A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)

Construction Site Injuries Lawyer in Geneseo

Aggressive Local Representation

Construction Site Injury Claims and Guidance

If you or a loved one suffered an injury on a construction site in Geneseo or elsewhere in Livingston County, knowing your options is essential. Construction accidents can be physically and financially devastating, and navigating insurance claims, employer reporting, and potential third-party cases requires careful attention to detail. At Ahearne Law Firm PLLC we focus on helping injured workers and bystanders understand how claims proceed under New York law, coordinate with workers’ compensation benefits when applicable, and pursue additional recovery where negligent third parties are responsible. Call Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. to discuss the circumstances and next steps.

Construction site injuries often involve multiple responsible parties and overlapping insurance programs, including employer workers’ compensation and third-party liability carriers. Early action is important because evidence can disappear and legal deadlines may apply. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, timely preservation of evidence, and working with qualified medical providers to document injuries and treatment needs. We aim to provide straightforward information about potential avenues for recovery, what to expect from each process, and how to protect your rights while you focus on healing and rehabilitation in the Geneseo area.

Why Legal Guidance Matters After a Construction Injury

Seeking legal guidance after a construction site injury helps you understand how different claims interact and what compensation you may be able to pursue. An attorney can help preserve critical evidence like site photos, safety logs, and witness statements while advising on timely reporting to employers and insurers. Guidance can also clarify whether a third-party claim against a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner is available in addition to workers’ compensation benefits. Ultimately, effective representation seeks to maximize recovery for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care needs while minimizing procedural pitfalls that could undermine a claim.

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

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC represents clients throughout Livingston County and the Hudson Valley, assisting those injured in construction site incidents with clear, client-focused service. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. leads the firm’s personal injury practice and prioritizes practical results that address medical care, wage replacement, and long-term planning. The firm handles communications with insurers, coordinates medical documentation, and evaluates whether additional claims against contractors or equipment providers are appropriate. Our offices are committed to responding promptly to questions and to guiding clients through each step of their claim in Geneseo and surrounding communities.

How Construction Injury Claims Work in New York

Understanding construction injury claims means recognizing the different legal paths available and the limits of each recovery type under New York law. Workers hurt on the job typically file for workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical care and partial wage loss, but those benefits do not always compensate for pain and suffering. When a third party such as an independent contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner bears fault, injured individuals may pursue a separate negligence claim to recover damages that workers’ compensation cannot provide. Knowing these distinctions helps injured persons make informed decisions about reporting, evidence preservation, and hiring representation.

The process of pursuing a construction injury claim often begins with timely medical treatment and notifying the employer as required, followed by filing initial benefit claims or notices. Collecting documentation like incident reports, safety inspection records, witness contact information, and photographs of the scene strengthens a case. In many situations, reconstruction of the accident and consultation with industry professionals can clarify causes such as equipment failure, inadequate fall protection, or trenching hazards. A coordinated approach that addresses both short-term benefits and longer-term legal options improves the chance of securing fair recovery for medical costs and ongoing needs.

Need More Information?

Key Terms You Should Know

Workers' Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a state-administered benefits system that provides medical care and partial wage replacement to employees injured in the course of employment, regardless of fault. Filing for these benefits is typically the initial step after a workplace injury and helps cover immediate treatment without proving negligence. However, workers’ compensation usually does not provide compensation for pain and suffering, which may require a separate legal claim against a responsible third party when available. Timely employer notification and proper claims paperwork are essential to avoid delays or denials.

Third-Party Claim

A third-party claim allows an injured worker to seek compensation from someone other than the employer, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, when negligence or a defective product caused the injury. These claims can recover damages not available through workers’ compensation, including pain and suffering and full wage loss. Bringing a third-party claim often requires collecting evidence of fault, such as maintenance records, safety documentation, and eyewitness testimony. Coordinating a third-party case alongside workers’ compensation requires careful legal planning and timely action.

