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 Great Neck

Protecting Injured Workers

Guide to Construction Site Injury Claims

If you or a loved one was hurt on a construction site in Great Neck, you likely face physical recovery, medical bills, lost income, and complex insurance issues. This page explains how injury claims from construction accidents typically proceed, what kinds of evidence matter, and which deadlines you need to know. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and Ahearne Law Firm PLLC represent people across Nassau County and New York, helping clients understand options after scaffolding falls, trench collapses, electrocutions, and equipment accidents. We focus on clear guidance to help people make informed decisions about pursuing recovery under New York law.

Construction site injuries can involve multiple responsible parties, including property owners, subcontractors, general contractors, equipment manufacturers, and insurance carriers. Determining who can be held responsible often requires prompt investigation of site conditions, contracts, and safety records. Beyond liability, injured workers must navigate overlapping systems such as workers’ compensation and third-party claims that may allow for additional recovery. This guide describes typical timelines, the types of compensation available for medical care and lost wages, and practical steps injured individuals should take to preserve evidence and protect their legal rights in Great Neck and surrounding communities.

Why Understanding Your Rights Matters After a Jobsite Injury

Understanding your legal options after a construction injury protects your ability to recover fair compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost income, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. Early action preserves evidence like safety logs, witness statements, and site photographs that support a claim. Knowing whether to pursue a workers’ compensation claim, a third-party claim, or both can make a significant difference in potential recovery and timing. This clarity reduces stress during recovery and helps injured individuals make practical choices about medical care, reporting the incident, and communicating with insurers while pursuing the best available remedies under New York law.

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

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves clients throughout the Hudson Valley and New York from its practice in Nassau County, advocating for people injured in construction accidents. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. brings decades of courtroom and claim-handling experience to these cases, representing injured parties in negotiations and litigation when necessary. The firm emphasizes thorough investigation, timely filing of claims, and consistent communication with clients about progress and options. By focusing on individualized attention, the firm strives to guide clients through medical documentation, evidence preservation, and interactions with insurers while pursuing appropriate financial recovery.

Understanding Construction Site Injury Claims

Construction site injury claims often involve multiple legal pathways, including workers’ compensation for employees and third-party negligence claims against contractors, equipment makers, or property owners. Each avenue has different rules, time limits, and potential recoveries. Workers’ compensation can provide prompt medical benefits and partial wage replacement but generally does not cover pain and suffering. Third-party claims can seek damages beyond workers’ compensation but typically require proving negligence and causation. Knowing the right mix of claims to pursue depends on the facts of the accident, contractual relationships at the site, and applicable New York statutes and case law.

A careful early investigation can identify responsible parties, uncover safety violations, and preserve crucial evidence such as inspection reports, safety logs, and surveillance footage. Witness statements and medical records also play a key role in showing how the injury occurred and its impact. Timely notice to insurers and adherence to statutory deadlines are essential to avoid losing rights to recovery. Injured individuals should document their injuries, keep records of expenses and lost time, and avoid giving recorded statements to insurers without considering the potential legal implications and their overall claim strategy in New York.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Construction Injury Glossary

Third-Party Claim

A third-party claim seeks compensation from a party other than the injured person’s employer, such as a contractor, property owner, equipment manufacturer, or subcontractor, when their negligence contributed to the injury. These claims can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages not covered by workers’ compensation. Bringing a successful third-party claim typically requires proving that the other party owed a duty of care, breached that duty through negligent actions or unsafe conditions, and caused the injury. Evidence gathering and timely legal action are key steps in pursuing such claims in New York.

Comparative Negligence

Comparative negligence is a legal rule that can reduce an injured person’s recovery if their own actions contributed to the accident. Under New York law, a court or jury may assign a percentage of fault to each party and reduce the total damages by the injured person’s percentage of responsibility. For example, if an injured worker is found partially responsible for failing to follow safety instructions, their recovery may be proportionately reduced. Understanding how comparative negligence is applied is important when evaluating settlement offers and preparing for litigation.

Workers' Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a state-run system that provides medical benefits and partial wage replacement to employees injured on the job, regardless of fault by the employer. In New York, most employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover workplace injuries. While workers’ compensation offers faster access to medical care and benefits, it generally bars claims for pain and suffering against the employer. However, it does not prevent separate third-party claims against other responsible parties, which may yield additional recovery for economic and non-economic losses.

Notice and Statute of Limitations

Notice and statute of limitations refer to the deadlines for reporting injuries and filing claims. Workers’ compensation and civil claims each have their own timing requirements in New York. Missing required notice periods or filing deadlines can prevent recovery. For example, injured workers typically must report an injury promptly to their employer and file necessary forms or claims within set time frames. Similarly, negligence claims against third parties have statutory deadlines for filing in court. Knowing and meeting these deadlines is essential to preserve legal rights and pursue compensation.

