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 Corona, NY

Protecting Injured Workers

Guide to Construction Site Injury Claims

If you were hurt in a construction site accident in Corona, Queens County, you need clear guidance about your options and next steps. The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC, led by Allan J. Ahearne, Jr., handles construction site injury matters for workers and bystanders in New York. We focus on assessing whether your situation involves Labor Law protections, a third-party claim, or workers’ compensation, and we explain how each path can affect recovery. Call (845) 986-2777 to discuss the basic facts of your case and learn what steps make sense for your situation, including medical documentation and evidence preservation.

Construction site injuries can produce serious medical, financial and emotional consequences, and it helps to understand the sequence of events that follow an accident. Early actions such as getting prompt medical care, reporting the incident to the employer, and preserving photos or records can shape whether a claim moves forward and how quickly it resolves. Our role is to review those early steps with you, explain potential timelines for claims in Queens County and New York, and outline how other responsible parties might be involved. If you need assistance with immediate next steps, contact our office at (845) 986-2777 for a practical review.

Why Addressing Construction Site Injuries Matters

Addressing a construction site injury quickly and thoroughly can affect both short-term recovery and long-term financial stability. Understanding the differences between workers’ compensation benefits and potential claims against third parties can determine whether you recover medical costs, wage losses, and compensation for pain and suffering. Taking prompt action also helps protect important evidence such as site photos, witness statements and incident reports. Seeking clear guidance about these options early on can improve claim organization, reduce delays, and preserve rights that may otherwise be lost by missing deadlines or failing to document the injury and treatment.

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

The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves clients across New York with a focus on personal injury claims arising from construction accidents. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. leads the firm’s efforts to review documents, interview witnesses, and coordinate with medical providers so clients understand how a claim is built and pursued. The firm emphasizes clear communication and timely action to help injured clients navigate claims while they focus on recovery. If you are handling medical appointments, employer notifications, and insurance contacts after an injury, the firm can help organize those tasks and explain how they affect any potential claim in Corona or Queens County.

Understanding Construction Site Injury Claims

Construction site injury claims in New York can involve multiple legal pathways, and it is important to recognize how each one operates and interacts. Workers’ compensation provides a no-fault path for many employees to obtain medical benefits and partial wage replacement, but it may not cover non-economic losses. In addition, New York’s Labor Law includes provisions that can hold owners or contractors responsible for certain types of site hazards, and injured workers may also have the option to pursue third-party claims against equipment manufacturers or subcontractors. Knowing which route applies requires a careful review of the accident details, employment status and documented injuries.

After a construction accident, documenting the scene and preserving evidence are essential tasks that support any claim whether filed through workers’ compensation or against third parties. Medical records showing diagnosis and treatment, photographs of the site, witness contact information and employer incident reports all contribute to the factual record. Deadlines for filing vary depending on the type of claim, so early evaluation helps prevent lost opportunities. A methodical approach to gathering proof and understanding available benefits and legal remedies can help injured individuals make informed decisions about which paths to pursue and how to protect their rights in New York.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Glossary for Construction Claims

Labor Law Section 240

Labor Law Section 240 is a New York statute designed to provide protections for workers who face elevated risks from falls and collapsing surfaces on construction sites. The law places a form of responsibility on owners and contractors to supply proper safety devices and safeguards that prevent falling or being struck by objects. If a qualifying hazard causes injury, Section 240 may allow the injured worker to recover beyond workers’ compensation, covering medical costs, lost earnings and other losses. Determining whether Section 240 applies requires analysis of the specific activity, available safety equipment and the nature of the hazard at the time of the accident.

Third-Party Claim

A third-party claim arises when someone other than the injured worker’s employer bears responsibility for the accident, such as an equipment manufacturer whose product failed, a subcontractor who created an unsafe condition, or a property owner who neglected proper maintenance. Unlike workers’ compensation, a successful third-party claim can offer compensation for pain and suffering as well as full economic losses. To pursue a third-party claim, the injured person or their representative must identify the responsible parties, gather evidence linking those parties to the hazard, and show how the negligence or defective product caused the injury. These claims often run alongside workers’ compensation benefits but involve different legal procedures and deadlines.

Workers' Compensation

Workers’ compensation provides medical benefits and partial wage replacement to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses, typically without the need to prove fault. In New York, workers’ compensation covers necessary medical treatment and a portion of lost earnings while a worker is recovering, but it generally does not provide compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. When a workplace injury is caused by a third party in addition to the employer, the injured worker may be permitted to pursue separate legal claims against that party while still receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Filing requirements and benefit calculations are governed by state rules and timelines.

