Construction Accident Lawyer in Melville, NY

Construction accidents happen in seconds, but their consequences can last a lifetime. If you or a loved one suffered an injury on a construction site in Melville, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Parker Waichman LLP helps injured construction workers recover the money they need to rebuild their lives.

Our attorneys understand New York’s construction accident laws and know how to hold negligent property owners, contractors, and equipment manufacturers accountable. Call (516) 466-6500 today for your free consultation—we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Construction Accident Case

When you’re injured on a construction site, you need an attorney who understands both the dangers of the job and the complex laws that protect you. Parker Waichman LLP brings decades of experience fighting for injured construction workers across New York.

Our founding partners have spent over 40 years handling personal injury cases, including construction accidents. We’ve recovered more than $2 billion for our clients in settlements and verdicts. One of our recent cases involved a construction worker who fell from a scaffold and required multiple surgeries. We secured a $6.2 million settlement that covered his medical expenses, lost wages, and permanent disability. That’s the kind of result we pursue for every client.

We handle construction accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything upfront. We only get paid if we win your case or reach a settlement. We also maintain a local office in Melville at 201 Old Country Road, Suite 145, so you can meet with us face-to-face. Our team includes attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and the National Trial Lawyers Association. When you choose Parker Waichman LLP, you’re choosing a firm with the resources, experience, and commitment to get you the compensation you deserve.

How Construction Accidents Happen on Job Sites

Construction sites are inherently dangerous places. Workers face hazards every single day, from falls and equipment failures to electrocution and struck-by incidents. Even with safety regulations in place, accidents still happen—often because someone failed to follow proper safety procedures or maintain the job site correctly.

Falls from heights remain the leading cause of construction injuries and deaths. Workers fall from scaffolds, ladders, roofs, and elevated platforms when guardrails are missing, safety equipment fails, or surfaces are slippery. Equipment accidents occur when machinery isn’t properly maintained or workers lack adequate training. Electrocution happens when workers contact live wires or faulty electrical equipment. Struck-by incidents occur when falling objects, vehicles, or equipment hit workers. In Melville’s active construction market, these accidents happen regularly—and they’re often preventable.

Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Construction Accident

New York provides construction workers with some of the strongest legal protections in the country. If you’re injured on a construction site, you may have multiple ways to recover compensation. Understanding your rights is the first step toward getting the money you deserve.

New York Labor Law Section 240 (Scaffold Law)

New York Labor Law Section 240 is one of the most powerful protections for construction workers. This law holds property owners and contractors strictly liable for injuries caused by falls from heights or when workers are struck by falling objects. “Strictly liable” means the owner or contractor is responsible even if they weren’t directly negligent—they’re responsible for maintaining safe working conditions at elevation. If you fell from a scaffold, ladder, or elevated platform, or if something fell and hit you, Section 240 likely applies to your case.

New York Labor Law Section 241 (Safety Standards)

Labor Law Section 241 requires that construction sites maintain safe working conditions. This law covers a wide range of hazards: inadequate lighting, slippery surfaces, missing guardrails, defective equipment, and failure to provide proper safety gear. Unlike the ‘Scaffold Law’ (Section 240), which is often 100% strict liability, claims under Section 241(6) are subject to comparative negligence. This means the defense may try to blame you for the accident to reduce your payout. We build ironclad evidence to fight these tactics and protect the full value of your settlement. Construction accident claims under Section 241 often involve multiple liable parties.

Third-Party Liability Claims

Beyond workers’ compensation, you may have a personal injury claim against third parties who caused your accident. This could include equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, or other parties whose negligence contributed to your injury. These claims allow you to recover damages for pain and suffering, which workers’ compensation does not cover. Third-party liability is often the key to maximizing your recovery.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Construction Accident

Multiple parties may share responsibility for your construction accident. Identifying all liable parties is crucial because it increases the total compensation available to you.

Property owners have a duty to maintain safe job sites. If they failed to inspect the site, enforce safety rules, or address known hazards, they can be held liable for your injuries. General contractors oversee the entire project and are responsible for coordinating safety across all trades. If they failed to implement proper safety procedures or supervise the work, they’re liable. Subcontractors perform specific tasks on the project. If their negligence caused your accident—such as failing to secure equipment or maintain a safe work area—they’re liable. Equipment manufacturers can be held responsible if their equipment was defective or lacked proper warnings. Site supervisors and foremen who directly oversee workers can be liable if they fail to enforce safety rules or warn workers of hazards.

Determining liability requires a thorough investigation of the accident scene, review of safety records, interviews with witnesses, and analysis of industry standards. Parker Waichman LLP conducts these investigations to identify every party responsible for your injuries. Our construction accident attorneys have recovered millions for injured workers.

