Construction accidents are unfortunately all too common in the construction industry, which remains one of the most hazardous fields in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction workers face a higher risk of severe injuries and fatalities than most other professions. In Queens, construction sites are bustling with activity, and the potential for accidents such as falls, electrocutions, and incidents involving falling objects is ever-present.
These accidents can have life-altering consequences for workers and their families, leading to significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a Queens construction accident, it’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable Queens construction accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and pursue the compensation you deserve under New York law.
Why Choose a Queens Construction Accident Lawyer at The Barnes Firm?
If you were injured on a construction site, working with an experienced Queens construction accident attorney can make a critical difference in your recovery both physically and financially.
- Our construction accident attorneys represent injured workers throughout Queens handling complex construction site injury claims under New York Labor Law.
- We understand the unique hazards of Queens construction sites, including falls from heights, scaffolding failures, crane accidents, equipment malfunctions, and other construction site injuries.
- The Barnes Firm is a leading construction accident law firm and law firm with extensive experience representing many construction workers in Queens.
- Our mission is to secure the maximum compensation available for every client through aggressive advocacy and outstanding legal service.
- We have handled more than 150,000 accident and injury cases, recovering over $2.5 billion for injured clients and their families.
- Our attorneys are nationally recognized by Best Lawyers in America, LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and National Trial Lawyers.
- Our clients consistently leave positive reviews reflecting our dedication, responsiveness, and results-driven representation.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Clients only pay if they win their case.
Disclaimer: *Steve and Rich Barnes have obtained millions in recoveries for their clients and have supervised over $2.5 Billion Dollars in settlements.Getting our clients the best result possible
What Is My Construction Accident Case Worth?
Every construction accident case is unique. Construction accidents can result in life-altering injuries, making fair compensation essential for injured workers and their families. A skilled Queens construction accident attorney will evaluate all aspects of your claim to determine its full value—not just what insurance companies may initially offer.
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Emotional distress
Compensation for construction accident victims can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and disability benefits.
Factors That Affect the Value of Your Construction Accident Claim
Severity of the Injury
Construction accidents often cause catastrophic injuries, including head injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and back or neck injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from falls, being struck by objects, or other impacts on construction sites. More severe injuries typically require extensive medical treatment and long-term care, increasing the value of a claim. Back and neck injuries on construction sites can lead to chronic pain and long-term disability. Machinery and equipment accidents can result from operator error, lack of proper maintenance, or failure to follow safety procedures.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation should reflect both physical pain and emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and the long-term impact on your quality of life.
Lost Earnings and Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from returning to work or force you into a lower-paying role your claim should account for both immediate wage loss and future earning limitations.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
While workers’ compensation laws provide limited benefits regardless of fault, it often does not cover pain and suffering or full wage loss. New York law requires most employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees.
A Queens construction accident attorney can evaluate whether third-party claims are available to pursue additional compensation. In New York, workers’ compensation benefits are available to employees injured on the job, regardless of fault. Workers’ compensation claims cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages for injured workers. Injured workers must notify their employer of a workers’ compensation claim within 30 days of the accident.
Queens Construction Accident Lawyers You Can Trust
Queens continues to experience significant construction growth, increasing the risk of serious workplace accidents. Construction injuries can be life-altering for workers and their families.
If you were injured on a construction site in Queens, contact The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE consultation. You pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you, as our services are provided on a contingency fee basis.
Hiring a construction accident attorney can also relieve the burden of dealing with insurance companies and legal paperwork after an accident.
New York Labor Laws Protecting Queens Construction Workers
New York’s labor laws provide powerful protections for construction workers:
Labor Laws 200, 240, and 241 protect construction workers and others on the job site from injury and death.
- Labor Law 200: Requires employers and property owners to provide a safe work environment.
- Labor Law 240 (“Scaffold Law”): Holds property owners and contractors strictly liable for gravity-related injuries, such as falls from heights.
- Labor Law 241(6): Mandates compliance with specific safety rules and regulations on construction sites.
Labor Law 200
Requires owners and contractors to provide reasonable and adequate protection and address known hazards under Labor Law 200. Labor Law 200 requires owners of construction companies, contractors, and other parties to provide a safe work environment for construction workers and visitors.
Labor Law 240 (Scaffold Law)
Protects workers from gravity-related injuries, including falls from scaffolds, ladders, and elevated surfaces, by holding the general contractor and property owner responsible under the law. The Scaffold Law in New York imposes strict liability on owners and general contractors for elevation-related risks such as falls from scaffolds or ladders.
This law applies to construction work, ensuring legal protections for workers engaged in activities that involve working at heights.
Labor Law 241
Mandates specific safety measures for construction sites, including proper flooring, enclosed openings, and fall prevention systems.
If these laws were violated and you were injured, a Queens construction accident attorney can help hold negligent parties accountable.