Comparative Fault

Comparative fault refers to the legal principle that allocates responsibility when more than one party contributes to an accident. In some cases, a finding that the injured person was partly at fault can reduce the amount recovered from other liable parties, depending on New York law and the claim type. This concept is important because it influences settlement negotiations and potential awards, and it highlights the value of thorough documentation showing how the accident occurred and who acted negligently. Understanding how comparative fault could apply helps injured individuals and their representatives plan claim strategies and address counterarguments from opposing parties or insurers.

PRO TIPS

Preserve Evidence and Records

After a construction site accident, take immediate steps to secure and preserve evidence that supports your claim. Photograph the scene, the equipment involved and your injuries, keep copies of medical reports and employer incident forms, and write down witness names and contact information. These records help establish what happened, who was involved and the extent of your injuries, which can be important whether you pursue workers’ compensation benefits or a claim against a third party.

Get Prompt Medical Attention

Seek medical treatment right away after any construction site injury, even if symptoms seem minor at first, because some injuries worsen over time and delay can affect both recovery and claims. Keep detailed records of all diagnoses, treatments, prescriptions and follow-up visits, and be honest with medical providers about how the injury occurred. Timely medical documentation supports the causal link between the accident and your injuries and helps preserve your ability to obtain benefits or pursue claims.

Report the Incident and Communicate Carefully

Report the accident to your employer and ensure an official incident report is filed, following workplace procedures and any union protocols that apply. Be cautious when providing statements to insurers or other parties; stick to the facts and avoid conjecture or apologies that could be misconstrued. Keep records of all communications and request copies of any reports so you have a complete account of the employer’s response and the information recorded about your injury.

Comparing Legal Options After a Construction Injury

Advantages of a Full Claim Strategy:

Serious or Long-Term Injuries

When injuries are severe, long-lasting or require ongoing care, pursuing a broad claim strategy helps capture the full scope of losses, including future medical needs and loss of earning capacity. A thorough approach gathers detailed medical evidence, vocational assessments and financial documentation to estimate long-term impacts and establish an appropriate recovery amount. This approach can help ensure that settlements or awards reflect both immediate expenses and anticipated future costs, rather than short-term remedies that leave gaps in ongoing support.

Multiple Responsible Parties

If more than one party may be responsible for the accident, a comprehensive strategy helps identify all possible sources of recovery, which can increase the available compensation. Investigating contractors, subcontractors, property owners and manufacturers can reveal overlapping liabilities that support separate claims. Coordinating claims against multiple parties also requires careful timing and strategy to avoid missed deadlines and to present a clear factual picture to insurers or the court.

When a Narrow Claim May Be Appropriate:

Minor Injuries with Clear Coverage

When injuries are minor, fully documented and covered by workers’ compensation with minimal dispute, a limited approach focused on obtaining timely medical benefits and wage replacement may be the most efficient route. This path can reduce legal costs and speed access to care when liability is not in question and the expected losses are modest. Even in these cases, keeping accurate records and understanding the scope of available benefits is important to avoid gaps or unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Clear Third-Party Liability and Quick Resolution

If a third party’s responsibility is clear and they or their insurer agree to prompt compensation, focusing on a single, well-documented claim can lead to faster resolution. This approach can be appropriate when liability is apparent, damages are limited and both sides are willing to settle without protracted litigation. However, it remains important to verify that proposed settlements cover all medical needs and related losses before accepting an offer, to prevent future shortfalls.

Common Construction Injury Scenarios

Falls from Heights

Falls from scaffolding, ladders or roofs frequently lead to serious injuries and require prompt evaluation to document the fall, safety measures in place and any failures of equipment or procedures that contributed to the accident. Properly documenting the scene, obtaining witness accounts and securing repair or maintenance records can be essential to establishing the circumstances and any responsible parties.

Struck-by or Caught-In Accidents

Workers struck by falling tools or equipment, or caught between machinery, often face both acute injury and long-term recovery needs, making immediate medical care and site documentation critical for any claim. Collecting incident reports, equipment maintenance logs and witness statements helps identify how the hazardous condition arose and whether preventive measures were lacking.

Electrocutions and Burns

Electrocution and burn injuries require specialized medical treatment and careful investigation into wiring, safety procedures and training records to determine the source of the hazard. Gathering photographs, expert assessments and employer safety documentation can be important to show what went wrong and who may be responsible for unsafe conditions.