Comparative Fault

Comparative fault is a legal concept used to allocate responsibility when multiple parties share blame for an accident, reducing the amount of recoverable damages in proportion to a plaintiff’s share of fault. New York follows a form of comparative fault that permits recovery even when an injured person bears some responsibility, but damages are adjusted accordingly. Accurate documentation, witness statements, and incident analysis help show relative fault and can affect settlement value or courtroom outcomes. Understanding how comparative fault works is important when assessing potential recovery after a construction accident.

OSHA and Safety Regulations

OSHA refers to federal safety regulations that set workplace standards and enforcement protocols intended to reduce hazards on construction sites, such as fall protection, scaffolding safety, and trenching procedures. Violations of applicable safety rules can support a claim by showing that responsible parties failed to follow mandated precautions. Inspection reports, violation citations, and safety logs can become important evidence in establishing responsibility for an injury. While OSHA findings do not directly determine civil liability, they often contribute to a fuller understanding of how an incident occurred.

PRO TIPS

Report and Document Immediately

Notify your employer and seek medical attention as soon as possible after a construction site injury to protect your health and establish a clear record of the incident. Take photographs of the scene, equipment, and any hazards, and collect contact information for witnesses to preserve evidence that may disappear quickly at active job sites. Keep copies of all medical records, bills, and correspondence with insurers to support benefit claims and any potential third-party action.

Preserve Evidence and Witnesses

Preserve physical and documentary evidence such as damaged equipment, safety logs, and incident reports to maintain a strong factual basis for any claim you pursue. Obtain witness statements and record their contact details promptly because memories fade and workers move on to other projects, which can make later investigation more difficult. Share this information with your attorney or representative so it can be secured and evaluated as part of an overall claims strategy.

Understand Your Benefits and Options

Learn how workers’ compensation benefits and potential third-party claims differ so you can pursue all available avenues for recovery without jeopardizing immediate medical coverage. Keep detailed records of lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and ongoing treatment needs to document the full extent of damages you may seek. Discussing these elements early helps create a plan that addresses both short-term benefits and longer-term financial needs as your case develops.

Comparing Your Legal Options After a Construction Injury

When a Full Legal Approach Is Beneficial:

Complex Multi-Party Accidents

When an accident involves several contractors, equipment suppliers, or property owners it creates layers of responsibility that can be difficult to untangle without coordinated investigation. A comprehensive approach organizes evidence gathering, communicates with multiple insurers, and pursues appropriate claims while protecting your workers’ compensation rights. This method helps ensure that all potentially responsible parties are considered when seeking full recovery for medical care and other losses.

Severe or Catastrophic Injuries

In cases of severe or life-altering injury, a comprehensive approach considers immediate medical needs, long-term care planning, and mechanisms to secure compensation for ongoing support. Coordinating medical documentation, vocational assessments, and structured settlement options can protect future financial stability while addressing present costs. A full review of liability and damages seeks to provide meaningful recovery that reflects the long-term impact of serious injuries.

When a Narrower Focus May Be Appropriate:

Clear Workers' Compensation Cases

When liability is clearly confined to workplace accidents covered by an employer’s workers’ compensation program a focused approach may efficiently secure benefits for treatment and partial wage replacement. Pursuing workers’ compensation claims promptly and managing appeals or disputes within that system can resolve immediate financial and medical concerns without complex third-party litigation. This narrower path can serve injured workers who primarily need timely access to care and wage benefits rather than broader tort damages.

Minor Injuries With Quick Recovery

For injuries that respond quickly to treatment and do not result in long-term disability, focusing on workers’ compensation and short-term recovery can be the most practical route. This approach prioritizes prompt medical care, documentation of temporary wage losses, and return-to-work planning. It avoids the time and expense of broader litigation when total losses are limited and fully covered by available benefits.

Common Construction Accident Scenarios We Handle

Falls from Height

Falls from scaffolds, ladders, or framing present serious injury risks and often require careful investigation of fall protection and site safety practices. We focus on documenting conditions and regulatory compliance to determine whether additional recovery beyond workers’ compensation is possible.

