Long Island Construction Accident Lawyer

How Our Long Island Construction Accident Attorneys Can Help You

A Long Island construction accident lawyer from our client-centric firm can help you after a worksite injury, regardless of your immigration status. We will fight hard for the money you need by bringing a personal injury lawsuit and working closely with our affiliated workers’ compensation lawyers.

The injury lawyers at Oresky & Associates, PLLC, have more than 30 years of experience helping construction workers recover just compensation for their injuries. Call (718) 993-9999 for a free consultation today.

Types of Construction Accident Cases We Handle on Long Island

Oresky & Associates, PLLC, represents clients who were injured in many kinds of construction accidents, including the following:

• Scaffolding Accidents
• Ladder Accidents
• Demolition Accidents
• Falling Material & Equipment
• Falls From Heights
• Trips & Falls at Construction Sites
• Crane Accidents
• Forklift Accidents
• Machinery Accidents
• Window Washer/Pointing Accidents
• Undocumented Construction Worker Accidents
• Accidents Involving Debris
• Fires and Explosions
• Electrocution
• Cave-Ins and Trench and Excavation Accidents
• Accidents Related to Erecting a Building
• Building Collapses
• Failure to Provide Safety Equipment
• High Rise Construction Accidents
• Exposure to Hazardous Substances

Long Island Construction Site Accidents Statistics

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),  construction workers in New York State suffered 6,700 nonfatal injuries in 2022. Fifty-one suffered fatal injuries, including 26 resulting from falls, slips, or trips, and 9 resulting from exposure to harmful substances or environments. 

After a workplace injury, you have the right to pursue compensation through a workers’ compensation claim and, in some cases, a personal injury lawsuit. Navigating the process of seeking damages is often long and stressful. The Long Island construction accident lawyers from our firm will handle the hard legal work while you recover.

Call Our Accident Attorneys Now

If you have been injured at a construction site, call Oresky & Associates, PLLC, at (718) 993-9999 for a free consultation today.

Free Consultation

Common Causes of Construction Site Accidents

Some of the most common accidents that occur on construction sites include:

Height-Related Accidents & Falls

Construction workers may fall from elevated heights if not given the equipment and training to safely navigate:

• Rooftops
• Sides of tall buildings and skyscrapers
• Bridges
• Scaffolding
• Ladders
• Make-shift work platforms

Slip & Fall/Trip & Fall Accidents 

Slip and trip accidents occur when a site is not kept clean and free of debris. If a hazard cannot be cleared right away, a warning sign should be posted so workers know to watch their step.

Demolition Accidents

There is always the potential for worker injury when equipment is being used to dismantle existing structures. Unexpected collapses or larger-than-expected debris fields. Explosives require workers to employ heightened safety protocols for protection. Unfortunately, these protocols are not always followed precisely, which can lead to serious accidents.

Fires & Explosions

Flammable substances and materials are often part of construction worksites. Open flames are also frequently present, such as those from a welding torch. A lapse in safety can cause a destructive blaze or explosion.

Machinery Accidents

With so many heavy machines used on construction sites, property owners and contractors must follow strict safety protocols. Failing to follow safety protocols or employ qualified workers to operate machinery can lead to serious accidents. Workers injured in forklift or crane accidents can pursue workers’ compensation claims and, in many cases, personal injury claims.

What Factors Make Construction Workplaces Unsafe?

Although construction work is inherently dangerous, certain factors make these worksites even more hazardous. Our legal team can help if your construction accident on Long Island was caused by:

Lack of Sufficient Personal Protective Equipment 

Personal protective equipment is part of the first line of defense against construction accidents. Yet, some employers do not provide workers with the equipment they need to stay safe, such as helmets, gloves, and fall protection.

Dangerous Property & Equipment Conditions

Construction site owners must ensure their properties are reasonably safe. They must maintain equipment for safety and operational purposes, and they must remove, correct, or adequately warn of safety hazards that exist on the site.

Failure to Train New Workers

Inexperienced workers may be at high risk of injury at construction sites if they have not been properly trained or if they lack qualifications to operate equipment. Sadly, for some construction site owners or contractors, profits drive the decision to skip adequate training, and workers pay the price for shortcuts.

Serious Injuries Caused by Construction Accidents

Injuries caused by construction accidents are frequently serious, often catastrophic, and sometimes fatal. Some of the injuries construction workers suffer on the job include:

• Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries
• Spinal cord, neck, and back injuries
• Fractured bones
• Crush injuries
• Burns
• Amputations
• Electric shock and electrocution injuries
• Lacerations and abrasions
• Internal injuries and bleeding

Construction and Labor Laws on Long Island: Can I Bring a Lawsuit for My Construction Accident?

Our work accident attorneys might be able to file a lawsuit for your injuries if state laws like the following were violated:

Labor Law 240(1) (Scaffold Law)

This law requires building owners or contractors to provide proper safety equipment, such as scaffolding, ladders, hoists, and other equipment, to prevent falls and related accidents. If you were injured in a fall from height or struck by a falling object, you may be entitled to hold building owners or contractors strictly liable for damages under Labor Law 240(1). Strictly liable means the victim does not need to prove negligence to recover compensation. 

Labor Law 241(6)

Construction, demolition, and excavation workers injured on the job may have a case if work conditions are below the legal safety standards established in Lbor Law 241(6), which requires building owners and contractors to provide workers with “reasonable and adequate protection and safety.”

Labor Law 200

Under Labor Law 200, building owners must ensure that all construction worksites are reasonably safe and properly maintained “to provide reasonable and adequate protection to the lives, health and safety of” construction workers. 

