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 Kaser

Defending Your Recovery

Construction Injuries Guide

Construction site injuries can upend lives quickly. If you or a loved one were hurt at a Kaser building site, you need clear information about your rights, possible benefits, and the steps to protect a claim. Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves Hudson Valley and New York workers and residents who face serious medical bills, lost wages, and long recoveries after falls, equipment accidents, or site collapses. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. can explain how claims are pursued and what documentation matters most. Call (845) 986-2777 to begin a focused review of your situation and learn what actions to take next.

Recovering from a construction injury often involves medical care, insurance interactions, and tight deadlines for filing claims. Understanding how workers’ compensation, potential third-party claims, and municipal or contractor responsibilities interact is important to protect your recovery. We guide clients through documenting injuries, preserving evidence, and communicating with insurers while emphasizing timely filing and careful tracking of expenses. If treatment stretches over months, it becomes harder to preserve the strongest position without early guidance. Contact Ahearne Law Firm PLLC in Kaser to review your case and get a practical plan for moving forward effectively.

The Importance and Benefits of a Construction Injury Claim

Pursuing a construction injury claim can provide financial relief and stability after a workplace accident. Benefits commonly include coverage for medical expenses, compensation for lost wages, and support for ongoing care when injuries lead to disability or prolonged recovery. Bringing the right types of claims can also address fault when unsafe conditions or negligent contractors contributed to the injury, which can affect insurance responses and available compensation. Early action to document the scene, secure medical records, and preserve witness accounts increases the likelihood of a full assessment of damages and helps ensure bills and losses are covered as much as possible.

Overview of Ahearne Law Firm and Allan J. Ahearne, Jr.

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC represents people in Hudson Valley and across New York in personal injury matters, including construction site incidents in Kaser and Rockland County. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. leads the firm’s personal injury practice and works directly with clients to identify responsible parties, gather medical evidence, and navigate insurance and compensation systems. The firm focuses on practical legal strategies tailored to each client’s situation, and it maintains clear communication about timing, likely outcomes, and options available for resolving claims. Clients receive attention to case details and a steady plan for pursuing fair recovery.

Understanding Construction Injury Claims

Construction injury claims can arise under multiple legal frameworks, including workers’ compensation and negligent acts by third parties such as subcontractors or equipment manufacturers. Workers’ compensation often provides a prompt source of medical and wage benefits regardless of fault, but it may not cover all losses like long-term pain and suffering or losses caused by a party other than the employer. Identifying whether a third-party claim exists and preserving evidence to support that claim are important steps. Early evaluation helps determine the best path for securing compensation and protecting future financial stability.

The path a claim takes depends on the facts of the accident, where it occurred, and which entities were involved in site operations or equipment maintenance. Documentation such as incident reports, photographs of the scene, witness statements, and medical records strengthens a claim and helps explain the nature and extent of injuries. Timely notice requirements and statute of limitations in New York mean that prompt action is important. An organized approach to treatment records, employer communications, and insurance correspondence reduces delays and supports a fuller recovery of economic and non-economic losses.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Glossary

Workers' Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a state-administered program that provides medical care and wage benefits to employees who are injured on the job, typically without requiring proof of fault. It is intended to ensure quick access to treatment and financial support while limiting the ability to sue the employer directly for negligence. Benefits generally cover reasonable medical expenses and a portion of lost earnings, but they may not replace all income or address non-economic harms like pain and suffering. Understanding workers’ compensation timelines, eligibility rules, and interactions with other potential claims helps injured workers make informed decisions.

Third-Party Liability

Third-party liability refers to claims against parties other than the employer who may have contributed to a construction injury, such as contractors, equipment providers, property owners, or manufacturers. These claims seek compensation for losses that workers’ compensation may not fully cover, including pain and suffering or loss of consortium. Establishing third-party liability typically requires showing negligence or a defective product, and proving causation between the defendant’s actions and the injury. Pursuing third-party claims often runs alongside workers’ compensation cases and can significantly affect the total recovery available to an injured person.