Damages You Can Recover in a Construction Accident Case

Construction accident settlements and verdicts can include several types of damages. Understanding what you can recover helps you evaluate whether a settlement offer is fair.

• Medical expenses include all costs related to treating your injury: emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, and ongoing medical care. If your injury requires future treatment, you can recover those costs too.
• Lost wages cover the income you lost while recovering from your injury. If your injury prevents you from returning to construction work, you can recover lost earning capacity—the difference between what you would have earned and what you can now earn.
• Pain and suffering compensate you for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by your injury.
• Permanent disability damages account for lasting effects like scarring, loss of limb function, or chronic pain.
• Disfigurement damages compensate for visible injuries that affect your appearance and self-esteem.

Calculating damages requires understanding your medical prognosis, your earning history, and how your injury affects your daily life. Parker Waichman LLP‘s attorneys work with medical experts and economists to ensure your damages are calculated accurately and completely. We pursue maximum compensation for every client.

Steps to Take After a Construction Accident

The actions you take immediately after a construction accident can significantly impact your case. Here’s what you should do:

• Seek immediate medical attention, even if you think your injury is minor. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Medical records create an important record of your injury and treatment.
• Report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. Most employers are required to report workplace injuries to their insurance company.
• Document the accident scene if you’re able to do so safely. Take photos of the hazard that caused your accident, the equipment involved, and the overall job site conditions.
• Get the names and contact information of witnesses who saw the accident.
• Preserve evidence by keeping all medical records, pay stubs, photographs, and communications related to the accident.
• Contact Parker Waichman LLP for legal guidance.

New York generally gives you three years to file a lawsuit. However, if your accident happened on a public project (like a school, town building, or road work), you generally have only 90 days to file a Notice of Claim against the government entity. Missing this short deadline can destroy your case, even if the 3-year window is still open. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin investigating your case and protecting your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Accidents

What should I do immediately after a construction accident?

Seek medical attention first, even if you feel okay. Report the accident to your supervisor or employer. If you’re able to do so safely, document the scene with photos and get witness contact information. Then contact Parker Waichman LLP for legal guidance. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can protect your rights and begin investigating your case. Construction accident investigations are most effective when started immediately.

Can I sue if I’m receiving workers’ compensation?

Yes. Workers’ compensation and personal injury lawsuits are separate. Workers’ compensation provides wage replacement and medical benefits regardless of fault, but it doesn’t cover pain and suffering. A personal injury lawsuit against third parties—like a negligent contractor or equipment manufacturer—can recover additional damages that workers’ compensation doesn’t cover. Parker Waichman LLP can help you pursue both claims simultaneously.

How long do I have to file a construction accident claim in New York?

You have three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. However, don’t wait until the last minute. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and the sooner we investigate, the stronger your case becomes. Contact Parker Waichman LLP as soon as possible after your accident. Statute of limitations rules are strict in New York.

What is the difference between Labor Law 240 and 241?

Labor Law Section 240 applies specifically to elevation-related injuries—falls from heights or struck-by incidents involving falling objects. It imposes strict liability on property owners and contractors. Labor Law Section 241 covers broader safety violations, including inadequate lighting, slippery surfaces, missing guardrails, and defective equipment. Both laws protect construction workers, but they apply to different types of hazards. Understanding which law applies to your case is critical for maximizing your recovery.

How much is my construction accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on several factors: the severity of your injury, the cost of your medical treatment, how much income you lost, whether your injury is permanent, and the strength of the evidence against the liable parties. Parker Waichman LLP evaluates all these factors to determine a fair settlement range. We’ll discuss your case’s value during your free consultation. Our verdicts and settlements demonstrate our track record of success.

Do I have to go to court, or can we settle?

Most construction accident cases settle before trial. Settlement allows you to receive compensation faster and with less stress than going to court. However, if the liable parties won’t offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Parker Waichman LLP has the trial experience and resources to fight for you in court if necessary. Our construction accident attorneys are experienced litigators.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

New York follows a comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages—your percentage of fault reduces your compensation. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you’d recover $80,000. Parker Waichman LLP will fight to minimize any claims that you were at fault and maximize your recovery.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP for Your Free Consultation

Construction accidents change lives. Medical bills pile up, you can’t work, and the stress of recovery weighs on you and your family. You shouldn’t have to handle this alone. Parker Waichman LLP fights for injured construction workers every day. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of a serious injury, and we’re committed to getting you the compensation you deserve.

Call 800-968-7529 today or visit our Melville office at 201 Old Country Road, Suite 145. Your consultation is free, and you’ll speak with an experienced attorney who can answer your questions and explain your options. We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win. Let Parker Waichman LLP help you recover and rebuild your life.

Related Posts

• Labor Law Lawyer in New York: Choose Experienced Labor Law Attorneys and Get Results
• Understanding Construction Accident Liability in New York
• Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims