Queens Construction Accident Lawyer

Why Choose a Queens Construction Accident Lawyer at The Barnes Firm?

• Our legal team is led by over 40 attorneys across the United States with over 500 years of combined experience.
• Our mission is to help achieve the best result possible for each and every client through zealous representation, outstanding legal service, and a dedication to fighting for maximum compensation possible.
• We have handled more than 150,000 accident and injury cases, resulting in more than $2.5 billion in recovery for our injured clients.
• Our attorneys have been recognized for excellence by Best Lawyers in America, LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review, Super Lawyers, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, National Trial Lawyers, and many other respected organizations.
• Our clients have provided reviews for us due to our outstanding and committed service and representation.
• Our reach spans across the nation, with offices located in Queens, New York City, Los Angeles, Oakland, Long Island, San Diego, Buffalo, and Rochester.

What Is My Construction Accident Case Worth?

One of the key tasks of an attorney is to help determine the worth of your case to seek compensation for. While you may think your case is likely to result in a settlement like a similar case in Queens, each case is unique. Your Queens construction accident lawyer can help evaluate the facts of your case to ensure every aspect is considered to determine its true worth.

Factors contributing to the value of your claim include:

Severity of the Injury

The extent of physical harm directly impacts the necessary medical attention and the potential for long-term health issues. When injuries are severe, immediate and possibly extensive medical treatment is required, leading to significant medical expenses.

More severe injuries typically garner higher compensation to cover the increased medical costs, extended rehabilitation, and the enduring impact on the individual’s life.

Pain and Suffering

Your compensation for construction accident claims should reflect the intensity and duration of the pain experienced. This varies widely depending on the nature and severity of the injuries.

The ongoing discomfort, chronic pain, or the need for continuous pain management are key considerations. Also, the psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and trauma of coping with these challenges are crucial considerations.

Lost Earnings and Earning Capacity

If you were injured in a construction site, you may miss work and lose wages. Beyond the immediate impact, injuries can also affect your future earning potential. Reduced physical ability or the need to change careers can diminish long-term income prospects and affect your financial stability. The valuation of your claim should comprehensively check the impact on your career trajectory.

Availability of Workers’ Comp Benefits

Workers’ compensation offers financial support for medical expenses and lost wages without having to engage in lengthy legal battles. However, this may not cover all damages incurred from the accident and falls short in compensating for non-economic damages. Workers’ compensation insurance benefits combined with additional legal claims may earn you comprehensive compensation that addresses the broader impact of your injuries.

Queens Construction Accident Lawyers

New York City’s booming development has led to an increase in construction activity which, unfortunately, has also resulted in a rise in construction accidents. Construction workers in Queens are susceptible to a higher risk of workplace accidents due to the dangerous nature and setting of their construction jobs.

Injuries sustained in construction accidents can be traumatic and life-altering for victims and their families. If you or a loved one were injured in a construction accident in Queens, don’t hesitate to contact The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 to receive a FREE case evaluation.

The Barnes Firm Specializes in Helping Queens Construction Accident Victims

Victims of construction accidents may suffer injuries that cause them to miss work for an extended period of time. This means that they also cannot collect on their wage(s), and may struggle to pay medical bills, rent, and other financial responsibilities. At The Barnes Firm, we believe that construction accident victims deserve justice. Our team of experienced Queen construction accident lawyers specialize in handling the complexities and challenges that come with these cases and are committed to helping secure the compensation a construction accident victim deserves.

If you or a loved one were injured in a construction accident, don’t hesitate to contact The Barnes Firm today. Call us at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation and find out what your case is really worth.

New York State Construction Labor Laws

New York State has enacted specific labor statutes to guarantee construction workers a secure and safe working environment.  Property owners and construction companies are obligated to implement measures that guarantee the safety of work sites and provide workers with the essential safety gear required for their tasks.

Section 200 of the labor law in New York State states that proprietors and contractors “provide adequate and reasonable protection to the lives, well-being, and safety of all individuals employed or lawfully frequenting such premises. All machinery and equipment within said premises must be positioned, operated, shielded, and illuminated in a manner that provides adequate and reasonable protection to said individuals.” Furthermore, this provision mandates that when an owner or contractor identifies a dangerous piece of equipment, they must set up a warning sign detailing the dangers and rectify the dangerous conditions.

