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 Nassau, NY

Protecting Injured Workers

Construction Site Injury Resource

Construction sites pose many hazards, and when a worker or bystander is hurt the consequences can be life changing. If you or a loved one suffered a construction site injury in Nassau, NY, this page explains practical options and next steps. The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves Hudson Valley and New York clients and can help you understand the difference between workers’ compensation cases and third-party claims against contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers. Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the firm provide straightforward guidance about how to preserve evidence, document injuries, and gather the information needed to evaluate a claim in Nassau and the surrounding area.

This guide covers what to do immediately after a construction accident, common types of injuries, important legal timelines, and how claims typically proceed in New York. It also explains options when multiple parties may share responsibility and when workers’ compensation benefits apply. You will find practical tips for preserving medical records, collecting witness information, and interacting with insurers. If you need help evaluating your situation, call Ahearne Law Firm PLLC at (845) 986-2777 to discuss next steps and how the firm can assist with your recovery and possible claims in Nassau County and the greater Hudson Valley area.

Why Acting Quickly Helps Your Case

Timely action after a construction injury affects evidence, medical documentation, and the ability to identify responsible parties. Preserving accident scenes, capturing photographs, and obtaining witness contact information early improves the accuracy of what happened and supports any claim you may pursue. Seeking prompt medical attention documents the link between the incident and your injuries, which insurers and other parties will scrutinize. Early consultation with a firm like Ahearne Law Firm PLLC can help you understand whether a workers’ compensation claim, a third-party claim, or a combination of approaches makes the most sense for your circumstances in Nassau and New York State.

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

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC is a Hudson Valley practice handling personal injury matters throughout New York, including construction site accidents in Nassau. Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. focuses on helping injured clients secure medical care and pursue appropriate compensation through available legal channels. The firm works to gather records, interview witnesses, and evaluate liability so clients can focus on recovery. Communication and practical problem solving are emphasized, and the firm will explain the differences between workers’ compensation benefits and claims against third parties when applicable, tailoring guidance to the facts of each case in Nassau and nearby counties.

Understanding Construction Site Injury Claims

Construction site injury cases can arise from falls, being struck by objects, equipment accidents, electrocution, trench collapses, and exposure to hazardous materials. Many incidents trigger workers’ compensation benefits for on-the-job injuries, providing medical care and partial wage replacement without regard to fault, but those benefits do not always cover full losses like pain and suffering. When a party other than the employer is responsible — such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, property owner, or general contractor — a third-party claim may be available in addition to workers’ compensation. Understanding which routes apply is essential to preserving rights and pursuing complete recovery in Nassau and New York.

The process for pursuing a construction injury claim often involves securing medical treatment, documenting injuries, reporting the accident to the employer, and collecting evidence such as photos, safety logs, and witness statements. Insurance companies will investigate, and timelines for filing claims are governed by New York law, including strict statutes of limitations for civil claims and deadlines for workers’ compensation filings. Early steps — including obtaining medical records and preserving physical evidence — help present a coherent account of the incident, which can improve outcomes whether a case resolves through negotiation or requires litigation in Nassau County.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Glossary for Construction Injuries

Third-Party Claim

A third-party claim is a legal action against someone other than your employer when that party’s negligence contributed to your construction injury. Examples include lawsuits against subcontractors who failed to secure equipment, property owners who neglected dangerous conditions, or manufacturers whose defective tools caused harm. Third-party claims are pursued in civil court and can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages beyond workers’ compensation, pain and suffering, and future needs. Pursuing a third-party action typically requires evidence showing the other party’s negligence and a clear connection between that negligence and the injuries sustained on the construction site.

Workers' Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that provides medical care and wage benefits to employees injured on the job, regardless of who was at fault. In New York, most injured construction workers are entitled to these benefits, which cover reasonable medical treatment and a portion of lost earnings while recovering. Workers’ compensation does not usually provide compensation for pain and suffering, and benefits may not cover all economic losses, which is why a separate civil claim against a negligent third party can sometimes be necessary to address the full extent of damages. Filing deadlines and procedural rules apply, so timely action is important.

