Queens Construction Accident Lawyers

Construction work in Queens is more dangerous than ever, with ongoing development projects, aging infrastructure, and constant pressure to meet deadlines creating hazardous conditions for workers throughout the borough. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident in Queens, you need more than just workers’ compensation—you need an attorney who understands New York’s unique construction laws and will fight for the full compensation you deserve.

At Koenigsberg & Associates Law Offices, our Queens construction accident lawyers have extensive experience helping injured construction workers throughout Queens secure maximum compensation for their injuries. We understand the complexities of New York Labor Law and know how to hold negligent parties accountable for unsafe working conditions.

Why Queens Construction Sites Are Particularly Dangerous

Queens is experiencing unprecedented development and infrastructure improvements, from luxury high-rise construction in Long Island City to major transportation projects and residential developments throughout the borough. This construction boom, while beneficial for economic growth, has created numerous workplace hazards that put construction workers at serious risk every day.

Factors that make Queens construction sites especially hazardous:

• Rapid Development Pressure – Developers and contractors face intense pressure to complete projects quickly, often leading to safety shortcuts and inadequate planning
• Dense Urban Environment – Construction in established Queens neighborhoods creates unique challenges with limited space, proximity to occupied buildings, and complex logistics
• Aging Infrastructure Integration – Many projects involve connecting new construction to aging utilities and infrastructure, creating unexpected hazards
• Diverse Workforce – Queens’ multicultural construction workforce may face language barriers that impede safety training and communication
• Complex Transportation Networks – Construction near subway lines, busy streets, and airports creates additional safety challenges and regulatory complications
• Weather and Seasonal Challenges – Queens’ weather patterns, from summer heat to winter ice, create seasonal construction hazards that require constant safety adaptations

Common Types of Construction Accidents in Queens

Construction accidents in Queens can take many forms, each with unique legal and medical challenges. Understanding the most common types helps workers recognize when they may have claims beyond workers’ compensation.

• Falls from Heights – The most common cause of serious construction injuries, including falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and elevated work platforms. These accidents often result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and multiple fractures that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Scaffolding and Ladder Accidents – Defective scaffolding, improper ladder placement, and inadequate fall protection equipment cause devastating injuries. New York Labor Law Section 240 provides special protections for workers injured in scaffolding and ladder accidents.
• Crane Accidents – Crane accidents involving tower cranes, mobile cranes, and other lifting equipment can cause catastrophic injuries to workers and bystanders. These accidents often involve equipment defects, operator error, or inadequate safety protocols.
• Struck by Falling Objects – Tools, materials, and debris falling from elevated work areas cause serious head injuries, crushing injuries, and fatalities. Proper safety netting, hard hats, and exclusion zones are essential but often inadequate.
• Electrocution and Electrical Injuries – Contact with live electrical wires, defective equipment, and improper electrical installations cause severe burns, cardiac arrest, and death. Electrical accidents often involve multiple liable parties including electrical contractors and equipment manufacturers.
• Machinery and Equipment Accidents – Heavy construction machinery, power tools, and specialized equipment cause crushing injuries, amputations, and severe lacerations. These accidents often involve equipment defects, inadequate training, or failure to follow safety protocols.
• Trenching and Excavation Collapses – Cave-ins and soil collapses in trenches and excavations cause burial injuries, crushing trauma, and asphyxiation. Proper shoring, sloping, and safety equipment are required but frequently inadequate.
• Chemical and Toxic Exposure – Exposure to asbestos, lead paint, chemical solvents, and other hazardous materials causes long-term health problems including cancer, respiratory disease, and neurological damage.

New York Labor Law Protections for Queens Construction Workers

New York provides some of the strongest legal protections for construction workers in the United States. Understanding these laws is crucial for maximizing compensation after a construction accident.

Labor Law Section 240 – “The Scaffold Law”

• Absolute Liability Standard – Contractors and property owners are absolutely liable for gravity-related accidents involving workers performing elevation-related work
• No Comparative Negligence Defense – Even if a worker was partially at fault, contractors and property owners remain fully liable under Section 240
• Covered Activities – Includes construction, demolition, repair, alteration, painting, and cleaning of buildings and structures
• Elevation-Related Work – Protects workers involved in tasks requiring elevation differences, not just high-altitude work
• Third-Party Liability – Allows injured workers to sue contractors, property owners, and other parties beyond their direct employers

Labor Law Section 241(6)

• Specific Safety Violations – Covers violations of specific Industrial Code regulations governing construction site safety
• Broader Accident Coverage – Applies to accidents not covered by Section 240, including same-level falls and equipment-related injuries
• Regulatory Compliance – Requires adherence to detailed safety regulations covering everything from protective equipment to site maintenance

Labor Law Section 200

• Common Law Negligence – Covers general premises liability and negligent supervision claims
• Site Condition Liability – Holds property owners and contractors liable for dangerous site conditions they created or had notice of
• Supervision and Training – Addresses inadequate worker supervision, training, and safety oversight

Parties Who May Be Liable in Queens Construction Accidents

Construction accidents often involve multiple parties who may bear legal responsibility for injuries. A thorough investigation is essential to identify all potential sources of compensation.

• General Contractors – Primary contractors overseeing construction projects have broad safety responsibilities and significant insurance coverage
• Subcontractors – Specialized contractors performing specific work tasks may be liable for accidents in their areas of responsibility
• Property Owners – Building owners and developers can be held liable under Labor Law sections 240 and 241(6) regardless of their direct involvement in daily operations
• Construction Managers – Companies providing construction management services may bear liability for safety oversight failures
• Equipment Manufacturers – Defective construction equipment, tools, and safety devices can result in product liability claims against manufacturers
• Equipment Rental Companies – Companies renting defective or improperly maintained equipment may be liable for resulting accidents
• Design Professionals – Architects and engineers may be liable if design defects contribute to construction accidents
• Utility Companies – Accidents involving electrical lines, gas mains, and other utilities may result in liability for utility providers

Queens Construction Accident Injuries

Construction accidents often result in severe, life-changing injuries due to the inherently dangerous nature of construction work and the powerful equipment involved.

Common Serious Injuries:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries – Head injuries from falls, falling objects, and equipment accidents can cause permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, and disability
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Falls and crushing accidents can cause partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifetime medical care and assistance
• Multiple Fractures – Broken bones from falls and equipment accidents often require multiple surgeries, hardware implantation, and extensive rehabilitation
• Burn Injuries – Electrical accidents, explosions, and chemical exposure cause severe burns requiring skin grafts and reconstructive surgery
• Amputations – Machinery accidents and crushing injuries can result in loss of limbs, requiring prosthetics and vocational rehabilitation
• Internal Organ Damage – Blunt force trauma from falls and equipment accidents can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and life-threatening complications
• Respiratory Injuries – Exposure to dust, chemicals, and hazardous materials can cause chronic respiratory problems and occupational lung diseases
• Hearing Loss – Prolonged exposure to construction noise and explosive accidents can cause permanent hearing damage and tinnitus