Section 240, commonly referred to as the “Scaffolding Law,” lists the guidelines pertaining to the utilization of scaffolding on construction sites, including the following requirements:

• Scaffolding situated more than 20 feet above the ground must be equipped with a securely attached safety railing measuring at least 34 inches in height, extending along its entire outer length.
• Scaffolding must be constructed to withstand four times the maximum required weight.
• Scaffolding must be erected, secured, and fastened on the premises.

Section 241 of the Labor Law stipulates that workers must be shielded from safety hazards that could potentially lead to injuries. This encompasses enclosing elevator shafts, ensuring the proper planking of floors, and implementing adequate equipment to prevent slip, trip, and fall accidents.

If you have sustained injuries on a construction site due to a property owner or contractor disregarding these regulations, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation for your injuries. Contact The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE consultation.

Alex Bouganim – Personal Injury Lawyer in Manhattan, NY

“Alex Bouganim is the managing attorney at the Manhattan Office of The Barnes Firm. As managing attorney, Alex is responsible for overseeing all of the cases in the Manhattan Office. In addition to focusing his practice on general negligence cases, including car accidents, slip/trip and falls, and wrongful death cases, Alex is the Co-Chair of the firm’s construction site accident department. “

Types of Queens Construction Accident Cases We Handle

At The Barnes Firm, our Queens construction accident attorneys over 100 years of combined experience handling various types of construction accident cases, including:

• Dangerous equipment & machinery
• Nail gun accidents
• Scaffolding collapse
• Roof and ladder falls
• Elevator accidents
• Caught in or between objects
• Falling objects and debris
• Forklift accidents
• Building collapse
• Brazing or welding accidents
• Slip and Falls
• Crane accidents
• Electrocutions
• Toxic chemicals
• Fires and explosions

Construction site owners and operators bear the responsibility of adhering to safety protocols to prevent accidents.

Queens Construction Accident Injury Statistics

Worker injuries on building construction sites in New York City have been a significant concern. According to the NYC Department of Buildings’ 2022 Construction Safety Report, numerous incidents involving construction workers occurred. With the surge in construction activities, there’s a corresponding increase in worksite incidents and injuries.

In Queens specifically, 110 construction-related incidents were reported.  This was an increase from the past year, which had seen 73 deaths from construction accidents. This led to 79 workers sustaining injuries and 2 fatalities.

Common Construction Accident Injuries

Construction accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to serious, life-altering injuries such as:

• Burns
• Amputations
• Broken or fractured bones
• Back and neck injuries
• Concussions
• Crushing injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Traumatic brain injury
• Eye and facial injuries
• Paralysis
• Internal organ damage
• Electrocution

Regardless of the nature of your injuries, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Once your injuries have been evaluated, contact The Barnes Firm to speak with an experienced Queens construction accident attorney. For more information regarding your construction accident case, or to speak with a personal injury attorney, call The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000.

People Liable for Your Construction Accident Injuries

Liability for a construction accident can vary from situation to situation. Quite often, more than one party could be at fault, making it highly important to consult with a Queens construction lawyer about your unique situation.

Depending on what exactly happened in your construction accident, you might have a case against these parties:

• Construction companies. These companies have a duty to maintain a safe work environment. They must ensure that safety protocols are followed and that workers are properly trained.
• Property owners. Property owners must adhere to safety law and ensure the property occupants are safe from hazards. They should conduct regular inspections and address any potential dangers to prevent accidents.
• Contractors and subcontractors. These parties are responsible for overseeing specific tasks on the construction site. They need to make sure that their workers follow safety protocols and that the work area is safe.
• Equipment manufacturers. These manufacturers are tasked with providing safe and properly functioning equipment. If faulty equipment causes an injury, the manufacturer might be held liable.
• Architects and engineers. These professionals help design the construction project safely. If a design flaw leads to an accident, they could be held accountable.

An attorney can help identify all liable parties and build a strong case to hold them accountable for your injuries. They may look at the equipment you were handling, any hazardous conditions, and who had control of the site at the time of the accident.

What Compensation Can I Seek After a Construction Accident?