PRO TIPS

Preserve Evidence Immediately

Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, equipment involved, and any visible hazards as soon as it is safe to do so. Collect contact information for witnesses and record their accounts while memories are fresh to strengthen later testimony. Keep all medical records, bills, and documentation of lost wages in an organized file to support claims and negotiations with insurers and other parties.

Report and Document

Report the incident to your employer and follow required reporting procedures to secure workers’ compensation benefits and create an official record. Attend all medical appointments and follow prescribed treatment plans to document the extent of your injuries and recovery needs. Avoid signing documents from insurers without careful review, and retain copies of all correspondence related to the incident for your records.

Understand Your Options

Learn the distinction between workers’ compensation and third-party claims so you can pursue all available avenues for recovery. Assess whether additional parties beyond your employer might be responsible, such as contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers. Timely consultation and investigation can reveal potential claims and ensure that notice and filing deadlines are met to protect your legal rights.

Comparing Legal Paths After a Construction Injury

When a Full Case Review Is Advisable:

Complex Liability Issues

When multiple contractors, subcontractors, or contractors and property owners are involved at a site, determining liability can be complicated and requires careful review of contracts, insurance policies, and site safety records. A comprehensive review helps identify all potentially responsible parties and the best legal theories to pursue for full recovery. Thorough investigation of documentation and witness statements often makes the difference in assembling a strong claim for significant injuries.

Serious or Long-Term Injuries

When an injury leads to long-term disability, extensive medical care, or prolonged loss of earning capacity, a full assessment of damages is necessary to quantify future medical needs and income loss. This assessment often requires obtaining medical opinions, vocational evaluations, and economic analyses to accurately value the claim. Taking these steps early ensures documentation is developed while information is current and admissible for negotiations or trial if needed.

When a Narrower Claim Might Be Appropriate:

Clear Single-Party Fault

If fault is clearly traceable to a single, well-insured third party and injuries are relatively minor or short-term, pursuing a focused negligence claim against that party may be efficient. A targeted approach can reduce investigation costs and speed resolution through settlement. Still, it is important to confirm that no additional responsible parties or overlapping claims exist before limiting the scope of the claim.

Quick Medical Resolution

When medical treatment is brief and recovery is complete with modest economic losses, parties may find it practical to resolve matters through a compact negotiation with the insurer. In such cases, pursuing only the most direct avenues can conserve resources and deliver faster closure. However, individuals should weigh settlement offers against the full extent of past and potential future losses before accepting resolution.

Common Construction Accident Scenarios

Falls from Height

Falls from scaffolding, ladders, and roofs frequently cause severe injuries requiring extensive medical care and time away from work. These incidents often raise questions about fall protection, equipment condition, and compliance with safety rules.

Struck-by or Caught-in Incidents

Workers struck by falling objects or caught between equipment and structures may suffer crushing injuries, fractures, or head trauma. Investigation focuses on site protocols, equipment maintenance, and whether proper safeguards were in place.

Electrocutions and Electrocution Risks

Contact with live electrical lines or improperly grounded equipment can result in burns, cardiac issues, and long-term health effects. These occurrences often involve assessing procedures for power shutdowns, equipment testing, and training on electrical hazards.

Great Neck Construction Injury Representation

Why Choose Ahearne Law Firm for Construction Injury Claims

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC assists Great Neck and Nassau County clients with thorough investigation, timely claims filing, and clear communication throughout the process. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the firm work to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and coordinate medical documentation so claims are properly supported. The firm advises clients on when workers’ compensation should be pursued and when third-party claims may yield additional recovery, helping families and injured workers understand practical options and likely next steps under New York procedures.

Clients receive steady guidance on interacting with insurers, submitting required notices, and evaluating settlement offers against documented losses and future needs. The firm prioritizes keeping injured individuals informed about timelines, potential outcomes, and the pros and cons of negotiation versus litigation. By focusing on responsive communication and methodical preparation, Ahearne Law Firm aims to help clients pursue fair financial recovery and to reduce uncertainty during medical recovery and claim resolution.

Contact Us for a Case Review

People Also Search For

construction site injury lawyer Great Neck

Great Neck construction accident attorney

Nassau County construction injury claim

scaffolding fall lawyer Great Neck

construction accident legal help New York

workers compensation and third party claims Great Neck

electrocution construction site lawyer

construction injury compensation Nassau County

FAQS

What should I do immediately after a construction site injury?

Immediately after a construction site injury, seek medical attention for any injuries and follow your treatment plan to document the extent and course of care. Report the incident to your employer according to their procedures and preserve any evidence you can safely obtain, such as photographs of the scene, damaged equipment, and visible injuries. Gathering witness contact information and keeping a daily log of symptoms and treatment will support later claims. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before you understand the legal implications and consider discussing the matter with counsel or a trusted advisor. Preserve all medical records, invoices, and correspondence related to the accident, and be mindful of notice and filing deadlines for both workers’ compensation and potential third-party claims in New York.

Can I pursue both workers' compensation and a third-party claim?

