Construction Accident Attorney in Staten Island

Advocating for Injured Workers & Families in Staten Island

A construction accident turns your life upside down in an instant. One moment, you are earning a living and providing for your family; the next, you are facing serious injuries, overwhelming physical pain, and a future filled with uncertainty. The weight of mounting medical bills, the stress of lost wages, and the fear of not being able to return to work can be immense. For the hardworking construction professionals of Staten Island, a workplace injury is not just a personal crisis—it's a threat to your entire family's stability and well-being in a city with a demanding cost of living.

At Schotter Millican, LLP, LLP, we are more than just attorneys; we are dedicated advocates who understand the profound impact these accidents have on workers and their families. We recognize that your case is about more than a legal claim; it's about securing your future. Our mission is to lift the legal burden from your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery. We are committed to providing the people of Staten Island with the powerful legal representation needed to hold negligent parties accountable and fight for the justice you deserve. 

Don’t face this fight alone. Contact Schotter Millican, LLP today for a free, confidential consultation and let us start protecting your rights.

Dedicated Construction Accident Representation for Staten Island Residents

Staten Island’s landscape is in constant motion, with new commercial developments along the waterfront, ongoing infrastructure projects, and residential construction in nearly every neighborhood. While this growth signifies progress, it also creates inherently dangerous work environments where safety must be the top priority. Unfortunately, when project managers, property owners, or contractors cut corners on safety protocols to save time or money, it is the workers who pay the highest price.

The legal team at Schotter Millican, LLP provides aggressive and knowledgeable representation for victims of all types of Staten Island construction accidents. We understand the unique hazards present on urban job sites and have the experience to investigate the complex circumstances that lead to catastrophic injuries.

Holding All Negligent Parties Accountable

Unlike a typical workplace injury, a construction accident claim often involves multiple potential defendants. While workers' compensation may cover your immediate medical bills and a portion of lost wages from your employer, it rarely provides for the full extent of your losses, and it offers nothing for your pain and suffering. Our role as your construction accident attorney in Staten Island is to identify all third parties whose negligence contributed to your harm. These can include:

• General Contractors and Construction Managers who failed to maintain a safe worksite.
• Property Owners who were aware of a dangerous condition but did nothing to correct it.
• Subcontractors from other trades whose careless actions created a hazard.
• Architects and Engineers who designed faulty structures or safety systems.
• Manufacturers or Suppliers of defective equipment, tools, or machinery.

We leave no stone unturned in our investigation to ensure every responsible party is brought to justice, maximizing your opportunity for a full financial recovery.

Expertise in New York's Powerful Labor Laws

New York has some of the strongest laws in the nation designed to protect construction workers. Successfully litigating a case requires a deep understanding of these statutes. Our firm has extensive experience leveraging these laws for our Staten Island clients:

• New York Labor Law § 240(1) (The "Scaffold Law"): This crucial law protects workers from gravity-related risks, such as falls from heights or injuries from falling objects. It places "absolute liability" on property owners and general contractors, meaning if they violate this statute and a worker is injured, they are held 100% responsible, regardless of the worker's own potential fault. We handle cases involving falls from scaffolds, ladders, roofs, and unfinished structures.
• New York Labor Law § 241(6): This law requires owners and contractors to provide "reasonable and adequate protection and safety" for all workers on a job site. It holds them accountable for violations of specific safety rules outlined in the New York State Industrial Code. These rules cover everything from site debris and excavation safety to the proper operation of heavy machinery.
• New York Labor Law § 200: This statute codifies the basic common-law duty to provide a safe workplace. It holds parties liable who had direct supervision, authority, and control over the work being performed or who had notice of a dangerous condition on the premises.