Liability

Liability refers to legal responsibility for harm caused by negligent or wrongful conduct on a construction site. Determining liability may involve assessing safety protocols, compliance with building codes, the actions of contractors and subcontractors, and whether equipment was properly maintained. Multiple parties can share responsibility, and establishing liability often requires gathering records, witness statements, site photos, and maintenance logs. Once liability is established, an injured person may pursue compensation through workers’ compensation in some respects and through civil claims against the liable parties for additional losses not covered by employer insurance.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations sets the time limit for filing a civil lawsuit after a construction injury; in New York this period varies depending on the claim type and parties involved. Missing the deadline can bar you from pursuing a civil claim for damages, so it is important to be aware of applicable timelines for personal injury suits and for filing workers’ compensation claims. Factors such as the date the injury was discovered and whether the claim is against a government entity can affect deadlines. Early consultation helps identify deadlines and preserve the option to seek full recovery through the appropriate legal avenue.

PRO TIPS

Tip: Preserve Evidence Immediately

Photograph the scene, any dangerous conditions, and visible injuries as soon as it is safe to do so; clear photographic records are often decisive in reconstructing what happened. Collect names and contact information for coworkers and any on-site witnesses who saw the accident or the unsafe condition, because witness statements taken soon after the event are more reliable. Keep copies of any incident reports, employer communications, and your own notes about the incident to establish a contemporaneous record that supports any claim you may pursue in Nassau.

Tip: Seek Prompt Medical Care

Get medical attention even if injuries seem minor, because some conditions worsen over time and early records help show the connection between the accident and your health problems. Follow up with recommended treatments and keep a detailed record of visits, imaging studies, and medical bills, since insurers and opposing parties often scrutinize gaps in care. Providing complete and timely medical documentation helps preserve your eligibility for benefits and supports any claim for additional damages beyond workers’ compensation.

Tip: Document Witnesses and Equipment

Note who was operating machinery, who supervised the area, and whether safety equipment was in use or absent, because those details often clarify responsibility. When possible, save text messages, emails, or maintenance logs that reference equipment performance or prior safety complaints, as these records can show notice of hazards. Maintaining organized documentation of people, equipment, and communications strengthens the factual record needed to evaluate liability and potential claims in Nassau and New York.

Comparing Legal Options After a Construction Injury

When Full Representation Is Advisable:

Serious or Long-Term Injuries

When an injury causes long-term disability, significant medical expenses, or loss of future earning capacity, pursuing all available avenues of compensation is often necessary to address ongoing needs. Combining workers’ compensation benefits with a third-party action may help cover medical care, lost wages, and non-economic losses that workers’ compensation will not address. A comprehensive approach also ensures thorough investigation of multiple potential defendants, maximizes documentation of future care needs, and seeks appropriate recovery on behalf of the injured person.

Multiple Responsible Parties

When responsibility for a construction accident is divided among contractors, subcontractors, equipment makers, and property owners, coordinating claims against multiple parties can be complex and time sensitive. A full approach identifies each potentially liable party and develops strategies to pursue damages that workers’ compensation does not cover. Investigating shared liability early helps preserve evidence, clarify insurance coverage, and create a plan to pursue complete compensation for medical treatment, wage loss, and other damages arising from the injury.

When a Limited Approach May Be Sufficient:

Minor Injuries with Clear Coverage

If an injury is minor, fully resolved with prompt medical care, and the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance clearly covers the costs, pursuing just the statutory benefits may be appropriate. In those situations the administrative workers’ compensation process can provide timely reimbursement for medical bills and partial wage replacement without a separate civil suit. That said, even a small injury should be documented and reported promptly so benefits are preserved and the path to resolution remains straightforward if complications arise later.

Clear Liability and Small Damages

When liability is obvious, damages are limited, and the costs of broader litigation would outweigh potential recovery, a more focused approach toward prompt settlement or administrative benefits can be appropriate. Simple third-party claims against a clearly responsible contractor or vendor may be resolved efficiently with targeted negotiation and documentation. The decision to pursue a limited or full approach depends on an assessment of likely damages, the number of parties involved, and how the available evidence supports a recovery in the local legal environment.

Common Circumstances That Lead to Construction Injuries

Fall From Heights

Falls from scaffolding, ladders, and roofs frequently result in serious injuries and require documentation of guardrails, safety harnesses, and site supervision to determine responsibility. Photographs of the fall location and statements from coworkers can be pivotal in reconstructing the circumstances and supporting any claim for additional damages beyond workers’ compensation.

Struck-By or Caught-In Incidents

Those struck by falling objects or caught in machinery may face significant trauma, and liability often hinges on adherence to safety protocols and equipment maintenance records. Gathering tool maintenance logs, operator training records, and witness testimony helps clarify whether negligence played a role in the incident and supports recovery efforts.

Electrocution and Exposure

Contact with live electrical systems or exposure to hazardous materials can cause catastrophic harm and long-term health consequences that require careful medical documentation. Identifying whether proper lockout/tagout procedures or hazardous material controls were in place helps determine responsibility and the scope of damages recoverable through legal claims.

Nassau Construction Injury Attorney

Why Choose Ahearne Law Firm for Construction Injuries

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC assists clients in Nassau and the Hudson Valley by developing practical plans to protect recovery options after a construction accident. The firm helps injured people obtain necessary medical care, collect evidence, and understand the interaction between workers’ compensation and civil claims against other responsible parties. Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. emphasizes clear communication so clients know the likely steps, potential timelines, and documentation they should gather, enabling informed choices about whether to pursue a settlement or other legal remedies in New York.

The firm focuses on building a factual record and identifying all available sources of compensation to address both immediate bills and long-term needs. This includes coordinating with medical providers to document injuries, preserving critical evidence, and communicating with insurers to protect claim value. Every case is evaluated on its own facts to determine the best path forward for recovery, and the firm provides guidance about reporting requirements, filing deadlines, and practical strategies for negotiating claims in Nassau County.

Request Your Free Case Review Today

People Also Search For

construction site injury attorney Nassau

Nassau construction accident lawyer

construction accident claims Nassau NY

workers' compensation Nassau

construction fall injuries Nassau

third-party construction claims Nassau

heavy equipment accident lawyer Nassau

OSHA construction accident Nassau

FAQS

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

Seek medical attention as your first step, even for injuries that seem minor, because early documentation connects your treatment to the incident and supports any future claims. Report the injury to your employer according to workplace procedures and preserve any incident reports or communications, and collect the names and contact information of witnesses while details remain fresh. After immediate needs are addressed, preserve photographs of the scene, clothing, and equipment involved, and keep a personal record of symptoms and medical appointments. Contact a local firm like Ahearne Law Firm PLLC to discuss timelines and options so you understand potential claims and how to proceed in Nassau and New York.

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

Yes, in many cases injured workers may pursue workers’ compensation benefits through their employer while also bringing a lawsuit against a negligent third party whose actions contributed to the injury. Workers’ compensation provides medical care and wage benefits without regard to fault, while a third-party claim can seek additional damages such as pain and suffering or lost future income that workers’ compensation does not cover. Coordinating these claims requires careful documentation and an assessment of liability and damages. Consulting early helps identify potential third parties, preserve evidence, and navigate the interaction between administrative workers’ compensation processes and civil litigation in Nassau County and the broader New York legal system.

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

New York law sets time limits for filing civil lawsuits, and those deadlines depend on the type of claim and parties involved. For many personal injury suits the statute of limitations is two or three years from the date of injury, but exceptions and variations can apply, including cases involving government entities that require short notice periods before filing a claim. Because deadlines can be strict and fact-dependent, acting promptly to preserve evidence and consult with counsel is important. Early review allows you to calculate the applicable limitation period, meet administrative notice requirements when necessary, and avoid losing the right to pursue compensation.