Struck-By and Caught-In Accidents

Injuries caused by falling tools, moving equipment, or collapsing materials can leave workers with severe trauma and long recovery periods. Identifying maintenance records and operator training can be important to establishing responsibility when pursuing compensation.

Electrocutions and Trenching Collapses

Electrocutions and trenching incidents often involve preventable safety lapses or defective equipment and may warrant investigation into compliance with safety standards. Preserving scene evidence and expert analysis can clarify the cause and support claims for additional damages.

Construction Injury Lawyer Serving Geneseo and Livingston County

Why Choose Ahearne Law Firm for Construction Injury Claims

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC provides focused representation for individuals injured on construction sites in and around Geneseo, combining practical case management with attention to client communication. We assist with securing workers’ compensation benefits while investigating potential third-party claims that could provide additional recovery. The firm handles insurer negotiations, gathers necessary medical records, and coordinates with investigators to preserve evidence, all while keeping clients informed about options, timelines, and likely outcomes under New York law.

From the initial intake through settlement or trial, our goal is to minimize stress for injured clients by handling administrative tasks, claims paperwork, and communications with medical providers and insurers. We tailor each case approach to the individual’s medical needs and financial concerns, seeking to ensure that treatment and income replacement are prioritized while evaluating legal avenues for additional compensation. For those in Geneseo and throughout Livingston County, our office provides responsive guidance and straightforward advice on next steps after a construction site injury.

Contact Us Today to Discuss Your Case

People Also Search For

Geneseo construction injury lawyer

construction accident attorney Livingston County

construction site injury claim New York

workers compensation construction accidents

Geneseo scaffolding fall attorney

trench collapse injury lawyer New York

construction equipment accident claims

electrocution construction site Geneseo

FAQS

What should I do immediately after a construction site injury in Geneseo?

Seek medical attention immediately and report the injury to your employer as required under company policy and state law to ensure proper documentation and preservation of your claim. Prompt medical care not only addresses your health needs but also creates a contemporaneous record linking treatment to the workplace incident, which is valuable when pursuing benefits and any potential claims against third parties. In addition to getting treatment and notifying your employer, take steps to preserve evidence by photographing the scene, noting hazardous conditions, and securing witness contact information while memories are fresh. These actions help protect your rights and make it easier to reconstruct the events that led to the injury when you consult about recovery options in Geneseo and Livingston County.

Can I receive workers' compensation and also sue a third party?

Yes, in many cases you can obtain workers’ compensation benefits while also pursuing a separate claim against a third party responsible for your injuries, such as an equipment manufacturer or negligent contractor. Workers’ compensation provides no-fault benefits for medical care and partial wage replacement, but it typically does not compensate for pain and suffering, which a third-party negligence action may seek to recover. Coordinating both paths requires careful attention to benefit subrogation rules and timely preservation of evidence, and you should document medical treatment, income loss, and incident details from the outset. Engaging representation early helps ensure that all potential sources of recovery are explored and that filings and notices are handled correctly under New York rules.

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

In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury actions, including many construction accident lawsuits, is generally three years from the date of the injury, but there are exceptions and variations depending on the type of claim and whether government entities are involved. Deadlines for filing workers’ compensation claims, administrative notices, and actions against public owners or contractors can differ, and missing a deadline can jeopardize the ability to recover compensation. Because timelines and required filings vary by circumstance, it is important to act promptly and consult with counsel to identify applicable deadlines and preserve legal options. Early investigation also helps capture evidence that can otherwise be lost, which is particularly important in fast-changing construction environments where sites are altered or cleared after an incident.

What types of damages can I recover after a construction accident?

