Sackstein Sackstein & Lee, LLP
154-08 Northern Boulevard
#2C
Flushing, NY 11354
Telephone: (718) 587-0911
Construction accidents do not give you time to prepare.
One moment you’re on a ladder, guiding a load, cutting material, or stepping across a temporary platform. The next moment you’re on the ground, in pain, surrounded by supervisors and coworkers asking what happened.
You may feel shock. Anger. Fear about how you’re going to support your family. You may already be wondering whether someone is going to blame you.
We are partners in a law firm based here in Flushing. We represent injured construction workers across Queens County. Our role is simple: bring clarity to a chaotic moment and protect your financial future while you recover.
If you are asking yourself, “What just happened to me?” — this page is for you.
Construction in this part of Queens is rarely isolated from daily life. Projects rise along busy commercial corridors. Renovations happen above active storefronts. Scaffolds go up along streets where delivery vans double-park and rideshare drivers stop suddenly near the intersection at Main Street and Northern Boulevard.
That environment creates risk.
We routinely see injuries involving:
* Falls from ladders or scaffolding
* Defective ladders and faulty stairs
* Falling tools, bricks, or debris
* Forklift and heavy equipment accidents
* Crane and hoisting failures
* Elevator shaft and escalator incidents
* Roofing and window installation falls
* Nail gun and defective power tool injuries
* Saw blade and cutting blade accidents
* Welding fires and explosions
* Frayed cables or defective ropes
* Wall, roof, or full building collapses
* Demolition accidents
* Tunnel and underground work injuries
* Ironworker and bricklayer falls
* Carpenter and plumber jobsite injuries
These are not freak accidents. They are usually tied to unsafe site conditions, missing safety devices, rushed schedules, or poor supervision.
If you were injured, your next steps matter.
1. Get medical treatment immediately.
Do not “walk it off.” Back injuries, head trauma, and internal bleeding can worsen hours later.
2. Report the accident.
Make sure your supervisor creates a written report. Keep a copy if possible.
3. Do not minimize your injury.
Saying “I’m fine” in the moment can later be used against you.
4. Preserve evidence.
If you can safely do so, photograph the ladder, scaffold, tool, or area involved. Get the names of witnesses.
5. Speak with a construction injury attorney before giving recorded statements.
Insurance companies move quickly. You should too.
In New York, construction accident cases often involve two separate legal paths.
1. Workers’ Compensation
This covers:
* Medical treatment
* A portion of lost wages
It does not cover pain and suffering or full lost income.
2. Third-Party Construction Claims
Under New York Labor Law §§ 240, 241(6), and 200, property owners and contractors can be held responsible for unsafe conditions — even when your direct employer is not at fault.
These laws are especially important in cases involving:
* Falls from height
* Falling objects
* Inadequate safety devices
* Unsafe scaffolds or ladders
* Violations of safety regulations
In some cases, liability attaches because proper protection was not provided — not because a worker did something wrong.
That distinction can mean the difference between limited wage benefits and full compensation for your injuries.
This is a common concern.
After a serious injury, responsibility often becomes a dispute between contractors, site managers, and insurers. We regularly see attempts to argue:
* The worker misused equipment
* The worker ignored instructions
* The worker removed safety protections
* The accident was unavoidable
Blame shifting is predictable. It does not automatically eliminate liability under New York labor laws.
The key question is whether the jobsite was reasonably safe and whether required protections were provided.
Undocumented workers are also protected. Immigration status does not strip you of your right to seek compensation under New York law.
A serious construction injury does not just interrupt your week. It can interrupt your career.
We represent workers dealing with:
* Spinal disc injuries
* Shoulder and knee tears
* Traumatic brain injuries
* Multiple fractures
* Crush injuries
* Permanent nerve damage
You may not be able to climb ladders, carry materials, or return to the same trade. Many workers in this community are primary earners. When income stops, financial pressure builds immediately.
Medical bills. Rent or mortgage. Family responsibilities.
This is about stability, not just a claim.
Construction sites often involve multiple layers of insurance coverage:
* Workers’ compensation insurance through your employer
* Liability policies held by property owners
* Coverage carried by general contractors
* Subcontractor policies
* Equipment manufacturer coverage in defective product cases
Insurance companies are not neutral observers. Their goal is to reduce exposure.
They may request recorded statements, send you to “independent” medical exams, or argue your injury is less severe than it is.
Our job is to manage that process so it does not overwhelm you.
When someone contacts our office, we focus on both immediate protection and long-term recovery.
We help you:
Get Proper Medical Care
We ensure injuries are fully documented and that treatment reflects the seriousness of your condition.
Preserve Evidence Quickly
Job sites change fast. Scaffolds come down. Equipment disappears. We move to secure records, contracts, safety logs, and witness statements.
Identify All Responsible Parties
Owners, general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers — we investigate each layer.
Navigate Labor Law Claims
We evaluate whether your case falls under Labor Law §240 (fall protection), §241(6) (safety regulation violations), or §200 (general negligence).
Handle Insurance Communications
You should not be negotiating while recovering from surgery or physical therapy.
Address Blame and Assumptions
If fault is unfairly shifted onto you, we respond strategically and directly.
From defective ladders and hoisting accidents to crane failures and demolition collapses, we understand the mechanics of these cases — and how to present them effectively.
Our goal is not noise. It is results and stability.
Our office is located at:
154-08 Northern Blvd
Flushing, NY 11354
We are easily accessible from Northern Boulevard and nearby major roadways. The Flushing–Main Street 7 train terminal is within reach for those traveling by subway, and several bus lines run along Northern Boulevard. If your injuries limit mobility, let us know so we can make arrangements that work for you.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Most construction injury lawsuits must be filed within three years from the date of the accident. Workers’ compensation reporting deadlines are much shorter.
Can I sue my employer?
In most cases, workers’ compensation prevents direct lawsuits against your employer. However, you may sue property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, or equipment manufacturers.
What if I was partially at fault?
Partial fault does not automatically prevent recovery in third-party construction cases. Many fall-related claims remain valid if proper safety devices were not provided.
What compensation can I recover beyond workers’ comp?
A third-party claim may include pain and suffering, full lost wages, future earnings loss, and compensation for permanent disability.
Are undocumented workers protected?
Yes. Immigration status does not eliminate your right to workers’ compensation benefits or protection under New York labor laws.
How do I pay for legal representation?
Construction injury cases are handled on a contingency basis. Legal fees are paid only if compensation is recovered.
You may feel overwhelmed right now. That is normal.
What matters is this: you may have more rights than you realize. You may have more than one path to recovery. And early action can protect both your health and your financial future.
We represent injured construction workers in Flushing and throughout Queens County who need clarity, strength, and experienced guidance. If you want direct answers about your situation and what comes next, we are ready to speak with you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
