Why You Need a Lawyer Who Specializes in Labor Law for Construction Site Injuries

Construction sites are some of the most dangerous workplaces in New York. Heavy machinery, elevated work areas, falling objects, defective equipment, and multiple contractors operating at once create constant risk. When a serious injury occurs, many workers assume workers’ compensation is their only option. That assumption is often wrong.

At Collins & Collins Attorneys, we have specialized in construction sites and labor law injuries for over 70 years. Construction injury cases are governed by unique laws, defenses, and legal strategies that general personal injury or workers’ compensation lawyers often miss. Knowing how to navigate and defeat those defenses is what separates an average outcome from a major recovery.

Construction Injuries Are Not “Standard” Work Injury Cases

Construction accident cases are fundamentally different from other workplace injuries.

They often involve:

• Multiple employers and contractors

• Property owners and developers

• Third-party negligence

• Specialized New York Labor Laws

Insurance companies and defense attorneys rely on the complexity of these cases to confuse injured workers and limit compensation. A lawyer who does not specialize in labor law may never identify the additional claims available to you.

New York Labor Laws That Protect Construction Workers

New York has some of the strongest worker-protection laws in the country, but they only help if your attorney knows how to use them.

Labor Law §240 (The “Scaffold Law”)

Protects workers injured due to:

• Falls from heights

• Falling objects

• Improper scaffolding, ladders, or safety devices

This law often imposes strict liability, meaning fault does not need to be proven.

Labor Law §241(6)

Applies to unsafe construction site conditions caused by violations of safety rules and regulations.

Labor Law §200 & Common Law Negligence

Covers dangerous worksite conditions and unsafe methods of work when owners or contractors had control over the site.

General practice lawyers often overlook these claims entirely. At Collins & Collins, identifying and pursuing them is what we do every day.

Why Specialization in Labor Law Matters

Construction defendants raise aggressive and highly technical defenses, including:

• Claiming the worker was the “sole proximate cause” of the injury

• Arguing the accident was “inherent to the job”

• Misclassifying workers to limit liability

• Blaming subcontractors or co-workers

Our attorneys have spent decades debunking these defenses. We understand how construction sites operate, how safety violations occur, and how to hold all responsible parties accountable.

Common Construction Site Injuries We Handle

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

• Spinal cord and back injuries

• Falls from ladders, scaffolds, and roofs

• Crane and heavy equipment accidents

• Electrical and burn injuries

• Crush injuries and amputations

These are not minor cases. They often involve permanent disability, lost earning capacity, and lifelong medical care which demands aggressive legal representation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Site Injuries

Do I Only Have a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

No. While workers’ compensation may cover medical bills and partial wages, it does not cover:

• Pain and suffering

• Full lost earnings

• Loss of future earning capacity

Many construction injuries also qualify for third-party labor law lawsuits, which can result in substantially higher compensation.

Can I Sue My Employer for a Construction Injury?

Generally, you cannot sue your direct employer but you can often sue:

• Property owners

• General contractors

• Construction managers

• Equipment manufacturers

A labor law attorney knows how to identify these additional defendants.

What If I Was Partially at Fault?

New York law may still allow recovery even if you were partially responsible. In some labor law cases, fault may not matter at all.

Insurance companies use this myth to discourage workers from pursuing valid claims.

What If I Was Paid Cash or Labeled an Independent Contractor?

Your legal rights may still apply. Worker classification is frequently misused to avoid liability. We investigate the true nature of your work, not the label you were given.

How Much Is a Construction Injury Case Worth?

Every case is different, but construction labor law cases often result in six- and seven-figure recoveries when handled correctly. The value depends on:

• Severity of injury

• Long-term medical needs

• Lost wages and career impact

• Applicable labor law violations

Why Construction Insurance Companies Fear Labor Law Firms

Insurance carriers know which firms are willing to:

• Invest in experts

• Prepare cases for trial

• Challenge unsafe construction practices

• Take verdicts instead of quick settlements

At Collins & Collins, we have built our reputation over seven decades by doing exactly that. Our experience gives us leverage, and that leverage translates into better results for injured workers.

Look No Further Than Collins & Collins

Construction site injuries demand a lawyer who specializes in labor law, not a generalist. For over 70 years, Collins & Collins has fought for New York’s construction workers and their families, holding negligent owners and contractors accountable and securing meaningful compensation.

If you or a loved one was injured on a construction site, do not assume workers’ compensation is your only option.

📞 Call Collins & Collins Attorneys today at 716-885-9700, Free consultation⚖️ Decades of labor law and trial experience