Comprehensive Representation for All Construction Accidents

We have the resources and experience to handle a wide range of construction site injuries, including those resulting from:

• Scaffolding Collapses & Ladder Falls
• Crane and Hoist Accidents
• Trench Collapses
• Falling Objects and Debris
• Forklift and Heavy Machinery Accidents
• Electrocutions and Electrical Burns
• Welding Accidents
• Building or Wall Collapses
• Nail Gun and Power Tool Injuries
• Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

Why Staten Island Trusts Schotter Millican, LLP

Our commitment is clear and unwavering: We are Lawyers for Workers. This is not just a slogan; it is the founding principle of our firm, as demonstrated by our work at Schotter Millican, LLP. Our entire practice is exclusively dedicated to championing the rights of injured individuals. We never represent large corporations, contractors, or insurance companies. This singular focus means our loyalty is never divided. We are always on your side, armed with an intimate understanding of the tactics defendants and their insurers use to deny responsibility and minimize payouts.

When you choose Schotter Millican, LLP, you are choosing a legal partner who brings:

A Client-Centered Strategy: We know that you are more than a case file. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your goals, and keep you informed at every stage of the legal process. Your fight becomes our fight.

A Contingency Fee Promise: You are already facing significant financial strain. You should not have to worry about paying for a lawyer. We handle all construction accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means there are absolutely no upfront costs, and you owe us nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

A Record of Determined Advocacy: Our reputation is built on our relentless preparation and willingness to take a case to trial if a fair settlement offer is not made. This trial-ready approach often convinces insurance companies to negotiate in good faith, knowing we will not back down.

Understanding the Devastating Impact of Construction Injuries

The injuries sustained on a construction site are often severe and life-altering. We have a profound understanding of the medical and financial consequences of these injuries and work with leading medical and economic experts to document the full extent of your damages. We fight for clients suffering from:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): From concussions to severe cognitive impairment, often resulting from falls or being struck by an object.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, and a lifetime of medical needs.
• Broken and Crushed Bones: Often requiring multiple surgeries, implants, and extensive rehabilitation.
• Burns and Electrocution: Causing excruciating pain, permanent scarring, and nerve damage.
• Amputations: The traumatic loss of a limb due to machinery accidents or crushing injuries.
• Internal Organ Damage: A life-threatening consequence of falls and blunt force trauma.

Deep Roots in the Staten Island Legal Community

Successfully litigating a construction injury claim in NYC requires more than just knowing the law; it requires knowing the local legal terrain. Our attorneys at Schotter Millican, LLP have significant, firsthand experience representing injured workers from across Staten Island in the Richmond County Supreme Court.

Our team is intimately familiar with the specific procedures of the Richmond County courthouse, the tendencies of the local judiciary, and the strategies employed by the defense firms commonly hired by insurance companies in these cases. Whether your accident occurred at a large-scale development near the St. George Ferry Terminal, a municipal project on the West Shore Expressway, or a smaller residential job in Tottenville, we have the local knowledge to navigate your case effectively. This on-the-ground experience provides our clients with a distinct advantage and ensures your case is positioned for success from the very beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions for our Staten Island Clients

How long do I have to file a construction accident lawsuit in Staten Island?

 In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. However, the specifics of your case can alter this timeline. It is absolutely critical to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and ensure all deadlines are met.

What is my construction accident case worth? 

Every case is unique, but compensation is calculated based on two types of damages. Economic damages are quantifiable losses like current and future medical bills, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity. Non-economic damages compensate you for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. An experienced attorney can help evaluate the full potential value of your claim.

What is the difference between workers' compensation and a third-party lawsuit? 

Workers' compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides medical benefits and partial wage replacement, paid by your employer's insurance. A third-party lawsuit is a separate legal action filed against a negligent party other than your employer (like the general contractor or property owner). This lawsuit allows you to pursue compensation for the full range of your damages, including pain and suffering, which workers' comp does not cover.

What if I was partially at fault for my accident? 

New York follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, under New York Labor Law § 240(1), the "Scaffold Law," a worker's comparative fault is not a defense, meaning you can often recover 100% of your damages even if you made a mistake.

Schedule Your Confidential Consultation Today

Your health, your family, and your future are on the line. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on recovery. The decisions you make in the days and weeks following a serious construction injury can have a lasting impact. Do not face this challenge alone.

We are here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide a clear, honest assessment of your legal options. There is no obligation, and you will never pay a fee unless we win your case. Let us be your voice for justice.

Call us now at (718) 550-0610 or fill out our simple online form to get started.