When construction workers and building maintenance employees suffer injuries on the job in Queens, New York Labor Law provides powerful protections that go beyond standard workers’ compensation benefits. At Parker Waichman LLP, our Queens labor law attorneys understand the details of these cases. We work to secure full compensation for injured workers throughout the borough.

With over $2 billion recovered for injury victims, Parker Waichman LLP brings extensive resources and experience to every labor law case. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today at 800-968-7529 for a free consultation about your Queens workplace injury.

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    Queens 118-35 Queens Blvd #400, Forest Hills, NY 11375, United States (718) 469-6900

    Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Queens Labor Law Case?

    Parker Waichman LLP brings significant advantages to every Queens labor law case:

    • Extensive Experience: Our attorneys have handled New York Labor Law cases for over two decades. We have secured substantial recoveries for injured construction workers throughout Queens and New York City. We understand the nuances of Labor Law Sections 200, 240, and 241-6. We know how to build compelling cases.
    • Proven Track Record: With over $2 billion recovered for injury victims across all practice areas, Parker Waichman LLP has the resources and experience to handle complex construction accident litigation. Our founding partner, Jerrold S. Parker, holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for Mass Tort Litigation and Class Actions from 2010 through 2026.
    • Thorough Investigation: We conduct comprehensive investigations of workplace accidents. We work with safety professionals, engineers, and accident reconstruction professionals to document violations and establish liability. Our legal team photographs accident scenes, interviews witnesses, and preserves critical evidence.
    • No Fees Unless We Win: We handle all labor law cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows injured workers to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
    • Local Queens Presence: Our Forest Hills office at 118-35 Queens Boulevard provides convenient access for Queens residents. We understand the local construction industry, court systems, and the unique characteristics of Queens’ diverse communities.
    • Comprehensive Resources: As a firm with seven offices across New York, New Jersey, and Florida, we have the infrastructure to handle complex litigation against well-funded defendants. We can take cases to trial when necessary. We have the resources to see cases through to successful conclusions.

    Protecting Workers’ Rights in Queens Construction and Workplace Accidents

    Queens represents one of New York City’s most active construction markets. Ongoing development continues in Long Island City, Flushing, Jamaica, and throughout the borough’s diverse neighborhoods. This construction boom creates opportunities for workers. However, it also exposes them to serious injury risks when safety protocols fail.

    Parker Waichman LLP‘s Queens labor law attorneys protect workers who suffer injuries due to unsafe conditions, inadequate safety equipment, or violations of New York’s construction safety regulations. Our firm maintains an office in Forest Hills at 118-35 Queens Boulevard. This provides convenient access for Queens residents who need legal representation after workplace accidents.

    Unlike workers’ compensation claims, which provide limited benefits regardless of fault, New York Labor Law claims allow injured workers to pursue full compensation from negligent property owners and general contractors. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, full wage loss, and all medical expenses. These benefits are not available through workers’ compensation alone.

    We understand the challenges injured workers face. These include pressure from employers, concerns about immigration status, and uncertainty about legal rights. Our experienced attorneys provide clear guidance throughout the legal process. We work to protect your interests at every stage. Many of our clients are members of Queens’ diverse immigrant communities. We recognize the unique concerns these workers may have about asserting their legal rights.

    Understanding New York Labor Law

    New York’s Labor Law provides some of the strongest worker protections in the nation. These statutes recognize that construction and building maintenance work involves inherent dangers. They place strict obligations on property owners and contractors to maintain safe work sites.

    New York Labor Law Sections 200, 240, and 241 create strict liability standards. These standards hold property owners and general contractors accountable when workers suffer injuries on construction sites, during building maintenance, or in renovation projects. These laws recognize the inherent dangers of construction work. They place responsibility on those who control worksites to maintain safe conditions.

    Labor Law Section 200 establishes general duty requirements for safe working conditions. This section applies broadly to workplace accidents. It requires property owners and contractors to provide reasonably safe premises and equipment.

    Labor Law Section 241-6 requires compliance with specific safety regulations outlined in the New York Industrial Code. Violations of these detailed safety standards can establish liability when workers suffer injuries. These regulations cover scaffolding, fall protection, excavation safety, and numerous other hazards associated with construction sites.

    Labor Law Section 240 (Scaffold Law)

    Labor Law Section 240, commonly known as the Scaffold Law, provides the strongest protection for workers injured in gravity-related accidents. This statute creates absolute liability for property owners and general contractors when workers fall from heights or suffer injuries from falling objects.