Corona Construction Injury Attorney

Why Choose Ahearne Law Firm for Construction Claims

Clients who come to Ahearne Law Firm receive a practical assessment of their situation and help prioritizing immediate actions such as medical care and evidence preservation. The firm focuses on clear communication about potential claim paths, likely timelines and what documentation will strengthen recovery. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the firm’s team aim to keep clients informed and involved at every step, coordinating with medical providers and collecting the necessary records so clients can concentrate on healing.

When insurance companies or other parties raise questions, having organized records, witness statements and medical documentation helps produce more persuasive claims. The firm works to identify all potentially responsible parties and to explain how different claims interact, such as workers’ compensation benefits alongside a third-party action. If you are in Corona or elsewhere in Queens County, calling (845) 986-2777 allows us to review your situation promptly and advise on the most effective next steps.

Contact Ahearne Law Firm Today

People Also Search For

construction site injury lawyer Corona

Corona construction accident attorney

Queens County construction injury lawyer

New York construction injury claims

Labor Law 240 Corona

construction accident compensation Corona

construction site injury attorney Corona NY

Ahearne Law construction injuries

FAQS

What should I do immediately after a construction site injury?

Seek prompt medical attention for any injury, even if symptoms seem mild, because some conditions worsen over time and timely medical documentation is essential for later claims. Report the incident to your employer and ensure an official incident report is completed, and take photographs of the scene, equipment and injuries if it is safe to do so. Collect names and contact details of witnesses and retain copies of all medical records, bills and employer correspondence to preserve evidence that supports your account of what happened. After immediate steps are taken, avoid giving recorded statements to insurers without reviewing the implications and keep communications factual and concise. Contact the Ahearne Law Firm at (845) 986-2777 to arrange a practical review of your situation; we can help you organize records, explain potential benefits such as workers’ compensation or third-party claims, and outline next steps to protect your rights while you focus on recovery.

Can I sue if I am a construction worker injured on the job?

Construction workers commonly receive workers’ compensation benefits for job-related injuries, which typically cover necessary medical treatment and partial wage replacement without proving fault. In addition to workers’ compensation, certain New York laws and third-party liability claims may allow injured workers to pursue broader compensation when another party, such as a contractor, property owner or equipment manufacturer, played a significant role in causing the accident. Whether a lawsuit is available depends on the specific facts, the nature of the hazard and the identities of potentially responsible parties. Determining the best path requires reviewing employment status, employer-provided benefits and any third parties connected to the accident. It is also important to preserve evidence and follow filing requirements for both workers’ compensation and separate claims. A careful assessment helps identify whether pursuing a lawsuit against third parties is appropriate and how that action would interact with workers’ compensation benefits to address medical costs, lost earning capacity and other losses.

How does New York Labor Law protect construction workers?

New York Labor Law includes provisions that protect construction workers from certain types of hazards and can hold owners and contractors responsible for failing to provide adequate safety measures. These protections often apply to elevated work, dangerous equipment and conditions that expose workers to heightened fall or collapse risks, and they can enable injured workers to seek compensation beyond workers’ compensation when qualifying hazards and failures are present. The application of Labor Law depends on the specific activity and whether required safety devices or procedures were in place. Claims under Labor Law typically require careful factual proof about the work being performed, the equipment available and the responsibilities of owners or contractors at the site. Documentation such as site photos, safety logs, maintenance records and witness statements can be important to establish whether Labor Law protections apply. Reviewing these materials promptly helps determine whether a Labor Law claim should be pursued in addition to workers’ compensation benefits.

What kinds of compensation can I recover after a construction accident?

After a construction accident, potential compensation categories may include payment of medical bills, reimbursement for lost wages and replacement of future earnings if the injury reduces earning capacity. In third-party claims, injured persons may also seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress and other non-economic losses that workers’ compensation does not typically cover. The total recovery depends on the severity of injuries, proof of fault, and the number of liable parties involved in creating the unsafe condition or causing the harm. To maximize recovery, it is important to document all medical treatment, obtain records that reflect ongoing care needs, and gather evidence of financial losses such as pay stubs and tax records. An organized claim shows the full economic impact of the injury and supports requests for compensation that reflect both current and anticipated future needs. Careful planning also helps avoid accepting offers that fall short of covering long-term treatment or rehabilitation costs.

