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Boston Personal Injury Lawyer

Boston Construction Accident Lawyer

Your Rights, Your Recovery, Your Future

Free Consultation

Law office of John J. Sheehan
Construction Accidents

Won for our clients

$1.5 Million

Construction Site Accident

Steel I-beam accident on a construction site, resulting in TBI and thoracic spine fracture, fractured ribs

Steel I-Beam fell from wood framing and fell on welder who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), thoracic spine compression fracture, fractured clavicle, fractured ribs and crushed foot/ankle. Following extensive litigation with the general contractor, subcontractors and suppliers to the job site, case settled at mediation.

$800,000

Trip and Fall at Work

A wire loop hazard on a demolished construction floor caused a trip & fall with a right patella fracture and neck injury

Employee was caused to trip and fall at work on construction site. While walking across demolished floor of building being renovated, employee was caused to trip on a wire loop that was protruding from the demolished concrete floor. Employee was caused to fall forward landing on his knees. Employee sustained multiple injuries including a right patella fracture and neck injury. Eventually, Employee right patellofemoral replacement surgery. MRI of the cervical spine confirmed foraminal narrowing of C5-6 and C6-7 with possible compression of the C6 and C7 nerve roots. Employee filed a lawsuit to pursue third-party personal injury claims against the general contractor, demolition subcontractor and site subcontractor for the construction site where his accident occurred. The workers’ comp claim settled for $350,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment. The third-party claim settled at mediation with all defendants for $450,000. In addition to the workers’ comp and third-party claims, Employee successfully filed for SSDI benefits.

$700,000

Construction Fall From Ladder

Ladder fall at work, resulting in a fractured and dislocated ankle with talus displacement

Employee was working as a master carpenter when he fell from a ladder and sustained multiple injuries including fractured and dislocated ankle with displacement of the talus. Employee underwent multiple surgeries to treat the ankle fracture including open reduction with internal fixation and hardware removal. Employee developed an infection of the ankle requiring multiple surgeries including skin graft surgeries. Employee developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (“CRPS”) of the lower extremity. Employee underwent Spinal Cord Stimulator surgery for chronic pain management related to the CRPS. Workers Comp claim settled prior to a Conference on Employee’s claim for §34A Permanent and Total Incapacity Benefits.

$656,000

Slip and Fall at Construction Site

Carpenter foreman slipped on ice at a construction site, causing an L4–5 herniated disc requiring surgery

Carpenter foreman slipped and fell on ice at construction site. Client injured his lower back and suffered a herniated disc at L4-5 with impingement requiring surgery. Settled workers’ comp claim for $200,000 and third-party claim against general contractor for $456,000.

$625,000

Pedestrian Hit By Car

Pedestrian pinned under a truck, suffering displaced compound tibia/fibula fractures

Pedestrian was standing by his uncle’s landscaping truck that was parked on the side of the road when a car hit the back of the truck and hit the pedestrian pinning him under the landscaping truck. Pedestrian sustained multiple severe and permanent injuries including displaced compound fractures to the tibia and fibula, clavicle fracture and multiple abrasions and contusion. Pedestrian underwent multiple surgeries to repair the fractures and skin grafting. Case settled prior to filing suit.

Types of Construction Accidents We Handle

With over 30 years of experience representing injured construction workers, Attorney John J. Sheehan has handled every type of construction accident. In 2023, Massachusetts recorded 22 construction worker deaths — the highest of any industry and double the 2022 rate.

