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 River, NY

Recover. Protect. Move Forward.

Personal Injury Guide: Construction Site Injuries

Construction site injuries in Great River can lead to long recoveries, lost wages, and mounting medical bills. When a fall, struck-by accident, or equipment malfunction happens on a worksite, injured people and their families need clear information about legal options and how to protect their rights. This page explains common causes of construction accidents, steps to take after an injury, and how local law procedures in New York may affect your claim. The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC represents clients throughout Suffolk County and can help explain deadlines and potential sources of compensation so you can focus on getting better.

After a construction site accident, taking prompt practical steps can influence the outcome of any claim. Preserve evidence by documenting the scene with photos, obtain medical care and keep records, and report the incident as soon as possible to the appropriate supervisor or safety official. Time limits apply to different claims in New York, and insurance carriers may contact injured workers quickly, so having clear guidance early on matters. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the team at Ahearne Law Firm PLLC know local courts and procedures and can help you understand possible avenues for compensation and recovery.

Why Legal Help Matters After a Construction Injury

Securing representation and legal guidance after a construction injury helps protect your rights and ensure responsible parties are held to account. Legal support can help identify all potential sources of recovery including employer insurance, subcontractor liability, equipment manufacturers, and property owners. It also ensures claims are filed within New York time limits and that evidence is preserved and presented effectively. That support often increases the likelihood of receiving fair compensation for medical costs, lost income, rehabilitation, and other impacts. Knowing your options reduces stress and provides a clearer path for financial and physical recovery following a serious workplace accident.

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC in Great River

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves injured people in Great River and across Suffolk County, offering focused representation in personal injury matters arising on construction sites. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. has handled a range of workplace injury cases including falls, scaffold collapses, trench cave-ins, and equipment accidents. The firm works to gather medical records, accident reports, witness accounts, and other documentation to build a claim adapted to each client’s circumstances. The goal is to help clients pursue full recovery while guiding them through procedures, insurance negotiations, and court deadlines that commonly affect construction injury cases in New York.

Understanding Construction Site Injury Claims

Construction injury claims can involve multiple legal paths, such as workers compensation for wage and medical benefits, third-party liability claims against contractors or equipment manufacturers, and claims against property owners in certain cases. Workers compensation provides no-fault benefits, but does not always cover all losses like pain and suffering. Bringing a separate claim against a negligent third party may recover additional damages. Determining which paths apply depends on the accident facts, who was on site, contractual relationships, and applicable New York statutes. A careful review of incident reports, employer relationships, and safety records is often necessary to identify the best approach for recovery.

Timelines and procedural rules differ for each type of claim. Workers compensation claims have specific filing windows and administrative processes, while civil actions follow court schedules and statute of limitations rules. Insurance companies for employers and contractors often investigate quickly, so preserving evidence and obtaining medical treatment early on are important. Witness statements, photographs of the scene, and maintenance records can be decisive. Understanding these differences helps injured people choose the most effective route to compensation while making sure that rights are protected through timely filings and proper documentation.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Glossary for Construction Injury Cases

Workers Compensation

Workers compensation is a no-fault insurance program that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees who suffer work-related injuries in New York. It generally covers medical treatment, temporary disability payments while recovery prevents returning to work, and in some cases vocational rehabilitation and permanent impairment benefits. While these benefits address many immediate needs, they usually do not compensate for pain and suffering. Understanding how workers compensation interacts with other potential claims is essential when pursuing additional recovery from negligent third parties like contractors or equipment manufacturers.

Third-Party Liability

Third-party liability refers to a legal claim against someone other than the injured worker’s employer, such as a subcontractor, equipment maker, or property owner whose negligence contributed to the accident. These claims can pursue damages beyond what workers compensation provides, including compensation for pain, suffering, and lost future earnings. Identifying negligent third parties requires investigation into worksite contracts, safety compliance records, and cause of the incident. Successful third-party claims often rely on demonstrating breach of a duty of care that caused the injury and linking that breach to measurable damages.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is the legal time frame within which a civil lawsuit must be filed in New York. Different types of claims have different deadlines; for example, many personal injury actions must be filed within a certain number of years from the accident date. Missing these deadlines can bar recovery entirely. Workers compensation claims follow separate administrative timelines and reporting requirements. Because these time limits are strict and vary by claim type, timely consultation and prompt filing where appropriate are essential to preserving legal options after a construction site injury.

Comparative Negligence

Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine that may reduce the amount of compensation an injured person can recover if they are found partly at fault for their own accident. In New York, the rule assesses the relative fault of each party and adjusts damages accordingly. If a worker is assigned a degree of fault, their total recovery may be reduced proportionally. Understanding how comparative negligence could apply in a construction site case is important when evaluating settlement offers or preparing for litigation, since fault allocation can significantly affect potential compensation.

PRO TIPS

Document the Scene Immediately

After a construction site accident, document the scene as soon as it is safe to do so and keep records of any injuries and property damage. Take clear photographs of equipment, hazards, and any visible injuries, and preserve clothing or tools involved in the incident. Collect contact information for witnesses and write down everything you remember about the sequence of events so those details are available later for a thorough review.

