# Boston Construction Accident Lawyer ## Boston Construction Accident Lawyer Your Rights, Your Recovery, Your Future [Free Consultation](https://attorneysheehan.com/contact-us) [Case Results](https://attorneysheehan.com/case-results) - Law office of John J. Sheehan - / - Construction Accidents ## Won for our clients [More Results](https://attorneysheehan.com/case-results) ## Construction Is the Deadliest Industry in Massachusetts A single fall, scaffolding collapse, or equipment failure can end a career in seconds, which is why an injured worker needs an experienced Boston construction accident attorney early in their case. According to the [Massachusetts Occupational Health Surveillance Program](https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-fatal-injuries-at-work-spotlight-on-construction-2023/download), construction had the most fatal work injuries of any industry in Massachusetts in 2023, the highest on record since tracking began in 1991. MassCOSH's "Dying for Work" report counted 22 construction worker deaths that year, more than four times any other industry. Nationally, construction and extraction workers suffered [1,032 fatal injuries in 2024](https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cfoi.nr0.htm), and construction remains the private industry with the most on-the-job deaths. Attorney Sheehan has fought for injured workers throughout Massachusetts since 1993. He knows how insurers and general contractors delay benefits, shift blame, and undervalue catastrophic injuries, and his job is to identify every claim you have and pursue the full recovery a construction accident lawyer in Boston can secure. ## 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 case in Boston. The way an accident happened shapes who can be held responsible, so the first job of a skilled Boston construction accident lawyer is to reconstruct exactly what went wrong. ### OSHA's "Focus Four" (65% of Construction Deaths) Between 2011 and 2021, [OSHA's "Focus Four"](https://www.osha.gov/training/outreach/construction/focus-four) hazards (still widely known as the "Fatal Four") accounted for roughly 65% of all construction worker deaths. These four categories cause most of the serious construction accident injuries our Boston construction accident attorney handles. #### Falls from Heights *(about 39% of construction fatalities)* - [**Scaffolding Accidents**](https://attorneysheehan.com/boston-scaffolding-accident-lawyer) — Collapses, inadequate guardrails, defective equipment. - [**Roof Falls**](https://attorneysheehan.com/boston-construction-roofing-accidents-lawyer) — Unprotected edges, skylight falls, structural collapses. - [**Ladder Accidents**](https://attorneysheehan.com/boston-construction-ladder-accidents-lawyer) — Defective ladders, improper placement, and electrical contact. - **Floor Opening Falls** — Unprotected holes, missing covers.**‍** - [**Crane/Lift Falls**](https://attorneysheehan.com/boston-crane-accident-lawyer) — Bucket accidents, platform failures. #### Struck-By Incidents *(about 17% of construction fatalities)* - [**Falling Tools/Materials**](https://attorneysheehan.com/boston-struck-by-object-lawyer) — Objects dropped from heights. - [**Crane Accidents**](https://attorneysheehan.com/boston-construction-unsecured-loads-lawyer) — 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. #### Electrocution *(about 8% of construction fatalities)* - **Power Line Contact** — Overhead line strikes, underground cable hits. - [**Defective Equipment**](https://attorneysheehan.com/boston-defective-nail-gun-lawyer) — Faulty wiring, damaged power tools. - **Wet Conditions** — Water contact with electrical sources.**‍** - **Arc Flash** — High-voltage electrical explosions. #### Caught-In/Between Accidents *(about 6% of construction fatalities)* - **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 Beyond the Focus Four, a Boston construction accident lawyer regularly sees claims tied to defective machinery, toxic exposure, and heavy equipment. These cases can be just as devastating as a fall or electrocution. #### Equipment Malfunctions - [**Forklift Accidents**](https://attorneysheehan.com/boston-construction-forklift-accident-lawyer) — 7,290 injuries, 78 deaths annually nationwide. - **Bulldozer Rollovers** — Slope failures, unstable ground. - [**Defective Power Tools**](https://attorneysheehan.com/boston-defective-saws-lawyer) — 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**](https://attorneysheehan.com/boston-fire-explosion-injury-lawyer) — 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 Boston construction accident lawyer Attorney John J. Sheehan today to protect your rights and your family's future. ## 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. This is the single most important issue a Boston construction accident attorney evaluates in your case. ### 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** ### Who Are Third Parties in Construction Accidents? A third party is any person or company other than your direct employer whose negligence contributed to the accident. Identifying them is where a construction accident lawyer in Boston can add the most value to your case. - **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. This matters in Boston construction because the state's own data shows the fatality rate among Hispanic construction workers is [more than six times](https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-fatal-injuries-at-work-spotlight-on-construction-2023/download) the rate for all workers in all industries. 