Who Is Liable for a Construction Accident?

Depending on the nature and circumstances of a construction site accident, one or more parties may be responsible for your injuries. The Long Island attorneys at Oresky & Associates, PLLC, help injured workers confront:

• Building Owners: Building owners have the duty to provide reasonably safe worksites for construction workers and to address dangerous conditions in a timely manner.
• General Contractors: General contractors are liable for injuries at worksites if they are in control of the work being performed. 
• Subcontractors: Subcontractors may be liable in some cases if their employees cause accidents that harm other workers.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Construction Accident?

Our Long Island construction accident lawyers help injured construction workers pursue various types of damages, depending on the circumstances surrounding their case. 

Workers' compensation provides benefits, including:

• Medical and hospital costs
• A portion of lost earnings
• Vocational rehab in certain circumstances

Pain and suffering damages are not recoverable in a workers’ compensation claim. But if you qualify to file a third-party claim against the building owner, general contractor, or another party, you may recover losses that include: 

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the financial effects of your injuries, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Property damage
• Lost union benefits

Workers’ comp claims only cover medical treatment and pay limited lost wages up to the state’s maximum, which is two-thirds of your average weekly wage. Personal injury claims allow construction accident victims to seek a greater variety of damage to cover all the losses they’ve suffered.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages include the emotional and psychological consequences of construction injuries. They include:

• Pain and suffering (past and future)
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement

Non-economic damages are not available through workers’ compensation claims. Our construction accident attorneys in Long Island, NY, can file a personal injury claim to pursue these damages.

Wrongful Death Damages

If your loved one passed away in a construction accident, our legal team will help you recover wrongful death damages. A workers’ compensation claim entitles you to the decedent’s lost wages and funeral expenses. A wrongful death lawsuit could also include loss of companionship and other losses not covered by workers’ compensation.

Can I Still Recover Damages if I'm Being Blamed for a Construction Accident?

In many cases, yes, you can still recover damages if you are being blamed for a construction accident.

Fault generally does not affect your rights to workers’ compensation benefits. However, in personal injury lawsuits, our Long Island construction site accident attorneys will present evidence that establishes the defendant’s fault and liability for your injuries. 

Our Firm Stands for Justice

Oresky & Associates, PLLC, is ready to fight for your rights. Call (718) 993-9999 for a free consultation today.

Free Consultation

What to Do After a Construction Accident on Long Island: First Steps to Compensation

After an accident, act promptly to protect yourself. Our construction accident lawyers on Long Island recommend that injured workers:

Seek Medical Assistance Immediately

Request emergency medical or go to the nearest emergency department if you suffered serious injuries. If you did not require emergency care, seek care from a medical provider as soon as possible for an evaluation. Prompt medical care is important not only for your health but to establish the connection between your injuries and your on-the-job accident.

Notify Your Employer and Report the Injury

Notifying your employer of a work-related injury is essential for receiving workers’ compensation benefits. The New York Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) states that you have a limited time to make a report to your employer.

Gather Evidence to Document Your Injury

Gather photographic and video evidence after the accident if you are able. Take photos or videos of the scene from as many angles as possible. Take photographs of any equipment or hazardous conditions related to your accident. 

Gather Witness Information

Witness statements can corroborate your version of events that caused the accident. Obtain full contact information so our work injury lawyers can more easily locate witnesses later.

Consult With Our Long Island Construction Accident Lawyers

Can you pursue a work injury lawsuit? How does a lawsuit work when you’re filing a workers’ compensation claim too? Consult with our team of Long Island construction accident lawyers and learn the answers to these and other questions. We can help you exercise your legal rights regardless of your immigration status.

How Do I Make an Accident Report From a Construction Accident?

Submit a written report to your supervisor as soon as possible after the accident. A thorough report should contain:

• Your name and job title
• Time and date of the accident
• Location of the accident
• Supervisor’s name and job title
• Description of the accident and injuries
• Description of any equipment or machinery involved
• Description of unsafe conditions that contributed to the accident
• A list of employees and supervisors involved
• Names of witnesses

The sooner you make your report, the more accurate it can be, as details of the accident are still fresh in your mind.

How Oresky & Associates Helps Get Compensation for Your Construction Injuries

At Oresky & Associates, PLLC, we start working for you from the moment we take your call. Our construction accident attorneys on Long Island, NY, will take care of everything while you focus on recovery. Our duties include:

Conducting a Thorough Case Evaluation

We listen to what you have to say. We take the time to get to know you and understand your injuries and how they affect your life. Your attorney will review accident reports and medical reports and help you exercise your rights to recover compensation and hold liable parties accountable for your construction accident and injuries.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies fight hard to limit or deny payments to deserving claimants. We build your case to hold the defendant(s) accountable so you get the compensation you need to get medical care and recoup lost wages. We negotiate with insurance companies to reach a settlement, but we’re prepared for a trial if that’s what’s needed to get you the money you deserve.

Seeking Full Compensation

Your workers’ compensation benefits can cover medical care and part of your lost income. But for many injured construction workers, that’s not enough to cover all your losses. Your construction accident lawyer can help you pursue a liability claim against a third party, like a building owner or contractor, and fight for compensation that covers the full amount of your injury-related losses.

Remaining in Constant Contact About Your Case

Our bilingual legal team keeps you in the loop by providing honest updates as your legal action works its way toward resolution. If you have suffered an injury at a construction site on Long Island, do not settle for less compensation than you deserve. Contact Oresky & Associates, PLLC, at (718) 993-9999 today.