Nerve compression from repetitive motions
These injuries can worsen over time, impacting a worker’s ability to perform their job.
Burns & Chemical Exposure
Construction sites often contain hazardous materials and high-heat equipment, putting workers at risk for burns and respiratory illnesses. Dangers include:
- Welding accidents causing severe burns
- Exposure to toxic chemicals leading to lung disease
- Inhalation of dust, asbestos, or fumes affecting respiratory health
Long-term exposure to hazardous substances can cause serious health conditions.
Machinery & Equipment Accidents
Malfunctioning or improperly used machinery is a major cause of construction site injuries. Common dangers include:
- Forklift rollovers
- Malfunctioning power tools or heavy equipment
- Lack of proper machine safety guards
These accidents can lead to deep lacerations, fractures, and severe head injuries.
Common Injuries Suffered by Construction Workers in Queens
Construction accidents often result in severe injuries that can impact a worker’s ability to earn a living and lead a normal life. Some injuries heal with time, while others cause permanent disabilities. Below are the most common types of injuries construction workers in Queens experience.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Falls, struck-by accidents, and equipment malfunctions frequently result in head injuries. Even when wearing a hard hat, workers can suffer:
- Concussions
- Skull fractures
- Long-term cognitive impairment
Traumatic brain injuries can lead to memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and permanent neurological damage.
Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis
Falls from heights and being struck by heavy objects can damage the spinal cord, leading to:
- Herniated or fractured vertebrae
- Partial or full paralysis
- Chronic pain and mobility issues
Severe spinal injuries may require lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Construction sites pose a high risk for broken bones due to falls, heavy equipment accidents, and collapsing structures. Common fractures include:
- Arms, legs, and ribs
- Pelvis and hip fractures
- Crushed bones requiring surgery
Some fractures may take months to heal, while others cause permanent damage.
Amputations & Crush Injuries
Caught-in/between accidents and machinery malfunctions can lead to devastating injuries, including:
- Loss of fingers, hands, or limbs
- Severe tissue and muscle damage
- Permanent disability requiring prosthetics
These injuries can significantly impact a worker’s quality of life and ability to return to their job.
Severe Burns
Construction workers are at risk for burns due to welding accidents, electrical hazards, and chemical exposure. Common burn injuries include:
- Thermal burns from fires, explosions, or welding equipment
- Electrical burns from power lines and faulty wiring
- Chemical burns from exposure to hazardous substances
Serious burns can lead to nerve damage, disfigurement, and long-term medical complications.
Electrocution & Nerve Damage
Contact with live wires, faulty electrical equipment, and unsafe power sources can result in:
- Severe burns
- Heart complications
- Permanent nerve damage affecting mobility and sensation
Even non-fatal electrocution incidents can have lasting health effects.
Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs) & Joint Damage
Repeated motions and heavy lifting over time can wear down the body, causing:
- Chronic back and shoulder pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Knee and joint degeneration
These injuries may not appear immediately but can worsen over time, limiting a worker’s mobility and ability to work.
Respiratory Issues & Toxic Exposure
Inhaling dust, asbestos, or chemical fumes can cause serious respiratory diseases, including:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Occupational asthma
- Long-term lung damage from asbestos exposure (mesothelioma risk)
Workers exposed to hazardous substances may develop health complications years after the initial exposure.
Who Could Be Held Liable for Your Injuries in a Construction Accident in Queens?
Determining liability in a Queens construction accident can be complicated, as multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries. The specific circumstances of your accident will help determine who can be held accountable. Here’s a breakdown of who may be liable:
Your Employer
In most cases, employees cannot sue their employers for work-related injuries because they are covered under workers’ compensation insurance. However, workers’ compensation provides limited benefits, and you may still have the right to seek additional compensation from other parties involved in the accident.
Construction Site Owners or Managers
The property owner or site manager may be liable if they failed to maintain a safe work environment. This includes failing to follow safety regulations or not properly securing the site, which can contribute to accidents.
Contractors or Subcontractors
Equipment Manufacturers
If your accident was caused by defective machinery or tools, the manufacturer of that equipment could be liable. This includes faulty cranes, scaffolding, power tools, or other equipment that failed due to poor design or manufacturing defects.
Third-Party Vendors
Sometimes, third-party vendors or service providers on the construction site (such as delivery drivers or maintenance companies) can be held liable if their actions or negligence led to your injury.
New York Laws That Protect Injured Construction Workers in Queens
New York State has multiple labor laws in place to protect construction workers and their right to a safe work environment. More particulalrly, Labor Laws 200, 240, and 241 each provide specific protections for construction workers.
Labor Law 200 – Safe Workplaces and Equipment
Labor Law 200 states that all worksites and their overseers have a general duty to protect the health and safety of employees. The law requires all construction sites to be constructed, equipped, arranged, and operated to provide reasonable and adequate protection for the lives, health, and safety of workers. It also requires all machinery, equipment, and devices to be properly placed, operated, guarded, and lit to keep workers safe.
Labor Law 240 – Protection from Falls and Falling Objects
Labor Law 240, also known as the Scaffold Law, requires that proper safety measures be taken to protect workers around scaffolding, hoists, ladders, and other devices.
Labor Law 241 – Enforcing Construction Site Safety Rules
Labor Law 241 requires all contractors, property owners, and agents to comply with specific safety requirements when performing construction, excavation, and demolition work. The law sets requirements for floor support, enclosed elevator shafts, protective barriers, and more.
How Often Do You See Safety Violations on New York Construction Sites?
Construction Accident Cases We Handle in Queens
At Lever & Ecker, our Queens construction accident attorneys handle a wide variety of construction accident lawsuits, including those involving:
- Ladder accidents
- Scaffolding accidents
- Fall accidents
- Struck by falling objects
- Wall collapses
- Electrocution accidents
- Faulty equipment
- Crane accidents
- Shanty collapses
How Long Do You Have to File a Construction Accident Lawsuit in Queens?
Under the New York personal injury statute of limitations, you normally have three years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. However, there are exceptions. For example, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed by the decedent’s personal representative within two years from the date of death. Other types of claims carry even shorter deadlines, depending on the nature of the party being sued Our attorneys can help you determine the correct statute of limitations for your case and ensure that you file with time to spare.
Contact The Queens Construction Accident Lawyers at Lever & Ecker
Lever & Ecker’s award-winning legal team has over 70 years of combined experience representing injury victims, including construction workers in Queens who were harmed by hazardous working conditions. Our approach is simple: we listen to you, guide you, and do what needs to be done right away to ensure the success of your case. We will provide the guidance you need to make the right legal decisions. Contact us online or call (347) 391-6337 today to schedule a free consultation.
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