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-level Spanish:** Attorney Sheehan personally speaks Spanish with his clients, so nothing about your construction accident is lost in translation. ## 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 These benefits are available without proving fault, but they do not cover everything a serious injury costs you. - **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) When an outside party is at fault, the recovery available is far broader than workers' comp alone. #### 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. ## Deadlines for Massachusetts Construction Accident Claims Evidence disappears fast after a construction accident. Photos, equipment logs, witness names, OSHA records, and job site conditions can all change within days, so contacting a Boston construction accident lawyer early protects both your claim and the proof behind it. Under the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Act, M.G.L. [c. 152, § 41](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXI/Chapter152/Section41), a claim generally must be filed within four years from the date the worker first became aware that the disability was connected to the job. In fatal cases, the claim generally must be filed within four years of the death. - Workers' Compensation Deadline Under the Massachusetts personal injury statute of limitations, M.G.L. [c. 260, § 2A](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleV/Chapter260/Section2a), a third-party construction accident lawsuit generally must be filed within three years. This deadline applies when a contractor, property owner, driver, or equipment company caused or contributed to the injury. - Third-Party Lawsuit Deadline Specific facts can change how these deadlines apply, so the safest course is to speak with a construction accident lawyer in Boston as soon as possible. The sooner a construction accident lawyer Boston workers trust gets involved, the more evidence you can preserve. ## What to Do After a Construction Accident in Boston The steps you take in the first hours and days can protect both your health and your claim: 1. Get medical care immediately and tell the provider it was a work injury. 2. Report the accident to your employer and ask for a written incident report. 3. Photograph the scene, the equipment, and your injuries if you are able. 4. Write down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses before crews scatter. 5. Keep your pay stubs, medical bills, and any texts from supervisors. 6. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurer before speaking with a lawyer. 7. Contact a Boston construction accident lawyer as soon as possible to preserve the evidence and identify every responsible party. ## One Job Site Injury Can Involve More Than One Claim As a Boston construction accident lawyer with over 30 years of experience, Attorney John J. Sheehan finds every source of compensation you are owed, with no fee unless we win. [Free Consultation](https://attorneysheehan.com/contact-us) ## Featured Reviews [More Client Testimonials](https://attorneysheehan.com/testimonials) ## Why Construction Workers Choose Attorney John J. Sheehan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muGRHv7iGzY Why Choose Us ### 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. [More About Us](https://attorneysheehan.com/about-us) { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "VideoObject", "description": "https://attorneysheehan.com/\\n\\nAttorney John Sheehan is a Boston, Massachusetts workers compensation and personal injury lawyer who has dedicated his career to fighting for injured workers and accident victims in Massachusetts since 1993. Se Habla Español.\\n\\nAttorney Sheehan handles:\\n\\n• Workers Compensation Claims\\n• Construction Accident Claims\\n• Car Accident Claims\\n\\nIn this video, Boston Workers Comp Lawyer & Boston Car Accident Lawyer John Sheehan explains why is passionate about fighting on behalf of injured workers and car accident victims in Massachusetts.\\n\\nSInce 1993, Attorney Sheehan has helped thousands of people who have suffered injuries as a result of a work accident, car accident and construction accident in Massachusetts. \\n\\nIf you have any question regarding your Massachusetts workers comp or car accident personal injury claim, visit Attorney Sheehan's website for important and helpful information. If you'd like to contact Attorney Sheehan directly, send him an email or call his office for a free, no obligation consultation. \\n\\nLaw Office of John J. Sheehan, LLC\\n10 Tremont St, Suite 309\\nBoston, MA 02108\\n716-973-1593\\n\\nLaw Office of John J. Sheehan, LLC\\n607 North Ave., Suite 2A-12\\nWakefield, MA 01880\\n781-242-4100\\n\\ninfo@attorneysheehan.com\\n\\nDISCLAIMER: The information contained in this video does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by watching this video. \\n\\n#AttorneySheehan #BostonWorkersCompLawyer #BostonCarAccidentLawyer", "duration": "PT140S", "embedUrl": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/muGRHv7iGzY", "name": "Attorney John Sheehan | Boston Workers Comp Lawyer & Boston Car Accident Lawyer", "thumbnailUrl": [ "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/muGRHv7iGzY/maxresdefault.jpg" ], "uploadDate": "2018-10-17T12:42:01-07:00", "@id": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muGRHv7iGzY", "interactionStatistic": [ { "@type": "InteractionCounter", "interactionType": "https://schema.org/WatchAction", "userInteractionCount": "974" }, { "@type": "InteractionCounter", "interactionType": "https://schema.org/LikeAction", "userInteractionCount": "7" } ], "genre": "Education", "author": "Boston Workers Comp & Personal Injury Lawyer" } ## 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. From day one, our skilled Boston construction accident lawyer manages the paperwork, the insurers, and the investigation. 