OSHA Violation

An OSHA violation refers to a breach of safety standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration that applies to the conditions and practices at a construction site. While OSHA investigations and citations can provide evidence of unsafe practices, an OSHA finding is separate from civil claims and does not by itself determine legal liability in a personal injury case. However, documentation of safety code violations, inspection reports, or employer notice of hazards can support a legal claim by showing that recognized safety rules were ignored, helping to demonstrate a link between unsafe conditions and the injury sustained.

Permanent Impairment

Permanent impairment describes a lasting reduction in physical or mental capacity that persists after medical care has reached a plateau and further improvement is unlikely. In construction injury cases, determining whether an injury results in permanent impairment affects long-term benefits, future earning capacity assessments, and damages for ongoing care needs. Medical evaluations, functional capacity reports, and vocational assessments help establish the degree of permanent impairment. Clear documentation of limitations and ongoing treatment requirements is important when seeking compensation that reflects future needs and changes in the ability to work.

PRO TIPS

Preserve Evidence Immediately

After a construction accident, preserving evidence is a top priority because physical conditions change quickly and witnesses may disperse. Take photographs of the scene, any unsafe conditions, and visible injuries as soon as it is safe to do so, and keep copies of incident reports and any communications from the employer or insurers. Gathering and preserving this evidence within the first days after an accident creates a clearer record that supports compensation claims and helps show what led to the injury.

Document Medical Care Thoroughly

Keep detailed records of all medical visits, diagnoses, treatments, and recommended follow-up care, because thorough documentation is vital for proving the extent and impact of injuries. Save bills, prescription records, physical therapy notes, and any work restrictions or return-to-work guidance provided by healthcare professionals. Organized medical records help insurers and opposing parties understand the course of recovery and the likely future needs that should be reflected in any settlement or award.

Communicate Carefully with Insurers

When insurers contact you after a workplace injury, provide accurate information but be cautious about statements that could be used to minimize your claim or suggest the injury is less serious. Notify your employer and your insurer of the injury promptly as required, but avoid giving recorded statements without understanding how they might affect benefit eligibility. Seeking an initial case review before signing releases or agreements can protect your position and ensure you are not unwittingly limiting future recovery options.

Comparing Your Legal Options

When Full Representation Is Needed:

Complex Injuries or Multiple Liable Parties

Complex cases that involve long-term medical care, permanent impairment, or more than one potentially responsible party usually benefit from a broad approach that pursues all available sources of recovery. When multiple contractors, equipment vendors, or property owners may share fault, coordinating claims against each party and integrating that work with workers’ compensation benefits is often necessary to secure full compensation. A thorough review of contracts, maintenance records, and site oversight practices helps determine who should be included in claims and what damages can be pursued on behalf of the injured person.

Disputed Liability or Insurance Denials

When insurers dispute causation or deny coverage, a comprehensive approach that prepares for litigation or formal appeals preserves options for achieving a fair outcome. Documentation, witness interviews, and independent medical reviews can be required to counter insurer positions that minimize injuries or attribute them to preexisting conditions. When an early claim faces resistance, taking measured legal steps to protect evidence and pursue formal remedies prevents missed deadlines and strengthens the chance of a meaningful resolution.

When a Limited Approach May Work:

Minor Injuries with Quick Recovery

If an injury is minor, resolves quickly, and results in limited medical expenses, handling the matter directly with insurers or through workers’ compensation alone may be appropriate. In these circumstances, a focused effort to document treatment, submit claims for medical bills, and secure wage benefits can resolve the situation without broader proceedings. Keep clear records of time missed from work and all medical contacts to ensure that payment processes proceed smoothly and to avoid later disputes about the scope of care required.

Clear Fault and Cooperative Parties

When responsibility is clearly assigned and insurers or responsible parties are cooperative, a more limited approach focused on promptly obtaining benefits and resolving outstanding bills can be efficient. Direct negotiation to address medical bills and lost wages, along with consistent documentation, may close the matter without formal litigation. Even when pursuing a limited resolution, ensure that all future medical needs are considered so that early agreements do not inadvertently leave long-term costs uncovered.

Common Circumstances for Construction Injuries

Falls from Height

Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs are among the most frequent causes of serious construction injuries and often result in broken bones, spinal injuries, or head trauma that require extended care and rehabilitation. Documenting the equipment condition, fall protection measures, and any safety training or lack thereof helps establish how the fall occurred and which parties may be responsible for failing to provide adequate safeguards.

