Construction Accident Lawyer — Queens, NY
Committed to Protecting Queens Construction Workers’ Rights
Construction is one of the most dangerous jobs in New York. In a borough like Queens — where cranes dot the Long Island City skyline, where Jamaica is undergoing a years-long building boom, where renovation projects are constant in every neighborhood — there are job sites operating every day where corners get cut, safety equipment gets skipped, and workers get seriously hurt.
What most injured construction workers don’t know is that New York has some of the strongest laws in the country specifically protecting them. Not just workers’ comp. Actual lawsuits against property owners and general contractors. And these laws can apply even if the accident was partially your fault.
David Beck has been handling construction accident cases in Queens for over 25 years. If you were hurt on a job site, call us before you talk to your employer’s insurance company. What you say in those early conversations can matter.
Labor Law 240 — The Law That Changes Everything
Section 240 of the New York Labor Law — called the Scaffold Law — is unlike anything else in American personal injury law. It says that property owners and general contractors are strictly liable for gravity-related construction accidents. Strictly liable means no argument about how careful you were, how careless you were, or whether the accident was partly your fault. If you fell from an unsecured scaffold, fell off a ladder, or got hit by a falling object at a Queens construction site, the owner and the GC can be held fully responsible regardless.
This law exists because construction workers take on risks that benefit property owners — and Albany decided decades ago that the risk of a catastrophic injury shouldn’t fall entirely on the worker. Courts have consistently upheld it. And when it applies to your case, it’s one of the strongest legal positions in New York litigation.
Labor Law 241(6) — When the Job Site Wasn't Run Safely
Labor Law 241(6) requires construction sites to follow specific New York Industrial Code regulations covering things like hole coverings, trench safety, machine guarding, and dozens of other specific requirements. Unlike 240, it covers a broader range of accidents — not just falls, but injuries from machinery, power tools, chemical exposure, electrical hazards, and more.
Building a 241 case requires identifying which specific code provision was violated. That’s technical work, and it’s one of the reasons construction accident cases need a lawyer who knows what they’re looking for.
Labor Law 200 — General Negligence
Labor Law 200 is New York’s general negligence statute for construction sites. It covers situations where the property owner or GC had actual knowledge of a dangerous condition — a broken guard rail, a wet unmarked floor, a malfunctioning piece of equipment — and had the authority and responsibility to fix it. Unlike 240 and 241, this claim does require proving the owner knew about the problem. We often pursue this claim alongside the others.
Workers Comp Is Just the Start — Here's the Bigger Picture
After a construction accident, you almost always have two separate legal claims running at the same time. Workers’ comp covers your medical bills and a portion of lost wages — but it doesn’t cover pain and suffering, and it caps your lost wages at two-thirds. And you can’t sue your employer directly for more.
The Labor Law claims are different. Those go against the property owner and the general contractor — not your employer. And they can recover the full picture: pain and suffering, full lost wages, all your future medical needs. Both claims can run simultaneously, and together they produce substantially larger recoveries than workers’ comp alone. We handle both as a package for every construction accident client.
Understanding the Real Dangers on Construction Sites
Construction work is inherently challenging and dangerous. With every job, workers face potential hazards that go beyond the ordinary. Accidents can occur in moments, whether due to equipment malfunction, improper training, or inadequate safety measures. Some of the most common causes of construction accidents we handle include:
- Falls from Heights and Scaffolding: Many construction tasks require work on elevated surfaces, such as scaffolding or ladders. Without proper harnessing and secure scaffolding, falls can lead to severe injuries, from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries.
- Being Struck by Falling Objects: Loose tools, building materials, and debris can fall without warning, putting workers below at constant risk. Protective gear can help but doesn’t always prevent serious injuries.
- Electrical and Chemical Hazards: Electrocution and exposure to hazardous chemicals are among the most dangerous risks on a construction site, often leading to life-threatening conditions, burns, and respiratory damage.
- Caught-In and Caught-Between Accidents: Heavy machinery and trench work expose workers to crushing injuries when caught between equipment or in a trench collapse.
- Faulty Equipment and Machinery Malfunctions: Malfunctioning machinery, from forklifts to cranes, can cause devastating injuries, especially when safety checks and maintenance are overlooked.
Legal Representation Across All Trades – Protecting Queens Construction Workers
Beck Law P.C. is committed to defending the rights of construction workers across every trade. Our experience spans diverse roles within the industry, including:
- General Contractors and Site Supervisors: We represent those who oversee projects and ensure safe practices but still fall victim to accidents due to circumstances beyond their control.