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. - Free Confidential Consultation 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. - Immediate Case Protection 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. - Comprehensive Investigation 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. - Medical Care Coordination 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. - Insurance Claim Management 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. - Aggressive Settlement Negotiation 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. His courtroom experience often motivates insurers to offer better settlements. - Trial Preparation (When Necessary) 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. - Maximum Recovery ## 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](https://attorneysheehan.com/about-us/john-j-sheehan) ## Serving Construction Workers Throughout Boston and Massachusetts - Lawrence - /lawrence - Methuen - Haverhill - Lynn - /lynn - Chelsea - /chelsea - Revere - Everett - /everett - Malden - /malden [More Cities We Cover](https://attorneysheehan.com/areas-we-serve) - Wakefield Office - Law Office of John J. Sheehan, LLC
607 North, Ave, Suite 2A-12
Wakefield, MA 01880 - https://maps.app.goo.gl/NUPVcyWKsJTdaFmS7 - Boston Office - Law Office of John J. Sheehan, LLC
 10 Tremont St. Suite 309 Boston, MA 02108 - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZJScxjs87sYejC2K7 ## Frequently Asked Questions About Boston Construction Accidents **Yes, and it will not affect your status.** Massachusetts law protects workers' compensation and personal injury rights regardless of immigration status, and since 2003, Massachusetts courts have affirmed that undocumented workers are entitled to the same benefits as U.S. citizens. Filing is a civil matter with no immigration consequences, and employer retaliation, including any threat to report you to ICE, is illegal. Attorney John J. Sheehan handles every case confidentially and does not share client information with immigration authorities. - Can undocumented workers file a claim, and will it affect their immigration status? Workers' compensation is a no-fault program that covers medical expenses and partial lost wages, but it cannot pay for pain and suffering, and you generally cannot sue your direct employer. A third-party claim is a personal injury lawsuit against someone other than your employer, such as a general contractor, subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer whose negligence contributed to your accident, and it can recover full lost wages and pain and suffering. **You can pursue both at the same time**, so workers' comp covers your immediate medical needs while Attorney Sheehan builds the larger third-party case. - What's the difference between workers' compensation and third-party claims, and can I pursue both? Attorney John J. Sheehan is personally fluent in Spanish and speaks directly with Spanish-speaking clients. Unlike firms where only receptionists speak Spanish, Attorney Sheehan provides attorney-level bilingual representation with no need for interpreters. - Does Attorney Sheehan actually speak Spanish, or is it just his staff? Initial consultation is completely free. Attorney Sheehan works on contingency for construction accident cases, so you pay nothing unless he recovers compensation. There are no upfront costs or hourly fees, and payment comes only from settlements or verdicts we secure. - How much does it cost to hire Attorney Sheehan? Massachusetts follows "modified comparative negligence" rules. You can recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault, though your award is reduced by your share of fault. Even if you made mistakes, you may still have valid claims. - What if I were partially at fault for my accident? 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. - My accident was weeks ago. Am I too late to file a claim? 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, receive benefits through the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Trust Fund (WCTF), or, in some cases, recover through another contractor that hired your employer. If another contractor's negligence caused the accident, you can pursue third-party claims. Attorney Sheehan identifies all available compensation sources. - What if my employer doesn't have workers' compensation insurance? 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. - Will I have to go to court? ## Get Your Free Consultation with Attorney John J. Sheehan Don't let insurance companies take advantage of you. You need an experienced Boston construction accident attorney who understands your language, your culture, and your rights. --- Law Office of John J. Sheehan — [https://attorneysheehan.com/boston-construction-accident-lawyer](https://attorneysheehan.com/boston-construction-accident-lawyer)