Yes, in many cases injured workers can pursue workers’ compensation benefits for medical care and partial wage replacement while also pursuing a third-party claim against a non-employer whose negligence contributed to the injury. Workers’ compensation provides a prompt source of benefits but typically does not include damages for pain and suffering, which a third-party claim can address if negligence by another party can be shown. Coordinating these claims requires careful handling to avoid waiver of rights and to ensure proper notice and filing deadlines are met. Documentation from medical providers and early investigation into the accident scene and responsible parties will strengthen both types of claims and help determine the most effective path for recovery under applicable New York rules.

How long do I have to file a claim in New York?

Deadlines vary depending on the type of claim you pursue. Workers’ compensation claims generally require prompt notice to your employer and filing with the appropriate state agency within prescribed timeframes. Third-party negligence claims in New York are subject to civil statute of limitations deadlines that typically require filing within a set number of years from the date of the injury. Because these time limits can differ and missing them can bar recovery, it is important to report injuries promptly, preserve evidence, and seek guidance early to determine which deadlines apply to your case. Timely action helps protect your ability to recover compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.

Who can be held responsible for my construction injury?

Responsible parties can include general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, and others whose actions or failures contributed to unsafe conditions. Identifying responsible parties requires reviewing contracts, safety plans, inspection records, and witness statements to determine who had control over the site, equipment, or procedures that led to the injury. In addition to direct negligence, liability may arise if a party failed to maintain safe conditions, hired unqualified workers, or ignored required safety protocols. Each potential defendant will have different insurance coverage and legal defenses, so early investigation is important to determine the right parties to name in a claim and to collect supporting evidence.

Will my medical bills be covered while my claim is pending?

Workers’ compensation is the primary mechanism that provides for payment of medical bills and partial wage replacement for employees injured on the job, and those benefits typically begin once the claim is filed and accepted. While a workers’ compensation claim is pending, initial medical care is often covered, but ongoing disputes or coverage issues can arise depending on claim acceptance and administrative processes. If you pursue a third-party claim and obtain recovery, that award can help cover medical expenses not fully paid by workers’ compensation and compensate for pain and suffering or lost earning capacity. It is important to maintain meticulous medical records and billing statements to support both workers’ compensation benefits and any third-party recovery efforts.

How is pain and suffering calculated in construction injury cases?

Pain and suffering in construction injury cases is typically assessed based on the severity of injuries, the effect on daily life and work, the duration of recovery, and any permanent impairments. Courts and insurers consider medical evidence, testimony about the claimant’s limitations, and the subjective impact on quality of life when evaluating non-economic damages. Because these elements are fact-specific, thorough medical documentation and witness testimony are critical to demonstrating how injuries have affected the claimant. Economic assessments of lost income and future care, combined with clear records of the injury’s impact, help support a fair valuation for pain and suffering in negotiations or at trial under New York law.

Should I give a recorded statement to the insurer?

It is often best to avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurer without understanding the purpose and potential consequences, because statements can be used to challenge aspects of your claim. Insurers sometimes request statements early to limit liability, and casual or incomplete descriptions can be taken out of context to dispute causation or severity. Before providing formal statements, injured individuals should consider consulting with legal counsel or a knowledgeable advisor to understand the implications and to ensure that any communication is accurate and not inadvertently limiting. Written correspondence and documented medical records provide a more reliable foundation for claims than offhand comments in recorded interviews.

What evidence is most important after a construction accident?

Critical evidence after a construction accident includes photographs of the scene and equipment, witness contact information and statements, site logs, safety inspection reports, and maintenance records for tools or machinery involved. Medical records, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans are essential to document the nature and extent of injuries and recovery needs. Preserving physical evidence, avoiding alteration of the accident scene when possible, and securing copies of contracts and insurance information for parties involved all strengthen a claim. Prompt investigation to collect contemporaneous evidence helps establish causation and liability before memories fade and records are altered or lost.

How long will it take to resolve my construction injury claim?

Resolution timelines vary widely based on factors such as the severity of injuries, complexity of liability, number of parties involved, and whether litigation becomes necessary. Minor injury claims may resolve in a matter of months through negotiation, while serious cases involving long-term care or contested liability can take a year or more to settle or reach a trial conclusion. During the process, timely medical documentation, consistent communication with insurers, and realistic assessment of future needs help move matters toward resolution. Preparing for possible litigation by preserving evidence and developing a strong factual record can also affect timing and the likelihood of achieving fair compensation.

How can I get started with a claim in Great Neck?

To get started with a claim in Great Neck, begin by seeking necessary medical care and reporting the injury to your employer to establish an official record. Collect and preserve evidence as safely possible, including photos, witness information, and medical documentation, and keep careful records of expenses and lost time related to the injury. Next, discuss your situation with Ahearne Law Firm PLLC or a legal advisor who can help assess potential workers’ compensation and third-party claims, advise on deadlines, and initiate an investigation if appropriate. A thoughtful review of the facts and timely action will help protect your rights and position you to pursue appropriate recovery under New York law.

Personal Injury Services in Great Neck

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services