Queens Construction Accident Lawyer

construction worker with knee injury

Queens Construction Accident Lawyers, Defending the Workers Who Build New York City


Construction Work Is Dangerous, But Negligence Makes It Deadly

Queens is one of the most active construction zones in all of New York City. From the skyscrapers rising over Long Island City to residential developments in Flushing and infrastructure improvements near JFK Airport, new projects shape the skyline every day.

Behind every beam, every scaffold, and every poured foundation are hardworking men and women who make these projects possible. They take pride in their work — but they also take risks. And when companies fail to protect them, those risks turn into life-changing injuries.

Falls from scaffolds, equipment malfunctions, electrical shocks, and trench collapses are not “part of the job.” They are signs of negligence. They are violations of state and federal safety laws that are meant to keep workers alive.

If you or a loved one were injured on a job site anywhere in Queens, you deserve justice. The Injury Group stands up for the builders, ironworkers, and laborers who keep this city growing.


The Pain of Injury and the Weight of Injustice

A construction accident does more than cause physical harm. It disrupts everything — your health, your income, and your sense of independence. You may go from providing for your family to relying on others overnight.

Bills from Mount Sinai Queens or Elmhurst Hospital begin arriving before the first workers’ compensation check does. Physical therapy, surgeries, and lost wages add up fast. Meanwhile, contractors and insurance companies scramble to protect themselves, not you. They may blame you for your own injuries or offer a small settlement hoping you will take it out of desperation.

In Queens, we have seen it all — scaffold collapses near Queens Plaza, ladder falls at Jackson Heights renovations, trench collapses in Jamaica, and electrocutions on the redevelopment projects near LaGuardia Airport.

Each one tells the same story: someone in charge ignored safety rules, and a worker paid the price.

You don’t have to face this alone. The Injury Group is here to level the playing field.


A Legal Team That Understands Construction and Fights for Queens Workers

At The Injury Group, we don’t just handle construction cases — we know construction. We’ve worked with union members, independent contractors, and day laborers who were injured at job sites from Astoria to Bayside.

When you hire us, you get more than a lawyer. You get a partner who knows how to prove fault, maximize compensation, and hold powerful companies accountable.

Here’s what our team does for you:

  • We investigate thoroughly. Our lawyers visit the job site, gather photos, obtain accident reports, and document every unsafe condition. We find the missing guardrails, faulty equipment, or poor supervision that caused your injury.

  • We find every responsible party. Construction sites involve multiple entities — property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and equipment manufacturers. We identify each one and build a case that leaves no one out.

  • We work with leading New York safety experts. Engineers, OSHA specialists, and construction managers help us prove where safety procedures failed and how the accident could have been prevented.

  • We handle all insurance communications. You never have to argue with an adjuster or sign confusing paperwork. We take care of every call, letter, and negotiation while you focus on recovery.

  • We pursue the maximum compensation. We calculate every dollar you have lost and will lose — not just your wages, but your health, mobility, and peace of mind.

  • We are always ready for trial. Insurers in Queens know our reputation. We prepare every case as if it will go before a jury, and that pressure helps us secure stronger settlements.

We take pride in defending the workers who build the borough we all call home.


Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Queens NY

Queens is a hub of nonstop building activity, and with so much construction comes constant risk. The causes of these accidents often include:

  • Falls from scaffolds or ladders. These are the leading causes of injury and death on job sites. Many workers are forced to work without proper harnesses, safety nets, or secure platforms.

  • Falling tools or debris. On tall structures, even a small object dropped from a few stories can cause catastrophic injury. Proper site management should prevent this, but too often, it doesn’t.

  • Crane and heavy equipment failures. Near Long Island City and Roosevelt Island, cranes are part of the skyline. When these machines are poorly maintained or operated recklessly, they become deadly.

  • Electrocutions. Renovation projects across Flushing and Forest Hills often involve exposed wires and incomplete electrical systems. When supervisors fail to de-energize circuits or warn workers, tragedy follows.

  • Trench and excavation collapses. In residential areas like Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park, underground work is common. Poor shoring or hasty excavation leads to preventable entrapments and fatalities.

  • Slip and fall injuries. Unmarked wet floors, scattered debris, or uneven ground can cause workers to fall and suffer serious fractures or head trauma.

  • Chemical exposure. Many older Queens buildings still contain asbestos or toxic dust. Inadequate ventilation or protective gear puts workers’ health at risk long after the job ends.

Each one of these causes stems from neglect — not chance.


Common Construction Injuries We Handle

Construction accidents can lead to devastating, lifelong injuries. We have represented workers who suffered:

  • Back and spinal injuries. Falls or heavy lifting can cause herniated discs, nerve damage, or even paralysis. Recovery is long and painful.

  • Traumatic brain injuries. Even with helmets, falling debris or sudden impacts can cause concussions, memory loss, and permanent cognitive impairment.

  • Fractures and crushed limbs. A single misstep around machinery can result in multiple fractures that require surgery and months of rehabilitation.

  • Burn injuries. Electrical fires, chemical burns, and explosions cause lasting scars and infections that often require skin grafts.

  • Amputations. Improperly guarded machines can take away fingers, hands, or entire limbs, forever changing a worker’s life and career.

  • Internal injuries. Impact trauma can damage organs and cause internal bleeding, which may be life-threatening without immediate care.

No matter how serious the injury, we will not rest until we recover the compensation you need to rebuild your life.


New York Laws That Protect Construction Workers

New York City construction is governed by strong state laws designed specifically to protect workers from negligence and unsafe job sites. These laws are among the most powerful in the nation — but you need experienced attorneys who know how to use them effectively.

Labor Law 240 — The Scaffold Law

This landmark law is one of the most critical protections for construction workers. It requires property owners, general contractors, and their agents to provide adequate safety devices for workers performing elevation-related tasks — such as working on scaffolds, ladders, hoists, or roofs.

If a worker falls or is struck by a falling object because safety equipment was missing or defective, the responsible parties are held strictly liable under Labor Law 240. That means the worker does not have to prove negligence — only that the fall occurred and safety equipment was inadequate.

For example, if a laborer repairing a roof in Astoria falls because a scaffold was unstable, or a worker near Citi Field is hit by a dropped steel beam, the law automatically protects them. No excuses are allowed. This law has saved countless New York families from financial ruin after tragic accidents.

Labor Law 241 — Safe Worksite Requirements

This law focuses on the details of how construction, demolition, and excavation work must be performed. It requires that all job sites meet specific safety standards under the Industrial Code. That means workers must have proper helmets, boots, and protective gear, and the site must be designed to prevent foreseeable hazards.

Labor Law 241 also holds property owners and contractors responsible when they allow unsafe methods of work, faulty equipment, or hazardous environments. It covers accidents such as machinery entanglement, chemical exposure, and unguarded power tools.

If a worker in Jackson Heights or Kew Gardens is hurt because a site supervisor ignored these standards, this law provides the foundation for legal action. It’s one of the most detailed and worker-friendly statutes in the country.

Labor Law 200 — General Duty of Care

Labor Law 200 acts as New York’s “common-sense safety law.” It requires employers, contractors, and property owners to provide a safe place to work for everyone on site. It applies not just to height-related accidents, but to all hazards — including poor lighting, unmarked dangers, and unsafe equipment.

If a general contractor in Bayside fails to maintain a clean and organized work area, or if an owner in Maspeth ignores repeated warnings about unsafe scaffolding, they can be held accountable under this statute.

Why These Laws Matter

Together, these laws form a powerful shield for New York construction workers. They reflect the reality that workers often cannot control their work environment — but those who profit from their labor must ensure it is safe.

At The Injury Group, we use these laws to their fullest strength. We know how Queens courts interpret them and how judges view contractor negligence. We’ve seen defense lawyers try to twist the details of Labor Law 240, and we’ve beaten those arguments in court.

Our attorneys prepare every case to fit the specific laws that apply, combining expert testimony, OSHA regulations, and detailed accident reconstruction to show exactly how safety was violated.

When we take your case, we are not guessing — we are applying decades of experience with laws written for workers like you.


Workers’ Compensation and Lawsuits in Construction Accidents

After an accident, most workers file for workers’ compensation, which provides medical care and a percentage of lost wages. However, workers’ comp does not cover pain and suffering, long-term disability, or future income loss.

That’s why many victims also file third-party lawsuits under the Labor Laws described above. You can pursue both claims at the same time.

You may be able to sue if:

  • Another contractor caused your injury. Multi-employer sites often mean one company’s mistake harms another company’s worker.

  • The property owner failed to keep the site safe. Unsafe structures or uninspected scaffolding make owners liable.

  • The equipment or tools were defective. Manufacturers can be held responsible for dangerous products.

We evaluate your case from every angle to ensure you receive maximum compensation.


Damages and Compensation You Can Recover

Construction injuries often cause long-term or permanent losses. We seek compensation for all damages, including:

  • Medical bills and rehabilitation. This includes everything from hospital stays and surgeries to physical therapy and medications.

  • Lost wages and future earnings. Many construction workers cannot return to the same type of work after serious injuries.

  • Pain and suffering. The law recognizes physical pain, emotional anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.

  • Permanent disability or disfigurement. Severe scarring, limb loss, or paralysis deserve significant compensation.

  • Loss of companionship. If the injury affects your ability to enjoy family life, this loss can be included in your claim.

  • Punitive damages. When a company’s actions show reckless disregard for safety, we fight for punitive damages to make sure they are punished appropriately.

Every case is unique, but our mission is the same — to restore your dignity, security, and peace of mind.


What to Do After a Queens, NY Construction Accident

  1. Get medical attention immediately. Your health comes first. Go to the nearest hospital, whether it’s Elmhurst, Mount Sinai Queens, or Jamaica Hospital.

  2. Report the incident in writing. Notify your supervisor and make sure an accident report is filed.

  3. Document everything. Take pictures of the area, the equipment, and your injuries. Collect witness contact information.

  4. Avoid talking to insurance adjusters. Their goal is to minimize your claim.

  5. Contact The Injury Group. The sooner you call, the sooner we can secure evidence and start protecting your rights.


Why Choose The Injury Group

  • Decades of experience in New York construction law. We know how the Labor Laws are applied in Queens courts and have won countless cases for local workers.

  • Local insight. We understand the job sites, from Astoria’s renovation projects to the commercial towers near Court Square.

  • Proven results. Our attorneys have recovered millions for injured construction workers across Queens and NYC.

  • No fees unless we win. You pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.

  • Compassionate and relentless advocacy. We care about our clients as people, not case numbers.

We fight for Queens because Queens is who we are.


Serving All of Queens NY

We proudly represent construction workers and their families in every neighborhood of Queens:

Astoria, Long Island City, Woodside, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Glendale, Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Flushing, Bayside, Whitestone, Queens Village, Hillcrest, Douglaston, Neponsit, and Far Rockaway.

Wherever your job site was — near Citi Field, the JFK expansion zone, or a residential renovation in Forest Hills — we are ready to fight for you.


Queens, A Borough Built by Strength

Queens is a living blueprint of progress. From bridges and tunnels to schools and homes, this borough has been built by hardworking people who pour their sweat and skill into every brick.

At The Injury Group, we honor that work by standing up for the workers who make it possible. When negligence causes injury, we fight to make sure those responsible are held accountable. Because in Queens, we look out for each other — and no one should be left behind when they get hurt on the job.

Types of Construction Accident Injuries

 
Construction accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. Even a so-called “minor” accident can result in serious consequences. If an injury is debilitating enough, an injured worker may lose the ability to work and make a living altogether. Common construction accident injuries include:

Broken bones: Broken bones are a common type of injury in construction accidents, particularly in incidents involving falls, heavy machinery, or being struck by objects.

Head injuries: Head injuries can be particularly serious and can include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, or skull fractures. Head injuries are often the result of falls or being struck by objects.

Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, and can be caused by falls or being struck by heavy objects.