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

Deadlines for filing claims vary depending on the type of action, and missing those deadlines can limit or eliminate recovery options. For workers’ compensation benefits, you should report the injury to your employer promptly and file required forms within the timeframes set by New York law; similarly, third-party claims and other civil actions have statutes of limitations that start to run from the date of injury or discovery of harm. Because time limits differ by claim type and circumstances, taking early action to file the appropriate paperwork preserves your rights. It is also important to gather supporting evidence quickly, as witnesses move and physical evidence may be altered or removed. If you are uncertain about filing requirements or applicable deadlines, seek a prompt review so you can understand the timelines that apply to your situation and avoid procedural missteps that could affect your ability to recover compensation.

Will my construction injury case go to trial?

Many construction injury matters resolve through negotiation or settlement rather than proceeding to a full trial, but there are circumstances where litigation becomes necessary to secure fair compensation. The decision to proceed to trial often depends on how the parties value the claim, the strength of the evidence, and the willingness of insurers or opposing parties to offer reasonable resolutions. Preparing for trial involves collecting documentary and testimonial evidence, coordinating medical and vocational opinions, and setting realistic goals for what a successful outcome would provide. While settlement is common, being ready to litigate can strengthen a claimant’s negotiating position and encourage more serious settlement offers. Discussing the likely paths, risks and timelines associated with settlement or trial helps injured persons make an informed decision about how to proceed, and maintaining organized records and clear communication with your representative supports effective negotiation or courtroom presentation as needed.

How is fault determined in a construction site accident?

Fault in a construction site accident is determined by examining the facts of the incident, including the actions of workers, the condition of equipment, safety measures in place and the responsibilities of owners or contractors. Evidence such as incident reports, photographs, equipment maintenance logs and witness testimony plays a central role in reconstructing how the accident occurred and attributing responsibility. In some cases, statutory rules such as portions of New York Labor Law allocate liability based on safety obligations rather than fault in the traditional negligence sense. Because multiple sources of evidence and legal principles can influence fault determinations, a careful and methodical investigation is often necessary to build a persuasive case. Gathering medical records, employer communications and site documentation as soon as possible helps clarify how responsibilities were distributed and supports a clear presentation of fault in settlement discussions or court proceedings.

What if multiple parties share responsibility for my injury?

When multiple parties share responsibility for a construction accident, each may be held accountable for their portion of the harm, and claim strategies should identify all potentially liable entities. This can include contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers and suppliers. Pursuing claims against multiple parties can increase the pool of available recovery, but it also requires careful coordination, thorough investigation and attention to differing insurance policies and legal defenses that each party may raise. Successfully navigating multi-party claims often depends on compiling strong evidence that links each party’s conduct to the unsafe condition or defect, and presenting that evidence in a manner that clarifies comparative responsibilities. Understanding how different claims interact and the potential impact of comparative fault principles helps injured persons choose a course that seeks full compensation while accounting for the complexities of multiple defendants.

Do I still have a claim if I was partly at fault?

Being partly at fault does not always eliminate the ability to recover compensation in New York, but it can affect the amount that can be obtained depending on the type of claim and the allocation of fault. Comparative fault rules may reduce recovery proportionally to the injured person’s share of responsibility, which makes documenting the full context of the accident and any mitigating factors important. Even when a claimant bears some responsibility, pursuing available claims can still lead to meaningful recovery for medical costs and lost earnings. To address potential fault issues, gather detailed evidence such as site photos, witness accounts and employer records that show the conditions contributing to the accident and any failures by other parties. Presenting a clear and thorough factual narrative can limit the effect of arguments that place blame on the injured person and help secure a recovery that reflects each party’s relative responsibility.

How much will it cost to have Ahearne Law Firm review my construction injury claim?

At Ahearne Law Firm the initial review of a construction injury claim is focused on understanding the facts, assessing likely claim paths and explaining filing deadlines and evidence needs, and this preliminary consultation can often be arranged by phone at (845) 986-2777. Many personal injury practices offer contingency arrangements or initial evaluations that do not require an upfront fee, and discussing payment structure early helps clients understand potential costs and what services will be provided. Transparency about fees, expected tasks and communication expectations supports informed decision making. If pursuing a claim, the likely cost structure depends on the complexity of the case and whether litigation is necessary. Collecting medical records, interviewing witnesses and preparing a claim often involves predictable costs and milestones that can be discussed during the initial review. Clear agreements about fees and responsibilities help ensure that injured persons can pursue claims without unexpected financial surprises while focusing on recovery and documentation.

Personal Injury Services in Corona

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services