“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. “Alex Bouganim – Personal Injury Lawyer in Manhattan, NY

Types of Queens Construction Accident Cases We Handle
Our attorneys handle all types of construction accident claims, including:
- Scaffolding and ladder falls
- Falling objects and debris
- Crane and forklift accidents
- Nail gun and machinery injuries
- Machinery accidents
- Power tools
- Exposed electrical wiring
- Electrocutions
- Fires and explosions
- Building collapses
- Slip and fall accidents
- Toxic chemical exposure
Unsafe working conditions, such as exposed electrical wiring and unstable scaffolding, are significant causes of construction accidents. Electrocutions can occur when construction workers come into contact with live electrical wires or equipment, leading to severe injuries or death. Machinery and equipment accidents can result from operator error, lack of proper maintenance, or failure to follow safety procedures.
Common Construction Accident Injuries
Construction site injuries often result in serious, life altering injuries to workers, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Burns and electrocution injuries
- Broken bones and amputations
- Crushing injuries
- Internal organ damage
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from falls, being struck by objects, or other impacts on construction sites. Spinal cord injuries can result from falls, being struck by objects, or machinery accidents, and may cause paralysis. Seek medical care immediately after any construction accident and consult a Queens construction accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Queens Construction Accident?
Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include:
- Property owners
- Construction companies
- General contractors and subcontractors
- Equipment manufacturers
- Architects and engineers
- Any negligent third party
A thorough investigation is necessary to identify all liable parties, including any negligent third party who may be responsible for the accident.
An experienced Queens construction accident attorney will investigate the site, gather evidence, and identify all liable parties beyond the employer, such as subcontractors or property owners, to pursue every available source of compensation.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
You may be entitled to fair compensation for:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and future income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- In-home care and long-term support
Compensation for construction accident victims can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and disability benefits.
Steps to Take After a Construction Accident in Queens
- Report the accident to your supervisor immediately.
- Document the accident scene with photos and witness information.
- Seek medical treatment and follow all medical advice. Immediate medical attention is crucial after a construction accident, even if injuries seem minor.
- Preserve records, bills, and correspondence. Preserving evidence, including taking photos of the accident scene and your injuries, can be vital for your claim. Maintain detailed records of all information related to the incident and your injuries, including medical reports and expenses.
- Contact a Queens construction accident attorney before speaking with insurance companies.
Preventing Construction Accidents
Preventing construction accidents starts with a commitment to safety from both construction companies and property owners. Every construction site must be equipped with proper fall protection systems, well-maintained machinery, and up-to-date safety equipment to minimize the risk of serious injuries. Construction workers should receive thorough training on how to safely operate equipment and follow established safety protocols. Regular inspections of the construction site are essential to identify and address potential hazards before accidents happen. By prioritizing these safety measures, construction companies and property owners can create a safer environment for workers, significantly reducing the likelihood of construction accidents and protecting everyone on site from harm.
Construction Site Safety
Construction site safety is a top priority for protecting construction workers from serious injuries. In New York, property owners and construction companies are legally required to comply with strict safety regulations, including the Scaffold Law, which mandates the use of proper fall protection and safety equipment for workers at elevated heights. Regular safety inspections and comprehensive training programs help ensure that all workers are aware of potential hazards and know how to avoid them. Additionally, providing personal protective equipment—such as hard hats, safety harnesses, and steel-toed boots—is essential for minimizing the risk of injury. By maintaining a strong focus on construction site safety, property owners and construction companies can help prevent accidents and ensure that every worker returns home safely at the end of the day.
Statute of Limitations for Queens Construction Accident Claims
In most cases, New York law allows three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims involving government entities have much shorter deadlines.
Missing a deadline can permanently bar your claim which is why it is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
Contact a Queens Construction Accident Attorney Today
Construction accidents can leave victims facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about the future. The Barnes Firm is here to help.
Call (800) 800-0000 today for a FREE consultation We work on a contingency fee basis so injured construction workers pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Let an experienced Queens construction accident attorney fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. In addition to workers’ compensation, injured construction workers may also file personal injury lawsuits against third parties responsible for their injuries.
Our team of attorneys want to hear from you.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
Free Case Evaluation or call us: (800) 800-0000Answers to Your Most
Commonly Asked Questions
Most people have never needed a lawyer when they find themselves injured and in need of legal advice. We hear the following questions from many of our clients. We hope the answers help clarify your options and considerations.
After a construction accident, seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to your employer or site supervisor. If possible, document the scene by taking photos, collecting witness information, and keeping records of medical treatment. Prompt reporting and documentation can be critical for protecting your rights.
Liability may extend beyond your employer and can include property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or third-party vendors. Responsibility depends on who controlled the worksite and whether safety laws or regulations reported were violated.
Yes. While workers’ compensation generally prevents lawsuits against your employer, you may still be able to pursue a third-party personal injury claim against other negligent parties, such as contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers.
Most New York personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the accident. Workers’ compensation claims and lawsuits involving government entities have shorter deadlines, making it important to act quickly.
Construction accidents often result in serious injuries such as falls from heights, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, amputations, and burns. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, future income loss, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and long-term disability damages. Workers’ compensation benefits may also cover medical care and a portion of lost income.
Construction accident cases are often complex and involve multiple parties and safety regulations. An experienced construction accident attorney can help investigate the incident, identify liable parties, protect your rights, and pursue full compensation.
Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes