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Construction Site Injuries Lawyer — Cohoes, NY

Protecting Your Recovery

Your Guide to Construction Injury Claims in Cohoes

Construction site injuries can cause serious physical, financial, and emotional burdens for workers and bystanders in Cohoes and throughout Albany County. If you were hurt on a jobsite, it is important to understand your options for medical care, wage replacement, and financial recovery. The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves clients in the Hudson Valley and New York and can evaluate the circumstances of falls, equipment accidents, and other on-site harms. Call (845) 986-2777 to discuss the basics of your situation and learn how to preserve evidence, document injuries, and protect your right to compensation while you focus on recovery.

After a construction injury, the first steps you take can affect any later claim. Seek prompt medical attention, preserve any clothing or equipment involved, and record the names of witnesses and site managers when possible. The firm can assist in gathering records, communicating with insurers, and identifying potentially responsible parties such as contractors, subcontractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers. While you concentrate on healing, the team will explain legal timelines and help you weigh options for recovery. Early action helps secure records and preserves testimony that may be important to your case in Cohoes and across New York.

Benefits of Pursuing a Construction Injury Claim

Pursuing a construction injury claim can provide financial relief and practical support for people who have suffered harm on a jobsite. A successful claim may address medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Beyond money, a claim can help establish responsibility for unsafe conditions and promote accountability among those who control the worksite. Legal representation can help you negotiate with insurers, coordinate with health care providers about liens, and assess whether a settlement fairly reflects long-term needs. Taking appropriate legal steps helps families plan for recovery and reduces uncertainty about future costs.

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC and Allan J. Ahearne, Jr.

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves injured clients across the Hudson Valley and New York, including Cohoes and Albany County. Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the firm focus on personal injury matters arising from construction sites, representing individuals who have sustained falls, crush injuries, electrocutions, and other on-site accidents. The firm seeks to secure fair compensation while maintaining clear communication about case progress and likely outcomes. If you prefer an in-person meeting in Cohoes or remote consultation, contact the office at (845) 986-2777 to schedule a discussion about your situation and possible next steps.

Understanding Construction Site Injury Claims

Construction site injury claims often involve multiple legal and factual issues, including property responsibilities, contractor oversight, equipment safety, and compliance with workplace rules. Injuries can result from falls, defective tools, inadequate training, insufficient fall protection, or negligent supervision. Determining who is responsible may require reviewing contracts, safety logs, incident reports, and equipment maintenance records. Witness statements, photographs of the scene, and medical documentation are essential to establish how the injury occurred and to link the harm to the actions or omissions of a particular party. A careful investigation early on helps preserve evidence that supports a claim.

The process of resolving a construction injury claim can include investigation, settlement discussions, and, if needed, formal litigation. Your medical records and billing statements will establish the scope and cost of injuries, while depositions and expert reports may be necessary when liability or damages are contested. In New York, time limits apply for filing lawsuits, so it is important to take timely steps to protect legal rights. The firm can help coordinate with medical providers, obtain official incident reports, and explain how a claim is likely to proceed given the facts and parties involved in your case.

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Key Terms and Glossary for Construction Claims

Negligence

Negligence refers to a failure to take ordinary care that a reasonable person would take under similar circumstances, resulting in harm to another. In construction injury claims, negligence can arise when a contractor or site manager overlooks safety protocols, fails to maintain equipment, or allows unsafe conditions to persist. To prove negligence, a claimant typically needs to show that a duty of care existed, that the duty was breached, and that the breach caused the injury and resulting losses. The specific circumstances on a jobsite, such as signage, training, and equipment maintenance, are evaluated to determine whether conduct fell below the expected standard.