    The Scaffold Law applies to construction, demolition, repair, alteration, and maintenance work on buildings and structures. When accidents involve elevation-related hazards, property owners and contractors cannot escape liability by claiming the worker was partially at fault. They also cannot claim they delegated safety responsibilities to others.

    Common scenarios covered by Labor Law Section 240 include:

    • Falls from scaffolds, ladders, or elevated work surfaces
    • Scaffold collapses due to inadequate construction or support
    • Ladder accidents caused by unstable placement or defective equipment
    • Injuries from falling tools, materials, or debris
    • Accidents during window washing or building facade work
    • Roofing accidents and falls through skylights or weak roof sections

    This absolute liability standard makes Labor Law Section 240 cases particularly valuable for injured workers. Property owners and general contractors bear responsibility for providing adequate safety equipment. They must also provide proper fall protection, regardless of who directly supervised the work.

    Common Labor Law Injuries in Queens

    Construction and building maintenance work in Queens exposes workers to numerous hazards that can result in catastrophic injuries. Our Queens labor law attorneys handle cases involving:

    • Falls from Heights: Workers fall from scaffolds, ladders, roofs, and other elevated surfaces when safety equipment fails or is not provided. These slip and fall accidents often result in spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and other serious harm.
    • Falling Object Injuries: Tools, materials, and debris falling from above can strike workers below. This causes head injuries, fractures, and fatal trauma. Proper safety protocols require securing materials and establishing protected zones. However, these precautions are often neglected.
    • Electrocution Accidents: Contact with power lines, defective equipment, or improperly grounded electrical systems causes severe burn injuries, cardiac arrest, and death. Electrical hazards are particularly dangerous on construction sites with temporary power systems.
    • Crane and Hoist Accidents: Equipment failures, operator errors, and inadequate load securing can cause materials to fall or cranes to collapse. This crushes workers or causes them to fall.
    • Trench Collapses: Excavation work requires proper shoring and protective systems. When contractors cut corners, workers can be buried in trench collapses. This causes suffocation, crush injuries, or death.
    • Construction Site Accidents: Vehicle accidents, equipment malfunctions, and exposure to hazardous materials create additional risks on active construction sites throughout Queens.

    Who Can File a Labor Law Claim in Queens?

    New York Labor Law protections extend to a broad range of workers involved in construction, renovation, repair, and building maintenance activities. You may have a valid labor law claim if you work as:

    • A construction worker on residential or commercial projects
    • A building maintenance employee performing repairs or alterations
    • A painter, window washer, or facade maintenance worker
    • A demolition worker is tearing down structures
    • A renovation worker updating existing buildings
    • A subcontractor or independent contractor hired for construction projects

    Your employment status does not bar you from pursuing a Labor Law claim. Even if you work as an independent contractor or for a subcontractor, you can hold property owners and general contractors liable for injuries caused by unsafe conditions or inadequate safety equipment.

    Immigration status does not affect your right to pursue compensation under New York Labor Law. All workers injured on Queens construction sites have the same legal protections, regardless of citizenship or work authorization status.

    Compensation Available for Queens Labor Law Cases

    Labor Law claims provide access to full compensation for all losses caused by workplace injuries. This comprehensive recovery includes:

    • Medical Expenses: Full reimbursement for all past and future medical treatment. This includes emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, medication, and ongoing therapy. Labor Law claims cover the complete cost of medical care, unlike workers’ compensation, which may limit certain treatments.
    • Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Compensation for all time missed from work, plus future wage loss if injuries prevent you from returning to your previous employment. This includes lost overtime, benefits, and pension contributions.
    • Pain and Suffering: Significant compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by your injuries. Workers’ compensation does not provide pain and suffering damages. This makes Labor Law claims particularly valuable for seriously injured workers.
    • Disability Accommodations: Costs for home modifications, assistive devices, and other accommodations needed due to permanent disabilities.
    • Rehabilitation and Retraining: Expenses for vocational rehabilitation and job retraining if injuries prevent you from returning to construction work.
    • Wrongful Death Damages: When workplace accidents prove fatal, family members can pursue wrongful death claims for loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses.

    Labor Law claims can be pursued in addition to workers’ compensation benefits. While the workers’ compensation carrier may have a lien on your Labor Law recovery, you can still receive substantially more compensation than workers’ compensation alone provides.