- Electricians and Plumbers: Exposure to hazardous materials, high-voltage areas, and confined spaces poses significant risks for these essential trades.
- Heavy Equipment Operators: Operating cranes, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery requires skill and vigilance, but mechanical failures or unexpected events can lead to serious injuries.
Pursuing Justice Through Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims
After a construction accident, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation, but in many cases, additional claims against third parties are also possible. Our team provides comprehensive guidance in exploring every avenue of recovery:
- Workers’ Compensation Claims: Workers’ comp benefits cover medical expenses and partial lost wages. Our attorneys ensure all paperwork is accurately filed, helping you access the benefits you deserve without delay.
- Third-Party Lawsuits: If a third party, such as a property owner, contractor, or equipment manufacturer, contributed to your accident, we can pursue a third-party claim. This option allows for additional compensation beyond what workers’ comp provides, including damages for pain and suffering.
- New York Scaffold Law Claims: The Scaffold Law protects workers involved in height-related accidents. Beck Law P.C. has deep experience in navigating Scaffold Law claims, helping injured workers maximize their recovery.
Safety Violations and Employer Negligence – Holding Responsible Parties Accountable
Every construction site should follow strict safety standards. Employers are obligated to provide essential protective equipment, from hard hats and steel-toed boots to gloves and harnesses. When safety protocols are ignored or safety training is insufficient, it puts workers at unnecessary risk. Our Queens construction accident attorneys hold employers and negligent parties accountable for these failures, demanding higher standards and advocating for the injured.
The True Cost of Construction Accident Injuries
Construction accident injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long-term care, or even lifelong rehabilitation. Common injuries include
- Traumatic Brain Injuries and Spinal Cord Damage: Falls and equipment malfunctions frequently lead to these severe, life-altering injuries, impacting a worker’s ability to perform basic tasks and affecting quality of life.
- Fractures and Amputations: Crushed limbs, broken bones, and amputations are not uncommon, often leaving workers unable to return to their trade or requiring prosthetics and physical therapy.
- Chronic Pain and Disability: The lasting impact of injuries sustained in a construction accident can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, and even permanent disabilities, preventing workers from resuming their former roles.
Why Beck Law P.C. is the Trusted Advocate for Queens Construction Accident Victims
Beck Law P.C. has a longstanding commitment to defending the rights of injured workers. Here’s what you can count on when you partner with our firm:
- Relentless Advocacy: We take pride in our unyielding pursuit of justice for construction workers, aiming to secure compensation that truly reflects the financial and personal impact of your injuries.
- In-Depth Knowledge of Construction Law: From workers’ compensation requirements to New York’s Scaffold Law, our team is well-versed in the intricacies of construction accident law, ensuring a strong case on your behalf.
- Personalized Client Service: We understand the challenges you face after an accident, and we’re here to provide clear guidance, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
Contact Beck Law P.C. Today
If you’ve been injured on a construction site, don’t face the challenges of recovery alone. Beck Law P.C. is here to advocate for your rights, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. Call (516) 388-7785 or visit our office at The Shops At Atlas Park, 71-19 80th Street, Suite 8-206, Glendale, New York 11385 to discuss your case. Let us stand with you, offering the strength and guidance needed to move forward with confidence.
FAQ
Questions Construction Workers Ask Us
Can I still recover if the accident was partly my fault?
Yes — and this is the part that matters most. Under Labor Law 240, contributory negligence isn’t a defense. Even if you made a mistake, the property owner and general contractor can still be held fully liable. The insurance company will tell you the accident was your fault hoping you’ll walk away. Don’t.
I'm undocumented. Can I still file a claim?
Yes. New York Labor Laws and workers’ comp rights apply to all workers on New York job sites regardless of immigration status. We’ve represented undocumented construction workers throughout Queens. Your status is not a barrier.
My employer told me to just file workers' comp and move on. Should I?
Workers’ comp is almost never the whole story in a construction accident case. Your employer’s insurer benefits when you don’t pursue the Labor Law claims. Get an independent legal opinion before you decide to accept workers’ comp as the only remedy.
What kinds of settlements do Queens construction accident cases produce?
Serious construction accidents — spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, severe orthopedic injuries from falls — are among the highest-value personal injury cases in New York. Seven-figure verdicts and settlements are not unusual. We’ll give you an honest assessment of what your case is worth in the consultation.
How soon do I need to contact you after a construction accident?
As soon as possible. Evidence on construction sites disappears fast. Scaffolding gets modified. Equipment gets moved. Witnesses scatter. The sooner we’re involved, the better we can preserve the physical evidence that supports your case.