OSHA's "Fatal Four" (65% of Construction Deaths)

- Scaffolding Accidents - Collapses, inadequate guardrails, defective equipment.
- Roof Falls - Unprotected edges, skylight falls, structural collapses.
- Ladder Accidents - Defective ladders, improper placement, and electrical contact.
- Floor Opening Falls - Unprotected holes, missing covers.‍
- Crane/Lift Falls - Bucket accidents, platform failures.
- Falling Tools/Materials - Objects dropped from heights.
- Crane Accidents - Swinging loads, crane tip-overs, load drops.
- Vehicle Strikes - Construction zone traffic accidents, backing incidents.
- Flying Debris - Cutting, grinding, demolition debris.
- Rolling Materials - Pipes, lumber, concrete blocks.
- Power Line Contact - Overhead line strikes, underground cable hits.
- Defective Equipment - Faulty wiring, damaged power tools.
- Wet Conditions - Water contact with electrical sources.‍
- Arc Flash - High-voltage electrical explosions.
- Trench Collapses - Cave-ins, inadequate shoring, slope failures.
- Machinery Accidents - Body parts caught in unguarded equipment.
- Crushing Injuries - Pinned between vehicles, equipment, and structures.‍
- Excavation Accidents - Soil collapses, equipment rollovers.

Other High-Risk Construction Accidents

Equipment Malfunctions
- Forklift Accidents - 7,290 injuries, 78 deaths annually nationwide.
- Bulldozer Rollovers - Slope failures, unstable ground.
- Defective Power Tools - Saw kickbacks, drill malfunctions, grinder accidents.
Vehicle-Related Accidents
- Work Zone Traffic - 898 work zone fatalities in 2023 (50% increase since 2013).
- Backing Accidents - Limited visibility, missing spotters.‍
- Delivery Truck Collisions - Material delivery accidents.
Additional Construction Hazards
- Chemical Exposure - Asbestos, lead, toxic substances.
- Fire and Explosions - Welding accidents, gas line strikes.
- Demolition Accidents - Structural collapses, falling debris.‍
- Silica Dust Exposure - Respiratory injuries from concrete cutting.

Call Today for Your Free Consultation

Don't wait. Massachusetts has strict time limits for filing construction accident claims. Contact Attorney John J. Sheehan today to protect your rights and your family's future.

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Call 24/7 for a Free Case Review

Construction Accidents vs. Workers' Compensation: Why You May Be Entitled to Much More

Most construction workers know they're covered by workers' compensation when injured on the job. What many don't realize is that if a third party caused your accident — not just your direct employer — you may have a separate claim worth hundreds of thousands or even millions more.

Workers' Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims: Side-by-Side

Workers' Compensation	Third-Party Construction Claims
No-fault system	Must prove third-party negligence
Medical expenses covered	Full medical expenses covered
About 60-66% of lost wages	100% of lost wages (past and future)
Cannot recover pain and suffering	Can recover pain and suffering
Cannot sue your direct employer	Can sue general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers
Typically limited duration	Full compensation for lifetime impact
No punitive damages	Punitive damages are available in egregious cases

Who Are Third Parties in Construction Accidents?

General Contractors - Duty to maintain a safe work environment for all subcontractor employees.
Other Subcontractors - Negligent work creating hazards for workers from different companies.
Property Owners - Failing to remedy known hazardous conditions.
Equipment Manufacturers - Defective cranes, scaffolding, power tools, machinery.
Equipment Rental Companies - Renting defective or poorly maintained equipment.
Architects/Engineers - Design flaws causing structural failures.
Vehicle Drivers - Civilian or commercial drivers striking workers in construction zones.

Your Rights Regardless of Immigration Status

If you are injured on a construction site, you have rights under Massachusetts law regardless of your immigration status. This includes undocumented workers.

Many injured construction workers fear that filing a claim will lead to deportation or immigration problems. This fear is unfounded. Massachusetts has strong protections for all workers:

Workers' Compensation Rights: Since 2003, Massachusetts law has guaranteed workers' comp benefits regardless of immigration status.
Personal Injury Claims: You can pursue third-party claims against negligent contractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers - immigration status is not relevant.
Complete Confidentiality: The Law Office of John J. Sheehan does not share client information with immigration authorities.
Protection from Retaliation: Massachusetts law prohibits employers from threatening workers with ICE reports for filing injury claims.
Attorney General Support: The MA Attorney General explicitly states, "all workers are entitled to employment protections irrespective of immigration status."

Compensation Available in Massachusetts Construction Accidents

Attorney Sheehan fights for every dollar you deserve through both workers' compensation and third-party claims:

Workers' Compensation Benefits

Medical expenses - All necessary medical treatment
Lost wage benefits - Approximately 60 to 66% of the average weekly wage
Disability benefits - Temporary or permanent disability payments
Vocational rehabilitation - Retraining for different work if needed
Death benefits - Support for surviving family members

Third-Party Claim Damages (Much Greater Compensation)

Economic Damages

Full medical expenses - Hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, future care
Full payment of lost wages - 100% of income missed (past and future)
Lost earning capacity - Reduced future income potential
Property damage - Personal tools, equipment, vehicle damage
Out-of-pocket expenses - Transportation, household help, prescription costs

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

Physical pain and suffering - Compensation for injury-related pain
Emotional distress - Anxiety, depression, PTSD following accident
Loss of enjoyment of life - Inability to participate in activities
Permanent disability or disfigurement - Long-term limitations or scarring‍
Loss of consortium - Impact on family relationships

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Real Stories from real clients

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Why Construction Workers Choose Attorney John J. Sheehan

Immediate Action
We step in quickly to protect your rights, secure medical care, and deal with insurance companies.
Proven Results
With over 30 years of experience and millions recovered, we know how to build strong cases and push for the maximum compensation.
Hablamos Español
We explain every step of the process in simple terms — in English or Spanish — so nothing gets lost in translation.

How Attorney Sheehan Handles Your Boston Construction Accident Case

The Law Office of John J. Sheehan handles every step so you can focus on getting better:

Step
1
Attorney Sheehan personally reviews your accident details in Spanish or English, explains your legal rights under Massachusetts law, and assesses the potential for both workers' compensation and third-party claims. This consultation costs nothing and creates no obligation.
Step
2
Attorney Sheehan's team preserves critical evidence, photographs the accident scene, identifies all potentially liable parties, files OSHA complaints when safety violations occurred, and ensures accident reports are properly documented before evidence disappears.
Step
3
The Law Office of John J. Sheehan gathers police reports, interviews witnesses, obtains surveillance footage, reviews safety records, consults accident reconstruction experts, and works with construction safety specialists to build the strongest possible case.
Step
4
Attorney Sheehan connects you with top medical providers experienced in construction injuries who can work with attorney liens if workers' compensation benefits are delayed or insufficient. Your health and recovery come first.
Step
5
The Law Office of John J. Sheehan handles all communication with workers' compensation carriers and third-party insurance companies, files all necessary claims, documents your damages comprehensively, and demands fair compensation based on your case's true value.
Step
6
Armed with complete documentation of your injuries, lost wages, and lifetime impact, Attorney Sheehan negotiates aggressively with all insurance companies to secure maximum compensation for both your workers' comp and third-party claims.
Step
7
If insurance companies refuse fair settlement offers, The Law Office of John J. Sheehan prepares your case for trial. Since 1993, Attorney Sheehan has been fighting on the side of Massachusetts' injured workers and their families. Attorney Sheehan's experience often motivates insurers to make better settlement offers.
Step
7
Once Attorney Sheehan secures your settlement or verdict, our office handles all final paperwork, coordinates workers' comp liens, and ensures you receive your full compensation as quickly as possible.

Our Legal Process

Meet Our Team

Since 1993, Attorney John Sheehan has represented injured workers and accident victims across Massachusetts, fighting for justice against powerful insurers and corporations. Fluent in Spanish and deeply involved in Boston’s Hispanic community, John has earned a reputation for listening, explaining complex legal matters, and securing maximum compensation for his clients.

Behind John is a strong team of legal professionals who share one goal: providing each client with direct counsel and relentless advocacy. With decades of legal experience, we approach each case with the understanding that every injury and every person is unique.

