If you are a member of the carpenters union in Tarrytown and have been hurt on the job, you need clear guidance about your rights and options. Ahearne Law Firm PLLC represents injured workers across the Hudson Valley and New York, including union members who face complex interactions between workers’ compensation, union benefits, and potential third-party claims. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the firm focus on helping clients secure medical care, recover wage benefits, and pursue additional compensation when others are at fault. Call (845) 986-2777 for an initial consultation about your situation and next steps.
When a carpenter is injured, the right legal guidance can make a meaningful difference in how claims proceed, the medical care received, and the financial outcome. Legal assistance helps ensure that workers’ compensation paperwork is completed accurately and on time, that union benefits are coordinated with claims, and that additional claims against third parties are pursued when appropriate. Working with a firm familiar with construction injuries and union procedures improves communication with insurers, medical providers, and union representatives so injured members obtain consistent treatment, timely wage replacement, and a realistic assessment of potential recoveries.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system that covers medical treatment and partial wage replacement for employees injured on the job. For carpenters, this often covers emergency care, follow-up treatment, physical therapy, and payment for time missed from work. Workers’ compensation typically does not allow recovery for pain and suffering, but it provides prompt access to treatment and benefits without proving an employer was negligent. Claimants must report injuries promptly and follow required procedures to maintain eligibility, including attending medical appointments and cooperating with insurer requests for records and examinations.
A third-party claim seeks compensation from someone other than the employer when their actions contributed to an injury. Examples include a subcontractor operating unsafe equipment, a property owner failing to maintain safe premises, or a manufacturer producing a defective tool. Third-party claims can recover damages that workers’ compensation does not, such as pain and suffering, compensation for permanent impairment, and full wage losses. Pursuing a third-party claim generally requires proving negligence or fault, and it proceeds separately from workers’ compensation, often involving depositions, discovery, and negotiation or trial.
Union benefits can include health insurance referrals, short-term and long-term disability plans, pension or retirement protections, and access to union stewards who help with reporting and administrative steps. Collective bargaining agreements may contain specific procedures for reporting injuries, obtaining medical evaluations, or applying for supplemental payments. Understanding how those benefits coordinate with workers’ compensation and potential third-party recoveries is important to maximize overall recovery. The firm helps clients communicate with union representatives and ensures required notices to the union are completed while pursuing claims.
The statute of limitations sets the deadline to file a lawsuit for damages in civil court. In New York, the general time limit for negligence cases is three years from the date of injury, though specific rules can vary for certain claims or circumstances. Workers’ compensation claims follow their own reporting deadlines, which are typically much shorter for initial notices and benefit filings. Acting promptly preserves legal options, allows for more thorough evidence collection, and reduces the risk that claims will be barred by late filing or procedural missteps.
Take photographs of the site, equipment, and any visible injuries as soon as it is safe to do so, and ask witnesses for contact details. Detailed documentation preserves evidence that can be important later, especially if weather or cleanup could alter the scene. Providing clear photos and witness information to the legal team speeds investigation and supports claims for both workers’ compensation and any third-party action.
Keep copies of all medical records, test results, treatment notes, and bills related to the injury, and ask each treating provider for written summaries when possible. Accurate medical documentation establishes the nature and extent of injuries and links treatment directly to the workplace incident. Sharing these records promptly with the legal team helps in evaluating benefits, estimating potential recoveries, and negotiating with insurers or opposing parties.
Insurance companies may present early settlement offers before the full extent of your injuries or rehabilitation needs are clear, and accepting too soon can limit later recovery. Before deciding on any offer, obtain a thorough assessment of medical prognosis, future care needs, and wage loss potential so that a settlement reflects total losses. The legal team reviews any offers and explains long-term implications so you can make an informed decision.
If an injury results in long-term disability, partial impairment, or significantly reduced ability to work, a comprehensive legal approach is often necessary to secure appropriate compensation. These matters require careful calculation of future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and rehabilitation costs. A thorough legal response investigates all responsible parties, coordinates long-term medical documentation, and pursues damages beyond workers’ compensation when justified.
When several parties may share responsibility, such as subcontractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers, a comprehensive strategy identifies all potential defendants and coordinates claims to maximize recovery. These cases often involve more extensive discovery, technical investigations, and expert testimony to establish fault. Comprehensive handling also manages parallel claims and negotiations to avoid adverse offsets or procedural conflicts.
For relatively minor injuries where workers’ compensation clearly covers treatment and wage loss, a focused approach that ensures proper filing and prompt medical care may be sufficient. This approach emphasizes quick reporting, documentation of medical visits, and efficient benefit processing. It is appropriate when no third party appears to share fault and when the expected medical expenses and wage losses are straightforward.
If available union benefits and workers’ compensation will fully address the injury-related needs and the claimant prefers a quicker resolution, handling the administrative filings and appeals without pursuing separate litigation may be the best choice. This focused path reduces time spent on prolonged disputes and concentrates on timely medical care and return-to-work planning. The firm explains tradeoffs so clients can choose the path that fits their goals.
Falls from scaffolding, roofs, ladders, or elevated platforms can cause serious injuries such as fractures, spinal trauma, or head injuries and often require immediate and ongoing medical care. These incidents typically demand careful investigation, documentation of safety equipment and protocols, witness statements, and medical records to determine liability and secure appropriate benefits and compensation.
Injuries from saws, nail guns, drilling equipment, or heavy machinery can lead to amputations, deep lacerations, crush injuries, or traumatic damage requiring specialized medical treatment. Evaluating maintenance logs, operator training records, and equipment condition is important to determine whether a third party or manufacturer may be responsible in addition to navigating workers’ compensation coverage.