Workers' Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a state-run system that provides benefits for employees who are injured on the job, covering medical treatment and partial wage replacement in many cases. In New York, injured workers generally apply for workers’ compensation benefits even while considering other legal options. Workers’ compensation can limit an employee’s ability to sue an employer directly for negligence, but it does not always prevent claims against third parties such as equipment manufacturers, property owners, or contractors who are not the employer. Understanding how workers’ compensation interacts with other claims is an important part of planning a construction injury case.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is the legal time limit for filing a lawsuit, and it varies by claim type and jurisdiction. For most personal injury claims in New York, the time to file a civil lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the injury, while other deadlines may apply to different claim categories. Failing to file within the applicable period can bar a claim regardless of its merits. Because rules and exceptions can be complex, early consultation and action can help preserve your rights, ensure timely collection of evidence, and avoid the loss of recovery opportunities due to procedural deadlines.

Third-Party Liability

Third-party liability refers to claims against parties other than an injured worker’s employer, such as contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, or suppliers. When an injury is caused by faulty equipment, unsafe premises, or negligent oversight by a non-employer, a third-party claim may provide recovery beyond workers’ compensation benefits. Establishing third-party liability often requires identifying who controlled the work, who maintained or supplied defective items, and how contractual or operational responsibilities contributed to the incident. These claims can increase the range of potential recovery but may also involve more complex factual and legal issues.

PRO TIPS

Preserve Evidence Immediately

Take immediate steps to preserve evidence after a construction site incident because physical items, records, and witness memories can change quickly. Save damaged clothing and tools, photograph the scene from multiple angles, and keep any incident reports or written communications you receive. Obtaining witness names and contact details, along with date-stamped photos and contemporaneous notes about what happened, can make a meaningful difference when documenting the cause and scope of your injuries.

Document Injuries and Expenses

Maintain thorough records of all medical visits, treatments, prescriptions, and related expenses to show the full effect of your injuries and recovery process. Track missed work and lost income as well as incidental costs such as transportation, physical therapy, and home modifications. Clear documentation of bills, pay stubs, and appointment summaries helps demonstrate the financial impact of the injury and supports calculations used in settlement negotiations or court proceedings.

Seek Prompt Medical Care

Obtain medical attention as soon as possible after an injury so health issues are properly diagnosed and treated, and so records accurately reflect the connection between the incident and your condition. Timely treatment not only assists recovery but also creates a medical record linking symptoms to the workplace event, which is important in establishing causation. Follow medical advice, keep appointment notes, and request copies of all medical records and bills to ensure documentation is available for any claim.

Comparing Legal Options After a Construction Injury

When a Full Claim Is Advisable:

Serious Injuries and Complex Liability

A comprehensive legal approach is often necessary when injuries are severe, recovery is prolonged, or multiple parties may share responsibility for the incident. Serious physical harm usually leads to significant medical costs, ongoing care needs, and potential long-term loss of earnings that make precise damage calculations and professional advocacy important. Complex liability questions and disputed fault typically require more in-depth investigation, coordination with medical providers, and, when necessary, formal discovery to establish the full nature of losses and who should be held accountable.

Multiple Potentially Liable Parties

When several entities may bear responsibility—such as contractors, subcontractors, property owners, or manufacturers—a comprehensive legal strategy helps identify each party’s role and pursue appropriate claims against them. Coordinating claims against multiple defendants can increase recovery possibilities but also involves navigating competing defenses and insurance positions. A careful, thorough approach to evidence collection and legal theory is often the most effective path to a fair resolution in cases with layered responsibility.

When a Limited Approach May Be Enough:

Minor Injuries with Quick Recovery

A more limited approach may suffice when injuries are minor, treatment is brief, and there is clear documentation linking the incident to relatively small medical bills and short-term lost wages. In such cases, resolving matters directly with an insurer or through a streamlined settlement process can be appropriate and efficient. However, it still helps to document injuries and keep records so that any delayed complications or hidden costs can be addressed if they arise later.

Clear Liability and Small Damages

When fault is undisputed and damages are modest, parties may be able to reach a prompt agreement without extensive investigation or litigation. A focused strategy in these situations emphasizes efficient documentation of medical expenses and wage loss and quick negotiations with insurers. Even with clear liability, it is wise to confirm that a proposed resolution fairly compensates for all short-term costs and any possible future needs related to the injury.