    The Queens Labor Law Claims Process

    Understanding what to expect can help you work through the legal process with confidence:

    • Initial Consultation: We begin with a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case. We’ll discuss how your accident occurred, the injuries you suffered, and the potential value of your claim. This consultation helps you understand your legal options without any commitment.
    • Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Once you retain our firm, we immediately begin investigating your accident. We obtain accident reports, medical records, employment records, and site documentation. We may visit the accident scene, photograph conditions, and interview witnesses. Professional consultants may evaluate safety violations and causation.
    • Filing Claims and Legal Proceedings: We file your Labor Law claim within applicable deadlines. We handle all legal paperwork. We may also file workers’ compensation claims and coordinate these parallel proceedings. Our attorneys manage all court appearances, depositions, and legal requirements.
    • Negotiation and Settlement Discussions: Many labor law cases settle before trial. We negotiate with insurance companies and defense attorneys to pursue fair settlements that fully compensate you for your injuries. We never recommend settlements that undervalue your claim.
    • Trial Preparation: If settlement negotiations do not produce acceptable offers, we prepare your case for trial. This includes preparing witnesses, developing exhibits, and working with professionals to present compelling evidence to a jury.
    • Timeline Expectations: Labor law cases typically take one to three years to resolve. This depends on case complexity, injury severity, and whether a trial becomes necessary. Our Queens labor law lawyers keep you informed throughout the process. We work efficiently to resolve your case while maximizing your recovery.

    Contact a Queens Labor Law Attorney Today

    If you suffered injuries in a construction accident or workplace incident in Queens, prompt legal action protects your rights and preserves critical evidence. New York generally allows three years from the date of injury to file personal injury lawsuits. However, earlier deadlines may apply in certain circumstances.

    Parker Waichman LLP offers free consultations for injured workers throughout Queens. Call us today at 800-968-7529 to discuss your case with an experienced Queens labor law attorney. We’re available to answer your questions and provide guidance about your legal options.

    Our Forest Hills office at 118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400, provides convenient access for Queens residents. We also maintain offices throughout New York City, Long Island, Brooklyn, and the metropolitan area.

    Don’t face insurance companies and their attorneys alone. Contact Parker Waichman LLP today for the strong legal representation you deserve. Our team of lawyers works on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover fair compensation for you.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between workers' compensation and a Labor Law claim in Queens?

    Workers’ compensation provides limited benefits regardless of fault. This includes medical coverage and partial wage replacement. However, workers’ compensation does not provide compensation for pain and suffering or full wage loss. Labor Law claims allow injured workers to pursue full compensation from negligent property owners and contractors. This includes pain and suffering damages, complete wage loss, and all medical expenses. You can receive workers’ compensation benefits while pursuing a Labor Law claim against third parties.

    How long do I have to file a Labor Law claim in Queens?

    New York generally allows three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under Labor Law. However, earlier deadlines may apply in certain circumstances, particularly for claims against government entities or public authorities. Prompt consultation with a Queens labor law attorney helps you meet all applicable deadlines. This preserves your right to compensation.

    Can I file a Labor Law claim if I was working as an independent contractor?

    Yes. New York Labor Law protections extend to independent contractors, subcontractors, and employees working on construction, renovation, or building maintenance projects. Your employment classification does not bar you from pursuing Labor Law claims against property owners and general contractors who failed to provide safe working conditions.

    What if my employer says the accident was my fault?

    Under Labor Law Section 240 (Scaffold Law), liability is absolute for certain gravity-related accidents. Your own negligence typically cannot be used as a defense by property owners and general contractors in Scaffold Law cases. Even in cases under Labor Law Sections 200 and 241-6, comparative negligence may reduce but not eliminate your recovery. An experienced Queens labor law attorney can evaluate how fault issues affect your specific case.

    How much does it cost to hire a Queens labor law attorney?

    Parker Waichman LLP handles labor law cases on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs. Attorney fees are only collected if we recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows injured workers to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation. We advance all case expenses and only recover these costs if your case is successful.

    What should I do immediately after a workplace accident in Queens?

    Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Report the accident to your employer. Make sure an accident report is filed. Document the scene with photographs if possible. Gather contact information from witnesses. Preserve any defective equipment or safety gear involved in the accident. Contact a Queens labor law attorney promptly to protect your rights. This begins the investigation while the evidence is fresh.

    Can I receive both workers' compensation and Labor Law damages?

    Yes. You can receive workers’ compensation benefits while pursuing a Labor Law claim against third parties such as property owners, general contractors, and equipment manufacturers. However, the workers’ compensation carrier may have a lien on your Labor Law recovery for benefits they paid. Your attorney will negotiate this lien. We work to help you receive maximum net recovery after all liens are satisfied.

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