Struck-by or Caught-in Incidents

Injuries caused by falling objects, moving equipment, or collapsing material can inflict crushing injuries, amputations, or internal harm that require immediate and ongoing medical attention. Identifying who controlled the equipment, how the materials were secured, and whether traffic control or exclusion zones were in place assists in tracing responsibility for those incidents.

Equipment or Tool Failures

Defective tools, poorly maintained machinery, and malfunctioning safety devices can lead to unexpected accidents that seriously injure workers or bystanders on a site. Preserving the failed equipment and maintenance records, along with any inspection logs, provides valuable evidence for claims based on product defects or negligent maintenance.

Kaser Construction Injury Attorney

Why Choose Ahearne Law Firm for Construction Injuries

Choosing legal help after a construction injury means selecting someone who will listen to your priorities and navigate the systems that affect recovery. At Ahearne Law Firm PLLC, clients in Kaser and the Hudson Valley receive hands-on attention to building a clear picture of events, collecting vital records, and communicating with insurers and employers. We explain how workers’ compensation works alongside other potential claims and help ensure that medical documentation and loss calculations are complete. Our approach focuses on a practical path to recovery while keeping clients informed about options and timing.

When a construction accident affects your ability to work and provide for your family, timely action and careful recordkeeping matter. We assist with securing necessary medical evidence, preserving scene documentation, and evaluating whether additional claims against third parties are available. The firm handles communications with insurers and opposing counsel so clients can concentrate on treatment and recovery. If litigation becomes necessary, we prepare the case with attention to detail, maintaining clear client communication about likely outcomes and the steps involved.

Contact Us to Discuss Your Case

People Also Search For

Construction site injury lawyer Kaser

Kaser construction accident attorney

Hudson Valley construction injury claim

Rockland County construction accident lawyer

New York construction workplace injury

Construction site safety violations claim

Third-party construction injury claim

Workers compensation construction Kaser

FAQS

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

Immediately after a construction site injury, prioritize medical care and safety. If you can, report the injury to your employer and make sure an incident report is filed. Obtain copies of any reports, take photographs of the scene and injuries, and collect contact information for witnesses while memories are fresh. This early documentation helps establish what happened and supports both workers’ compensation benefits and any third-party claims that may be available. After seeking treatment, keep detailed records of your medical appointments, diagnoses, and prescribed therapies, and save all bills and receipts related to the injury. Notify your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier as required and consult with a lawyer to review your options, especially if large medical bills, lost wages, or complex liability issues are involved. Early legal review can help protect deadlines and advise on preserving evidence.

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

Yes. In many construction injury situations you can pursue workers’ compensation benefits while also bringing a separate claim against a third party whose negligence contributed to the accident. Workers’ compensation provides no-fault medical and wage benefits from the employer system, but it typically does not cover non-economic losses like pain and suffering; a third-party claim seeks those additional forms of recovery from other liable parties. To pursue both, it is important to identify potential third parties early, preserve evidence, and coordinate filing timelines. Documentation that shows how another contractor, equipment supplier, or property owner contributed to the unsafe conditions strengthens a third-party case, and pursuing both avenues can produce a more complete recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and other damages.

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

Statutes of limitations in New York set deadlines for filing different types of claims, so prompt action is essential after a construction injury. Workers’ compensation claims have specific notice requirements and benefit claim timeframes that must be followed to preserve entitlement to medical care and wage loss payments. Civil claims against third parties generally must be filed within a set period after the accident, and missing those deadlines can bar recovery. Because timelines vary depending on the nature of the claim and the parties involved, seeking a prompt case review helps ensure that notice requirements and filing deadlines are met. An early assessment determines which deadlines apply, what records must be obtained right away, and how to structure filings to avoid forfeiting rights to compensation.

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

Damages in a construction accident case may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced future earning capacity, and non-economic losses such as physical pain and emotional distress. If an injury leads to long-term care needs or permanent impairment, future medical costs and vocational rehabilitation may also be included. The precise categories and amounts depend on the injury’s severity, the expected course of recovery, and proof of economic losses. When a third party is responsible, awards or settlements can address a broader range of losses than workers’ compensation alone, including compensation for diminished quality of life and loss of enjoyment of activities. Accurate, well-documented records of treatment, work history, and the impact on daily life are essential for calculating these damages and supporting a claim for fair compensation.