Burns: Construction workers are often working around flammable materials and equipment, which can result in burns. Burns can range from minor to severe, and can be caused by chemical exposure, explosions, or electrical accidents.

Amputations: Amputations can occur when workers become caught in machinery or are struck by heavy objects. Losing a limb can be a life-altering event, and can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Eye injuries: Eye injuries can occur when workers are exposed to flying debris, chemicals, or dust. Eye injuries can range from minor irritation to permanent vision loss.

Respiratory problems: Construction workers may be exposed to dust, fumes, and other airborne particles, which can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma or lung disease.

Causes of Construction Accident Injuries In Queens, NY

 

Construction accidents can result from various factors, often stemming from a combination of negligence, inadequate safety measures, and unforeseen circumstances. When such accidents occur, individuals may sustain severe injuries, ranging from fractures and lacerations to traumatic brain injuries or even fatalities. In these situations, seeking legal guidance from experienced attorneys like The Injury Group can be crucial in pursuing compensation and holding responsible parties accountable for their actions or negligence. 
Common causes to work related injuries include but not limited to: 

Falls: Falls are one of the leading causes of construction accidents. Workers who are working at height, such as on a scaffold or ladder, are at particular risk of falling.

Electrocutions: Construction workers are often working around live wires and electrical equipment, which can lead to electrocutions.

Struck-by incidents: Construction sites are often crowded with heavy machinery and equipment. Workers can be struck by falling objects, such as tools or construction materials, or by moving equipment like cranes or forklifts.

Caught-in or between incidents: Workers can become caught in or between heavy machinery or equipment, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.

Toxic exposure: Construction workers may be exposed to hazardous materials, such as asbestos or lead, which can cause serious health problems.

Equipment failure: Malfunctioning equipment, such as faulty scaffolding or defective power tools, can lead to accidents and injuries.

Human error: Human error, such as negligence or carelessness, can also lead to construction accidents.

Legal Options for For Persons Injured at Work or Construction Site

 
Depending on the details of your case, you may have 2 options to file for compensation.

1. Workers Compensation

Workers’ compensation provides benefits to workers who are injured on the job, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Benefits may include medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits. It is important to note that workers’ compensation benefits are generally limited, and may not fully compensate you for your injuries.

2. Personal Injury Lawsuit

If your injuries were caused by a third party, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. Personal injury lawsuits can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In order to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to establish that the third party was negligent and that their negligence was the cause of your injuries.

Our Legal Process

The Injury Group’s car accident lawyers can answer any questions you may have about your case, as well as inform you how much your case may be worth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Worker Injuries In Queens, NY

The value of a car accident can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident and other factors, such as medical expenses, lost wages, disability benefits, pain and suffering, punitive damages, liability, and more. An attorney at the Injury Group can help you calculate the damages you may be entitled to receive.

The Injury Group can help you pursue damages that you are entitled to following a construction site accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, disability benefits, pain and suffering, property damage, and punitive damages.

While you are legally permitted to file a claim on your own, it is highly recommended you seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer to ensure that you are adequately compensated for your construction accident claim.

The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim varies by state, but in New York, on-the-job injuries must be reported within 30 days to seek workers’ compensation; it is important to note that this means you just have to report your accident within 30 days, not decide whether or not you want to file an injury claim for workers’ compensation. Once you have reported your accident, you have up to 2 years to file a workers’ compensation claim if an injury develops or worsens. If workers’ compensation doesn’t cover all the necessary expenses brought about by your accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against other responsible parties. In this case, you have up to 3 years to file your claim.

Liability for a construction accident can depend on many factors. In general, those who have engaged in negligent conduct can be held responsible, which could be manufacturers of tools or equipment, property owners, or third-party contractors. An attorney can help investigate the accident and determine who may be liable for damages.

Find out how much your case is worth

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Testimonials

Client Results Matter

At The Injury Group, client satisfaction is our number one priority. Keep reading to learn more on the type of legal help you can expect from us.

Testimonials

Client Results Matter

At The Injury Group, client satisfaction is our number one priority. Keep reading to learn more on the type of legal help you can expect from us.