Learn More John J. Sheehan

John J. Sheehan

John J. Sheehan

Managing Attorney

Gianpiere Alcantara
Associate Attorney
Mary Lopez
Senior Paralegal and Office Coordinator
Santina Sheehan
Office Manager/HR Generalist

Serving Construction Workers Throughout Massachusetts

Lawrence
Methuen
Haverhill
Lynn
Chelsea
Revere
Everett
Malden

More Cities We Cover

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Wakefield Office
Law Office of John J. Sheehan, LLC 607 North, Ave, Suite 2A-12 Wakefield, MA 01880
Boston Office
Law Office of John J. Sheehan, LLC 10 Tremont St. Suite 309
Boston, MA 02108

Frequently Asked Questions About Boston Construction Accidents

Yes. Massachusetts law protects workers' compensation and personal injury rights regardless of immigration status. Since 2003, the MA Supreme Court has affirmed that undocumented workers are entitled to the same benefits as U.S. citizens. Attorney John J. Sheehan handles cases confidentially and doesn't share client information with immigration authorities.
Filing workers' compensation or personal injury claims will not lead to immigration consequences. These are civil matters, and immigration status isn't relevant to compensation rights. The Massachusetts Attorney General has stated that all workers are entitled to protections regardless of immigration status.
Employer retaliation for filing injury claims is illegal in Massachusetts. Your employer cannot legally threaten deportation for asserting compensation rights.
Workers' compensation is a no-fault insurance program that covers medical expenses and partial lost wages. Third-party claims are lawsuits against parties OTHER than your direct employer (general contractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers), providing much greater compensation, including pain and suffering and full lost wages.
Yes. You can receive workers' comp benefits while Attorney Sheehan pursues third-party claims. Both proceed simultaneously, ensuring immediate medical coverage while building your larger case.
Generally no. Massachusetts workers' comp law prevents employees from suing direct employers. However, you can sue third parties like general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers whose negligence contributed to your accident.
Attorney John J. Sheehan is personally fluent in Spanish and speaks with his Spanish-speaking clients in Spanish directly. Unlike firms where only receptionists speak Spanish, Attorney Sheehan provides attorney-level bilingual representation with no need for interpreters.
Initial consultation is completely free. Attorney Sheehan works on contingency for construction accident cases — you pay nothing unless he recovers compensation. You pay no upfront costs or hourly fees, and payment comes only from settlements or verdicts we secure.
Massachusetts follows "modified comparative negligence" rules. You can recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your fault percentage reduces your award. Even if you made mistakes, you may still have valid claims.
Time limits vary by situation, but it's never too early to call. Massachusetts has strict deadlines for filing claims. Contact Attorney Sheehan immediately for a free consultation to determine your rights.
Some construction employers, especially small subcontractors, illegally operate without workers' comp insurance. This doesn't eliminate your rights. You may be able to sue your employer directly if your employer did not have workers' comp insurance. You can receive workers' comp benefits through the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Trust Fund (WCTF) or, in some cases, you can receive workers' comp benefits through another contractor that hired your employer. If the accident was caused by another contractor's negligence, you can pursue third-party claims. Attorney Sheehan identifies all available compensation sources.
Yes. Reporting OSHA violations protects other workers and strengthens your case. Attorney Sheehan can file OSHA complaints on your behalf, and violations often serve as powerful evidence of negligence in third-party claims.
No. Massachusetts law prohibits employer retaliation for reporting safety violations or filing workers' comp and personal injury claims. If you're fired in retaliation, you may have additional claims.
Most construction accident cases settle before trial. Attorney Sheehan negotiates aggressively for fair settlements. If insurance companies refuse reasonable offers, he's fully prepared to take your case to trial.

Get Your Free Consultation with Attorney John J. Sheehan

Don't let insurance companies take advantage of you. You need an attorney who understands your language, your culture, and your rights.

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