Get Prompt Medical Care

Seek medical attention immediately after an injury, even if symptoms seem minor at first, because some conditions may worsen over time and early records support any future claim. Follow medical advice and keep detailed records of treatments, diagnoses, and prescribed medications. Timely care not only aids recovery but also creates documentation that can be critical when pursuing compensation for medical costs and related losses.

Report and Preserve Evidence

Report the accident to your supervisor or the appropriate site official and make sure a formal incident report is created and retained. Preserve any clothing, personal protective equipment, or tools involved in the accident and request copies of maintenance logs, inspection records, and safety protocols that were in place. Keeping these materials organized helps ensure that important details are not lost and supports a complete evaluation of potential claims.

Comparing Legal Options After a Construction Injury

When a Full Legal Review Is Beneficial:

Complex Liability and Multiple Parties

When multiple contractors, subcontractors, and equipment suppliers were present at the worksite, a comprehensive review helps determine who may bear responsibility for the accident. Detailed fact gathering can reveal overlapping duties and contractual obligations that affect liability. Thorough analysis ensures all potential paths to recovery are considered and pursued where appropriate to maximize available compensation.

Serious or Long-Term Injuries

If an injury results in long-term impairment, significant medical needs, or inability to return to prior work, a full legal assessment can identify the types of damages that should be claimed. This includes future medical costs, lost earning capacity, and long-term care expenses. A complete evaluation helps structure a claim that accounts for ongoing needs and future financial impacts.

When a Narrower Approach May Be Appropriate:

Clear Workers Compensation Claim Only

In cases where the injury is clearly covered by workers compensation and no third party appears responsible, pursuing a workers compensation claim may address medical expenses and wage loss efficiently. This limited approach focuses on timely benefit claims and medical documentation. It can provide faster access to needed care without pursuing additional civil litigation when no other liable parties are identifiable.

Minor Injuries with Limited Damages

For minor injuries with short recovery times and limited economic impact, a more focused approach on immediate medical benefits and return to work may be sufficient. These matters often resolve through straightforward medical treatment and wage replacement. A narrow path avoids unnecessary legal steps while ensuring the injured person receives appropriate care and compensation for short-term losses.

Common Construction Site Injury Scenarios in Great River

Falls from Heights

Falls from scaffolds, ladders, and roofs are a frequent cause of serious injury on construction sites in Suffolk County, often resulting in fractures, head trauma, and prolonged recovery. These incidents require prompt investigation into fall protection practices, equipment condition, and training provided at the site to determine potential liability.

Struck-By or Caught-In Incidents

Workers can be struck by moving equipment, falling materials, or collapsing structures, or become caught in machinery, leading to crushing injuries and amputations. Establishing who controlled the equipment, whether safety guards were in use, and maintenance records is essential to clarify responsibility.

Electrical and Electrocution Injuries

Contact with live electrical sources and improper lockout tagout procedures can cause severe burns, cardiac events, and long-term neurological harm. Investigations focus on compliance with electrical safety protocols, training, and whether protective equipment and warnings were provided at the worksite.

Great River Construction Injury Attorney

Why Choose Ahearne Law Firm for Construction Injury Claims

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC provides client-centered guidance for people injured on construction sites in Great River and surrounding communities. The firm assists injured workers in documenting their injuries, filing claims, and coordinating with medical providers to maintain clear treatment records. The team also reviews site safety reports, maintenance logs, and witness statements to identify all potential routes to compensation. Clear communication, practical planning, and persistence in dealing with insurers and other parties are central to the firm approach when pursuing recovery for medical costs, lost wages, and related impacts.

When pursuing claims in New York it helps to have local knowledge of court procedures and administrative processes, and a commitment to protecting client interests at each step. Ahearne Law Firm aims to provide timely updates, explain legal options, and coordinate filings to preserve rights. The firm can also assist injured people in communicating with employers, obtaining incident reports, and arranging for independent evaluations when necessary. Those injured on construction sites can call the office to discuss next steps and important deadlines that may apply to their situation.

Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review

People Also Search For

construction site injury lawyer Great River

construction accident attorney Suffolk County

construction injury claims New York

scaffold fall attorney Great River NY

workplace injury lawyer Hudson Valley

construction accident compensation

electrocution injury attorney

third party construction claims

FAQS

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

Seek medical attention immediately and make sure your injury is documented by a medical professional. Even if injuries seem minor at first, symptoms can develop later, and early medical records are important when establishing a link between the accident and injuries. Photograph the scene and any hazards if it is safe to do so, and obtain contact information for coworkers and witnesses who saw the incident. Report the accident to your supervisor and request a copy of any formal incident report. Keep a record of conversations and dates, preserve clothing or equipment involved, and avoid giving recorded statements to insurers without consulting legal counsel. Timely steps help preserve evidence and protect your entitlement to benefits under workers compensation or other claims.

Can I pursue a claim against a third party in addition to workers compensation?