Will reporting the injury to my employer affect my job?

Reporting an on-the-job injury to your employer is typically required to preserve workers’ compensation benefits and to document the event, and New York law protects many rights of injured workers when they report workplace injuries. While concerns about job security are understandable, employers who retaliate for filing a workers’ compensation claim can face legal consequences under state law. Maintaining clear records, following reporting procedures, and seeking advice on how to communicate about the injury can help protect both benefits and employment. If you encounter retaliatory behavior after reporting an injury, legal counsel can explain remedies and next steps available under New York law.

What types of damages can be recovered in a third-party construction claim?

A successful third-party construction claim can recover economic losses not covered by workers’ compensation, such as out-of-pocket medical expenses, lost future earnings, diminished earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. The amount recoverable depends on the severity and permanence of the injury, medical documentation, and the strength of evidence showing another party’s negligence contributed to the harm. Calculating full damages often requires gathering medical opinions, employment records, and documentation of additional needs such as home modifications or ongoing care. Thorough preparation helps present the full scope of losses to insurers or a court when seeking appropriate compensation.

How is liability determined at a construction site?

Liability at a construction site is determined by examining who owed a duty of care, whether that duty was breached, and whether the breach caused the injury. Investigators look at safety protocols, training records, equipment maintenance, jobsite supervision, and compliance with applicable regulations to allocate responsibility among contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers. Because multiple parties may be involved, assembling documentation such as safety logs, contracts, and witness statements is often necessary to establish a clear chain of responsibility. This factual development informs decisions about pursuing workers’ compensation, third-party claims, or both in Nassau and New York courts.

What role do eyewitness accounts play in a construction injury case?

Eyewitness accounts often provide critical detail about the sequence of events, the actions of people on site, and the condition of equipment or scaffolding at the time of the accident. Statements taken soon after the incident tend to be more accurate and can corroborate photographic and documentary evidence used to demonstrate liability and causation. Preserving witness contact information and obtaining written or recorded statements when feasible strengthens the factual record. Witness testimony combined with physical evidence and records can be persuasive in settlement negotiations or at trial, and it helps clarify disputed aspects of what occurred on the construction site.

Do I need to see a doctor even if I feel okay after the accident?

Yes, you should see a medical provider even if you initially feel fine, because some injuries, such as concussions, internal trauma, or soft tissue damage, may not be immediately apparent. Seeking care creates a medical record that links treatment to the incident, which is important for both workers’ compensation claims and any third-party action. Documenting your condition and following recommended treatment plans is also essential because insurers may challenge late care or inconsistent medical histories. Keeping all medical records, prescriptions, and appointment notes helps present a clear timeline of injury and recovery for claims in Nassau and New York.

What evidence is most important for a construction injury claim?

Important evidence for construction injury claims includes medical records, incident reports, photographs of the scene and injuries, equipment maintenance logs, safety inspection reports, and witness statements. Employment records and wage documentation are also necessary to calculate lost earnings and to coordinate benefits between workers’ compensation and any civil claim. Early preservation of physical evidence and documentation is vital, as sites may be altered or cleared. Acting promptly to save photographs, preservation notices, and communications about the incident increases the ability to build a convincing claim for full recovery.

How do insurance companies typically handle construction injury claims?

Insurance companies typically investigate construction injury claims by reviewing medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and any photographs or site documentation. Insurers aim to evaluate liability and the extent of injuries and often attempt to limit payouts through recorded statements or by disputing causation, the severity of injuries, or the necessity of certain treatments. Because interactions with insurers can affect claim value, it is important to document all medical care, preserve evidence, and understand your rights before giving detailed recorded statements. Clear documentation and timely negotiation increase the chance of resolving matters fairly, whether through settlement or further legal action.

Personal Injury Services in Nassau

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services