Common Construction Site Injury Scenarios

Falls from Height

Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs are among the most serious and frequent construction injuries and often result in fractures, spinal injuries, or head trauma that require extended treatment and rehabilitation. Proper fall protection, routine equipment checks, and adherence to safety protocols are important factors in determining whether a fall was preventable and who may bear responsibility for resulting losses.

Struck-By Incidents

Being struck by falling objects, moving equipment, or swinging loads can cause blunt force injuries, fractures, and soft tissue damage that necessitate medical care and time away from work. Investigation into material handling, equipment operation procedures, and site supervision can reveal how such incidents occurred and whether negligence contributed to the harm.

Electrocutions and Burns

Contact with live electrical sources or exposure to hot materials can cause severe burns, nerve damage, and other acute injuries that require immediate medical attention and long-term follow-up. Determining whether safe work practices and appropriate protective equipment were in place helps assess responsibility and the full scope of recovery for those affected.

Cohoes Construction Site Injury Lawyer

Why Hire Ahearne Law Firm for Construction Injuries

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC represents individuals hurt in construction incidents throughout the Hudson Valley, including Cohoes and Albany County. The firm focuses on careful fact gathering, timely preservation of evidence, and clear communication with clients about available options. Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. works with medical providers, accident reconstruction resources, and negotiating counterparts to evaluate claims and pursue fair outcomes. Clients are kept informed about case progress, potential timelines, and choices for resolving claims, whether through settlement or court proceedings.

When you contact the office you will be asked about the incident, injuries, and medical treatment received so far, and the firm will explain likely next steps for preserving claims and obtaining records. The office can assist with correspondence, insurer communications, and preliminary evidence collection while you recover. For immediate assistance or to arrange a consultation in Cohoes, call (845) 986-2777 to discuss your situation and how the firm can help you understand and protect your recovery options.

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FAQS

What should I do immediately after a construction site injury?

Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries initially appear minor, because some conditions worsen over time and prompt treatment creates medical records that link the injury to the incident. While obtaining care, notify your employer about the injury and follow workplace reporting procedures so that official incident documentation is created. Collect names and contact information for any witnesses, and, if safe to do so, take photos of the scene, equipment involved, and your visible injuries. After immediate steps are taken, preserve any physical evidence such as damaged clothing or tools, and obtain copies of incident reports and medical records related to your treatment. Keep a detailed log of appointments, symptoms, and lost work time, and retain receipts for out-of-pocket expenses. Early documentation and preservation help establish the facts of the case and support recovery discussions with insurers or other parties.

Can I sue my employer if I am injured on a construction site in New York?

In many cases, workers injured on the job are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits even when the employer was not at fault, and those benefits typically cover medical treatment and partial wage replacement. Workers’ compensation often provides the primary remedy against an employer for on-the-job injuries, which can limit traditional negligence lawsuits against the employer but still provides important financial and medical coverage during recovery. However, an injured person may have separate claims against third parties who are not the employer, such as contractors, subcontractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers whose negligence contributed to the injury. Identifying these potential third-party defendants requires investigation into the circumstances of the incident and careful coordination between any workers’ compensation matters and additional legal claims.

How long do I have to file a construction injury lawsuit in New York?

The statute of limitations sets the time frame for filing civil lawsuits in New York, and for most personal injury actions the general deadline is three years from the date of the injury. This time limit applies to many construction injury claims, but different rules may apply for other types of claims or where special circumstances exist, so it is wise to act promptly to preserve legal rights and evidence. Delays can result in lost opportunities to recover compensation, since witnesses relocate, memories fade, and physical evidence can degrade. Early consultation and investigation help ensure that any necessary legal filings are made in time and that records and documentation are properly preserved to support a claim.

Will workers' compensation prevent me from pursuing other claims?