Damages in a construction accident case can include compensation for medical expenses, past and future lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and costs related to ongoing care or rehabilitation. Workers’ compensation typically covers medical bills and a portion of lost wages but does not provide non-economic damages like pain and suffering, which are pursued through third-party claims when negligence is involved. Additional recoverable losses may include home modifications, durable medical equipment, and other out-of-pocket costs tied to an injury, as well as damages for loss of enjoyment of life in severe cases. Thorough documentation of all expenses and future needs helps accurately value a claim and supports efforts to seek full recovery from responsible parties.

Will my own actions affect my ability to recover damages?

Your own actions can affect recovery under comparative fault rules, which reduce a claimant’s damages in proportion to their share of responsibility for the accident. New York permits recovery even when an injured person bears some fault, but evidence that placeable responsibility on the injured person can lower the amount of compensation they receive. Because comparative fault can significantly influence outcomes, it is important to document the scene, seek medical attention, and secure witness statements to clarify circumstances and counter inaccurate accounts. Clear, contemporaneous records and careful investigation can limit the impact of disputed fault allocations on your claim.

How is liability determined in construction site accidents?

Liability in construction site accidents is determined by examining who owed a duty of care and whether that duty was breached, causing the injury, which can involve multiple parties such as general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners. Regulatory violations, inadequate training, defective equipment, and unsafe site conditions are common factors considered when assigning responsibility. Evidence such as inspection reports, maintenance logs, training records, and witness statements contributes to determining liability, and expert analysis of construction practices and equipment performance often clarifies the technical causes of an accident. A thorough investigation helps identify all potentially responsible parties and builds a factual record for claims or litigation.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

Insurance companies often present early settlement offers intended to resolve claims quickly and at a lower cost, which may not fully reflect the long-term impact of an injury. Accepting the first offer without a complete understanding of medical prognosis, future care needs, and full lost wage calculations can result in insufficient recovery for ongoing costs and permanent impairments. Before accepting any settlement, document current and anticipated medical needs, lost earnings, and rehabilitation requirements so you can assess the adequacy of the offer. Consulting with an attorney helps determine whether the proposed amount covers both present expenses and reasonably likely future losses, and can ensure that benefits and rights are protected before any release is signed.

Do I need medical records to support my claim?

Medical records are fundamental to proving the extent of injury and linking treatment to the workplace incident, so maintaining thorough documentation is important for both workers’ compensation claims and third-party lawsuits. Records should include initial emergency care notes, follow-up visits, imaging studies, surgical reports, and rehabilitation summaries to create a clear treatment timeline that supports your claim for damages. Consistent and complete medical documentation also helps assess future care needs and estimate long-term costs associated with the injury, which are critical when calculating damages. Keeping a personal injury diary of symptoms, pain levels, and the impact on daily activities can further support the medical record and illustrate the real-world effects of the injury.

How does workers' compensation cover lost wages and medical care?

Workers’ compensation typically covers reasonable and necessary medical treatment for work-related injuries and provides a percentage of lost wages when the employee is unable to work due to the injury, subject to statutory formulas and waiting periods. Benefits can also include vocational rehabilitation in certain circumstances where returning to prior work is not feasible, but these programs and eligibility criteria vary by case and condition. Because workers’ compensation benefits do not usually include compensation for pain and suffering, individuals should evaluate whether a separate third-party claim is available to address non-economic losses and fuller wage replacement. Documenting lost time from work, pay stubs, and employer communications helps substantiate wage loss claims and supports fair benefit determinations.

How can Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. help with my construction injury claim?

Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the Ahearne Law Firm PLLC assist clients by assessing claim options, coordinating medical documentation, and advising on benefits and potential third-party actions in construction injury matters. The firm helps secure workers’ compensation benefits while investigating whether additional claims against contractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners are warranted, including gathering site records and witness statements needed to pursue recovery beyond basic wage replacement and medical coverage. From initial intake to settlement or litigation, the firm aims to manage administrative burdens and communications with insurers and medical providers so injured individuals can focus on recovery. Responsive client communication and diligent handling of procedural requirements are priorities to protect rights and preserve potential avenues for full compensation in Geneseo and throughout Livingston County.

Personal Injury Services in Geneseo

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services