Will my medical bills be covered if my employer denies fault?

If your employer denies fault or disputes aspects of the incident, workers’ compensation can still provide a path to medical coverage and partial wage benefits in many cases, because it is a no-fault system intended to ensure that injured workers receive treatment. You should report the injury promptly, obtain necessary medical care, and file the required paperwork to trigger benefits under the workers’ compensation program. If workers’ compensation benefits are delayed or disputed, or if a third party may be liable for additional damages, preserving evidence and seeking a case review are important next steps. When coverage for certain bills is refused, the claim process and appeal mechanisms can be used to challenge denials and ensure medical costs are appropriately addressed under applicable rules.

How does evidence from the job site affect my claim?

Evidence from the job site is often central to proving how a construction injury occurred and who was responsible. Photographs, videos, incident reports, equipment maintenance logs, and witness statements can show unsafe conditions, lack of required protective measures, or defects in tools or machinery. The more concrete and contemporaneous the documentation, the stronger the case for establishing causation and liability. Preserving physical evidence, securing site inspection records, and compiling witness contact details early prevents loss of critical information that might otherwise be lost as the site is repaired or altered. Timely collection and organization of this evidence are important both for negotiations with insurers and, if necessary, for presenting proof in formal proceedings.

What role does an OSHA report play in a construction injury case?

An OSHA report can be valuable supporting information when it documents safety violations or hazards at a construction site, but it is not a substitute for a civil claim. OSHA findings demonstrate that certain safety standards were not met and can corroborate allegations that unsafe conditions existed, which can strengthen a personal injury or third-party claim when linked to the accident’s cause. However, OSHA enforcement actions and civil liability are separate processes, and an OSHA citation does not automatically determine fault or guarantee a civil recovery. Using OSHA reports alongside medical records, witness statements, and maintenance logs creates a fuller record that can be persuasive in settlement negotiations or legal filings.

Should I speak to the insurance company before seeking legal advice?

You should be careful when speaking with insurance company representatives because their goal is often to limit payouts. Provide only factual information about the accident and follow employer reporting requirements, but avoid giving recorded statements or signing releases until you understand the potential impact on benefits and future claims. Consulting with a lawyer before making detailed statements can protect your position and prevent inadvertent concessions that could reduce your recovery. If you are contacted by an insurer, ask whether any statement is required and whether a recorded interview is being requested. It is reasonable to request that communications be conducted in writing or postponed until you have reviewed your options and ensured that medical documentation and evidence are properly preserved. Professional review helps determine the appropriate responses to insurers while protecting your rights.

What if my injury prevents me from returning to the same job?

If an injury prevents you from returning to the same job, your claim should account for lost earning capacity and the cost of retraining or vocational rehabilitation when appropriate. Determining future work limitations and the likely duration of disability requires medical documentation and, in some cases, vocational assessments to estimate the impact on income over time. Compensation for future losses aims to cover the gap between past earnings and what you can reasonably expect to earn after recovery or retraining. Planning for long-term changes in employment also involves evaluating benefits available through workers’ compensation and other sources, and pursuing third-party claims when applicable. Early documentation of limitations and consistent follow-up with healthcare providers supports claims for future needs and helps ensure any settlement or award reflects realistic long-term impacts on earning potential and daily living.

How much does it cost to have Ahearne Law Firm review my construction injury case?

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC typically offers an initial case review to assess a construction injury claim and explain possible next steps, often at no upfront charge to determine whether further action is appropriate. During that review we evaluate the accident details, the available medical documentation, and potential liability to identify whether workers’ compensation benefits, third-party claims, or both are likely. This initial discussion clarifies timelines, likely evidence needs, and the most practical path forward based on your circumstances. If representation is needed to pursue claims, fee arrangements will be discussed transparently, and we explain how costs and payments are handled so clients understand financial expectations. The goal is to provide clear information so individuals can make informed decisions about whether to proceed with claims and how to prioritize recovery and documentation efforts.

Personal Injury Services in Kaser

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services