Repetitive motion injuries, chronic back problems, and occupational illnesses can develop over time and may be covered by workers’ compensation if linked to job duties. Establishing the connection between work activities and cumulative injury involves detailed medical documentation, workplace task descriptions, and evidence of progressive symptoms to support a claim for benefits.
Ahearne Law Firm offers local knowledge of Hudson Valley workplaces and a focus on the needs of union members, including familiarity with reporting procedures and benefit coordination. The firm assists with obtaining medical care, documenting injuries, and negotiating with insurers and other parties. Clear communication, prompt investigation of events, and careful assembly of evidence are priorities to help clients understand options and timing. The goal is to obtain fair resolutions that address medical bills, wage losses, and any long-term impacts on livelihood.
Report the injury to your supervisor and seek prompt medical attention; immediate reporting helps protect eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits and ensures timely treatment. If it is safe, document the scene by taking photos of hazards, equipment, and visible injuries, and obtain contact information for witnesses to preserve statements while memories are fresh. Notify your union representative and follow any required internal reporting procedures. Keep copies of medical records, treatment notes, and correspondence, and contact the firm to review the incident so that potential third-party issues and benefit coordination can be evaluated as soon as possible.
Workers’ compensation provides no-fault medical coverage and partial wage replacement for injuries that arise out of and in the course of employment. As a union member, you may also have access to union-administered benefits and assistance with reporting and getting referrals for medical treatment, which can complement workers’ compensation benefits. Understanding how union rules and collective bargaining provisions interface with workers’ compensation is important because some benefits or procedures may affect treatment choices, reimbursement, and return-to-work planning. The firm helps coordinate filings, appeals, and communication with union representatives to secure appropriate benefits and care.
Yes, you may be able to pursue a third-party claim against an entity other than your employer if their negligence contributed to your injury. Examples include subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, or other contractors whose actions or products caused harm. A successful third-party claim can recover damages that workers’ compensation does not cover, such as pain and suffering and full wage losses. A third-party action proceeds separately and typically requires proof of negligence or fault. The firm evaluates potential defendants, collects evidence, and pursues additional compensation while coordinating with workers’ compensation claims to avoid conflicts between remedies.
New York’s general statute of limitations for negligence claims is three years from the date of injury, but exceptions and different timelines can apply in certain situations. Workers’ compensation and union reporting deadlines may be shorter and require immediate action to preserve benefits, such as prompt employer notice and specific claim filing windows for wage replacement or disability benefits. Because multiple deadlines can apply simultaneously, acting quickly to report the injury, document treatment, and consult with the firm reduces the risk that claims will be barred by late filing. Early steps also improve evidence preservation and case preparation.
Union benefits may include health coverage, short-term disability, and assistance from union representatives in reporting incidents and navigating initial paperwork. Collective bargaining agreements sometimes provide supplemental payments or specific procedures for medical referrals that affect how claims are processed and what benefits are available to members. Coordinating union benefits with workers’ compensation and any third-party recovery is important to avoid duplicate payments and to ensure overall recovery is maximized. The firm helps clients understand which benefits apply, how they interact, and how to complete required notices to the union while pursuing legal claims.
Accepting a workers’ compensation payment does not necessarily prevent you from pursuing a third-party claim against a responsible non-employer party, but it may affect how recoveries are allocated and whether liens or subrogation claims arise. Workers’ compensation carriers can seek reimbursement if a third-party recovery occurs, and coordination is required to ensure fair distribution of any settlement or verdict. Before accepting any settlement, it is advisable to review the full scope of your injuries and potential future needs. The firm can analyze offers and explain how accepting benefits or settlements may limit later claims so you make an informed choice.
Resolution times vary widely depending on the nature of the injury, whether a third party is involved, and whether disputes arise over benefits or liability. Simple workers’ compensation claims can be resolved in a matter of weeks or months, while cases involving significant injuries or third-party defendants may take many months or longer to conclude through negotiation or litigation. Factors that influence timing include the stability of medical prognosis, the need for discovery or expert testimony, and whether settlement negotiations are productive. The firm works to keep cases moving efficiently and communicates expected milestones so clients know what to expect during resolution.
Key evidence includes medical records and treatment notes that document the injury and its connection to workplace activity, photos of the accident scene and equipment, witness statements, incident reports, and maintenance or safety logs. These materials help establish what happened, who may be responsible, and the extent of injury for both workers’ compensation and third-party claims. Securing early documentation and preserving physical evidence improves the strength of a claim. The firm assists in collecting records, interviewing witnesses, and arranging for necessary investigatory steps to build a thorough factual record.
Initial consultations are typically offered without upfront fees so that you can review your situation and learn about available options before deciding how to proceed. The firm explains fee arrangements, billing practices, and whether cases are handled on a contingency basis or according to other agreed terms. If representation is accepted, the firm will outline costs and fee structures in writing, so clients understand any obligations. This transparency helps injured workers make decisions based on financial and legal considerations together with health needs.
To arrange an initial consultation with Ahearne Law Firm, call the office at (845) 986-2777 or use the website contact form to request a case review. The firm will gather basic information about the incident, answer preliminary questions, and schedule a convenient time to discuss details so the client can understand potential next steps. During the consultation, the firm reviews available documentation, explains how union benefits and workers’ compensation may apply, and outlines options for pursuing additional claims if warranted. Prospective clients should bring any reports, medical records, or photos they have to make the discussion as productive as possible.
Explore our injury practice areas
⚖️ All Personal Injury Services