Seeking compensation can be a long and difficult process to navigate. The specific circumstances of your accident and the severity of your injuries and damages effect how much you may receive. After a construction accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for various damages, including:

• Pain and suffering
• PTSD
• Permanent disfigurement
• Physical therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Emotional distress
• Current and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• In-home nursing care
• Future lost wages

At The Barnes Firm, we understand the emotional, financial, and physical hardships that construction accidents can cause for victims and their families. The Barnes Firm is here to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Damages Available in Queens Construction Accident Cases

When it comes to construction accident cases, there are two categories of damages you can seek, namely economic and non-economic damages. 

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the financial losses someone suffers due to an accident or injury. These damages cover the money you need to spend or the money you lose because of what happened.

• Treatment costs such as surgeries, hospital admissions, medications, and ongoing treatment costs.
• Lost earnings and potential future income if you cannot return to your job.
• Cost of occupational therapy and other recovery-related expenses.
• Repair or replacement costs if the property was damaged during the incident.
• Expenses related to memorializing and honoring a loved one in the case of wrongful death.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages cover intangible losses that impact your quality of life. They are the non-financial losses you experience because of the construction accident injury. They include the following: 

• Compensation for physical pain and discomfort you feel due to injuries that make your daily life harder.
• Compensation for inability to enjoy activities or hobbies you used to love because of your injuries.
• Emotional distress damages that come from dealing with the trauma of the accident.
• Payment for the negative impact on your relationship with your spouse or family, like losing companionship or intimacy.
• Disfigurement damages to address the permanent changes  to your appearance due to scars or other injuries, affecting how you feel about yourself.

Your attorney will look beyond just your medical expenses to understand the full impact of the accident on your life. They will thoroughly evaluate economic and non-economic damages so that your settlement fairly covers your injuries.

What Should I Do in the Aftermath of a Construction Accident?

Steps To Take After a Construction Accident

If you’ve been involved in a construction accident, it’s advisable to take immediate steps to protect your rights and strengthen your claim:

• Inform your supervisor about the accident within 30 days and ask them to document it. Request a copy for your records.
• Ask witnesses for their contact information, including co-workers and sub-contractors who saw the accident.
• Take photos of any equipment, tools, visible injuries, and damage to clothing or safety gear. If you can’t do it yourself, ask a coworker to help.
• Write down your account of what happened as soon as possible, including details of what you were doing before the accident and everyone who was present.
• Keep all medical appointments, get recommended tests, take prescribed medications, and follow your doctor’s advice on activity limits and rest. Do not return to work until your doctor approves it.
• Start a file to keep all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, communications with insurance companies, and documents from your employer.
• Consult a construction accident lawyer in Queens to know your rights and legal options for recovering compensation.

Primarily, the actions you take following an accident influence the progression and outcome of your case. If you can take appropriate steps, you can enhance the seamless handling of your case and protect your rights.

Statute of Limitations for a Construction Accident Claim in Queens

In Queens, you have three years following an accident to file a claim. This is based on the New York statute of limitations for personal injuries (N.Y. C.P.L.R Law § 214 (2024).). However, there are a few tolling factors that can extend or shorten this period. 

For instance, claims against government entities have a one-year and 90-day filing window. Also, the statute of limitations may not begin to count until the injury is fully discovered. Under-age plaintiffs will have to wait until they are 21 years old to commence a lawsuit (CPLR § 208(a))

A lawyer will explain the various deadlines applicable to your case and ensure that your claim is filed on time to prevent you from losing your right to compensation.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Construction Site Injuries?

Construction site injuries can result from various causes. This depends on the type of work being done and the form of negligence that caused the incident. Majorly common causes of construction site injuries include:

• Poorly maintained sites or lack of safety protocols.
• Workers not properly trained to handle equipment or tasks.
• Defective or malfunctioning tools and machinery.
• Negligence by coworkers, supervisors, or contractors.

Figuring out what led to your injury is key to building a solid case and making sure those at-fault are held responsible.

Contact a Queens Construction Accident Lawyer at The Barnes Firm

At The Barnes Firm, we understand the overwhelming nature of construction accidents and the impact it can have on your life. If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident in Queens, contact The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 and speak with an experienced Queens construction accident attorney. Let us help you get the best result possible.