Workers’ compensation provides a no-fault system of benefits for employees who are hurt on the job and typically covers medical care and partial wage replacement without requiring proof of fault. Because workers’ compensation generally is the exclusive remedy against an employer for workplace injuries, it can bar a civil lawsuit against that employer for negligence in many situations. That limitation on suing an employer does not necessarily prevent claims against third parties who are not your employer. When a non-employer’s negligence contributed to the injury—such as a negligent contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner—a separate claim may be available. Coordinating workers’ compensation benefits with potential third-party claims is an important part of planning recovery.

What types of compensation can I seek after a construction injury?

Compensation in a construction injury case can include payment for medical treatment, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and future care needs when appropriate. Lost wages, diminished earning capacity if you cannot return to previous work, and reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses like transportation or home modifications may also be recoverable depending on the circumstances. In some cases, compensation may include amounts for pain and suffering and emotional distress, particularly where injuries have a lasting impact on quality of life or daily functioning. The categories and amounts of recovery depend on the facts of each case, including the severity of injuries, medical prognosis, and responsible parties.

How is liability determined in construction site accidents?

Liability in construction site accidents is determined by examining the factual circumstances that led to the incident, such as adherence to safety procedures, condition and maintenance of equipment, supervision on the site, and roles defined by contracts. Evidence like incident reports, maintenance logs, training records, witness statements, and site photographs can demonstrate whether a party acted negligently or failed to meet legal duties. Because construction sites often involve multiple contractors and subcontractors, liability can be shared or assigned among several parties. Careful investigation identifies who controlled the work, who provided or maintained equipment, and which actions or omissions contributed to the harm, all of which shape legal responsibility and potential recovery.

Do I need to preserve clothing or equipment after an accident?

Yes. Preserving clothing, tools, or materials involved in an accident can be very helpful for proving how the injury occurred and whether a product defect or unsafe condition played a role. Damaged items can show impact patterns, failures in protective gear, or defects in equipment, and physical evidence should be kept in its post-incident condition when possible to enable later inspection. Avoid discarding or repairing items that could be relevant to a claim and maintain a record of where the items are stored. Photographs taken at the scene and contemporaneous notes explaining how the items were used and why they are being preserved add important context that supports later investigation and potential legal arguments.

How long does it take to resolve a construction injury claim?

The time needed to resolve a construction injury claim varies widely depending on the complexity of the injuries, the number of parties involved, the need for expert opinions, and whether the case settles or proceeds to trial. Simple claims with clear liability and limited damages may be resolved in a few months, while cases involving significant injuries or disputed fault can take a year or more to reach a final resolution. Negotiations, discovery, medical treatment timelines, and court schedules all affect the overall timeline. Staying organized with medical records, communicating promptly about settlement offers, and following recommended treatment can help move a matter forward while protecting your interests during the process.

What if multiple parties may be responsible for my injury?

When multiple parties may be responsible for an injury, claims can be brought against each potentially liable party to ensure that all sources of insurance and responsibility are explored. This might include contractors, subcontractors, site owners, equipment manufacturers, and other entities that had a role in the work or equipment involved. Each defendant may have a different insurance carrier and defense strategy, so coordination and careful legal strategy are required to pursue full recovery. Complex cases with multiple defendants often involve discovery, depositions, and careful allocation of fault where appropriate. Working with counsel helps ensure that all responsible parties are identified early, evidence is gathered against each, and settlement negotiations consider the contribution and defenses of every potential defendant.

How can the Ahearne Law Firm help with my construction injury case?

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC can assist by gathering incident reports, medical records, witness statements, and site documentation to build a clear picture of how the injury occurred and who may be responsible. The firm can communicate with insurers, coordinate with medical providers about liens and billing, and explain legal timelines and options so you can make informed decisions about settlement or further action. The office also helps prepare claims, negotiate with opposing parties, and, when necessary, represent clients in court proceedings to pursue appropriate recovery. For a confidential discussion of your circumstances in Cohoes or Albany County, call (845) 986-2777 to learn about possible next steps and how the firm can assist in protecting your recovery.

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