Yes, you may be able to pursue a third-party claim in addition to workers compensation benefits when someone other than your employer contributed to the accident. Potential third parties include subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, or other contractors whose negligence caused unsafe conditions. A third-party claim can recover damages not available through workers compensation, such as compensation for pain and suffering and certain other losses. Identifying liable third parties requires investigation into site contracts, maintenance records, and the cause of the accident. Prompt evidence collection, witness statements, and preservation of site documentation are important steps. Evaluating both workers compensation and potential third-party claims can provide a more complete recovery strategy for injured people.

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

Deadlines for filing lawsuits in New York vary by the type of claim, and some time limits are relatively short. Personal injury lawsuits generally must be filed within a set period after the accident date, while workers compensation claims follow separate administrative schedules. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from pursuing certain claims, so it is important to act promptly to preserve your rights. Because timelines differ and exceptions can apply, contacting legal counsel early helps ensure all necessary claims are filed on time. An attorney can review applicable statutes of limitations and advise on the critical dates for filing administrative claims and civil actions in your specific situation.

Will reporting the accident to my employer affect my benefits?

Reporting the accident to your employer is typically required under workers compensation rules and is a necessary step to obtain benefits. Timely reporting helps start the claims process for medical treatment and wage replacement. Employers are expected to maintain incident records and coordinate with their insurance carrier for benefit administration. While some injured workers worry about retaliation, New York law protects workers from being penalized for filing claims. If concerns arise about employer conduct after a report, it is important to document events and seek advice about further steps to ensure your rights and benefits are preserved throughout the claims process.

What types of damages can be recovered in a construction injury claim?

Damages in a construction injury claim can include medical expenses, past and future lost wages, and compensation for reduced earning capacity if the injury affects future employment. For third-party claims, additional compensation may be available for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. The types and amounts of recoverable damages depend on injury severity, prognosis, and the evidence showing economic and non-economic losses. Accurately calculating damages often requires medical records, wage documentation, and input from vocational or medical professionals about anticipated future needs. A full review of treatment plans, therapy costs, and potential long-term care helps establish the appropriate scope of a claim and supports negotiation or litigation toward fair recovery.

How important are medical records for my claim?

Medical records are a cornerstone of most injury claims because they document the nature and extent of injuries, treatment provided, and the medical professional s assessment of prognosis. Consistent follow-up care and clear documentation of symptoms, diagnostics, and prescribed therapy strengthen a claim by showing a direct connection between the accident and the injuries claimed. Copies of bills and records also show economic damages incurred. Delays in treatment or gaps in medical records can complicate proving causation and the full extent of damages. Maintaining complete records, following prescribed treatment plans, and attending scheduled appointments increase the likelihood that medical evidence will support compensation for both present and future medical needs related to the injury.

What role do safety violations play in a construction injury case?

Safety violations can be important evidence in a construction injury case because they indicate failures to follow rules designed to protect workers. Records of inspections, missing or faulty protective equipment, lack of guardrails or fall protection, and training deficiencies may show that a party did not meet expected safety standards. Demonstrating such violations can support claims that negligence caused the accident. Investigators will look for documentation and witness testimony that confirm unsafe conditions or lapses in safety procedures. Obtaining safety logs, incident reports, and communications regarding compliance can help establish liability and strengthen recovery efforts when unsafe workplace practices contributed to the injury.

Can I return to work while a claim is pending?

Returning to work while a claim is pending is often possible and may be encouraged depending on medical advice. Employers and insurers will review medical restrictions and work capacity to assess entitlement to wage replacement benefits. Returning to restricted duty might affect ongoing compensation and should be discussed with your medical provider and those handling your claim to avoid jeopardizing necessary treatment and benefits. If returning to work could worsen your condition, communicate clearly with your provider and document any limitations. Keep records of your duties, hours, and any accommodations provided by the employer, as this information may be relevant in assessing wage losses or vocational impacts during claim resolution.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

If you were partially at fault for a construction accident, New York s comparative fault rules could reduce the amount of compensation you receive in a civil claim by the degree of your fault. However, even if some fault is attributed to you, you may still recover damages reduced by the percentage assigned to your responsibility. Careful investigation and evidence can often limit the portion of fault assigned to an injured person. It is important to present a complete account of the incident and any mitigating factors that show how faults of other parties or unsafe conditions contributed to the accident. Showing steps taken to follow safety protocols and highlighting violations by others can influence how fault is apportioned and the ultimate recovery amount.

How can Ahearne Law Firm help after a construction site injury?

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC can help by reviewing the facts of your construction site injury, advising on applicable filing deadlines, and helping to gather and preserve key evidence such as incident reports, witness statements, and medical records. The firm coordinates with medical providers, requests necessary documentation, and communicates with insurers and opposing parties to advance claims while protecting client interests. Local knowledge of New York procedures can be helpful when navigating both administrative and civil processes. The firm aims to provide clear guidance about potential recovery options, assist with benefit applications, and pursue additional claims against third parties when appropriate. Early contact helps ensure timely preservation of rights and a structured plan for pursuing compensation for medical expenses, wage loss, and other damages tied to the injury.

Personal Injury Services in Great River

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services