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Boston Personal Injury Lawyer

Boston Attorney for Construction Site Falls

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Wins for Our Clients

$1.5 Million

Construction Site Accident

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.

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

Employee was caused to trip and fall at work on construction site.

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

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 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 and fell on ice at construction site.

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 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 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.

What You Need to Know About Construction Site Falls

Construction site falls are the #1 killer of Massachusetts construction workers, causing 37 deaths over five years, according to state data. Falls are preventable. When they happen, safety violations are usually to blame, giving you legal rights beyond workers' compensation.

Workers' compensation pays only 60% of wages plus medical bills. Third-party claims against general contractors, property owners, and equipment companies can recover full lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical costs, often resulting in settlements 5 to 10 times higher than workers' comp alone.

Massachusetts law requires general contractors to maintain safe work sites in accordance with OSHA regulations. This is a non-delegable duty. Even if a subcontractor caused your fall, the general contractor may be liable for failing to prevent it.

Act quickly after a construction site fall. Construction sites change daily, and evidence disappears. Document your fall with photos, if possible; report it in writing; seek immediate medical treatment; and contact our office. Attorney Sheehan handles the investigation, workers' comp paperwork, and third-party claims.

Types of Construction Site Falls We Handle

Attorney John J. Sheehan represents workers injured in all types of construction site falls:

Platform collapses, missing guardrails, improper assembly, or inadequate bracing causing workers to fall from height.
Defective ladders, improper setup, inadequate securing, or structural failures — the #1 cause of construction deaths for workers over 55.
Unguarded roof edges, inadequate fall protection, or structural collapses — the leading cause of construction deaths for workers under 44.
Unguarded holes, missing covers, inadequate barriers, or improperly marked openings in floors or platforms.
Cherry picker tip-overs, scissor lift failures, improper positioning, or mechanical malfunctions causing falls from elevated platforms.
Construction sites without proper guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems at building perimeters.

Ready to Fight for Full Compensation?

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Your Two Legal Pathways: Workers' Compensation AND Third-Party Claims

Why You Need Both Claims Working Together

Workers' Compensation	Third-Party Lawsuit
File against the employer's insurance	Sue general contractors, property owners, and equipment companies
Covers 60% of wages	Covers 100% of lost wages
Pays medical bills only	Pays medical bills PLUS pain and suffering
No fault required	Must prove safety violations or negligence
Faster process (weeks)	Longer process but much higher awards
You are guaranteed this	Attorney Sheehan investigates all third-party claims

Who Can Be Sued for Your Construction Site Fall:

General Contractors - Non-delegable duty to maintain safe worksites under OSHA
Property Owners - Must disclose hazards and maintain safe construction conditions
Subcontractors - Other trades whose work created fall hazards
Equipment Manufacturers - Defective ladders, scaffolding, harnesses, or aerial lifts
Equipment Rental Companies - Failed maintenance or improper equipment
Safety Equipment Companies - Defective fall protection systems or harnesses

The Legal Advantage: In Massachusetts, you can pursue BOTH claims simultaneously. Workers' compensation provides immediate income while Attorney Sheehan builds your third-party case for full compensation.

When OSHA Safety Rules Are Broken, Construction Workers Fall

OSHA's "Fatal Four" Construction Deaths:

Falls — 36.5% (the leading killer of construction workers)
Struck by Objects — 10.1%
Electrocutions — 8.6%
Caught-In/Between — 2.5%

Fall Protection Requirements Contractors Must Follow:

Guardrails Required: Work platforms 4+ feet above ground must have guardrails with mid-rails and toe-boards

Personal Fall Arrest Systems: Workers at 6+ feet must have safety harnesses with properly anchored lifelines

Floor Opening Protection: All openings must be guarded with covers or guardrails plus warning signs

Scaffolding Standards: Platforms must meet OSHA stability, railing, and access requirements

Ladder Safety Protocols: 3-point contact rule, proper angle setup, secure footing, and regular inspection

General Contractor's Non-Delegable Safety Duty

Under Massachusetts law and OSHA regulations, general contractors cannot delegate safety responsibility. Even if your direct employer failed to provide fall protection, the general contractor remains liable for maintaining a safe worksite. Since 1993, Attorney Sheehan has used OSHA violations as the foundation for third-party fall claims.

Recent Boston Construction Site Falls:

2024: Lynn construction worker fell through an unguarded floor opening, causing a traumatic brain injury
2023: East Boston scaffolding collapse injured three workers because the contractor failed to secure the staging
2022: Lawrence roofing fall killed a worker because a safety harness wasn’t provided

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Real Stories from real clients

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Why 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.

What Makes Attorney Sheehan Different

Attorney Sheehan's Construction Site Fall Investigation Process

Step
1
- Free consultation with Attorney Sheehan (in Spanish if preferred)
- Review your fall and explain all legal rights
- Begin preserving evidence before it disappears
Step
2
- Professional site inspection and photography
- Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
- File workers' compensation claim paperwork
- Request OSHA investigation reports
- Identify all potentially liable parties (general contractors, subcontractors, property owners)
Step
3
- Handle all insurance company communications
- Work with construction safety experts and engineers
- Coordinate medical treatment with injury doctors
- vNegotiate workers' compensation benefits
- Build a third-party lawsuit for full damages
Step
4
- Drive long distances in Boston area traffic (we offer in-home and video conference appointments)
- Pay legal fees upfront (contingency fee only)
- Handle complicated paperwork (we manage everything)
- Worry about language barriers (Attorney Sheehan speaks Spanish fluently)

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 Construction Site Fall Claims

No. Massachusetts law protects ALL construction workers regardless of immigration status. You cannot be deported for filing workers' compensation claims or lawsuits for construction site falls. Your documentation status is confidential and not shared with immigration authorities. Federal whistleblower laws prohibit retaliation for reporting workplace injuries.
Massachusetts uses comparative negligence - you can recover compensation even if partially at fault, as long as you're 50% or less comparatively negligent. Workers' compensation pays regardless of fault. Attorney Sheehan investigates all contributing factors to minimize your percentage of fault and maximize your recovery.
Case value depends on injury severity, lost wages, medical costs, and third-party liability. Workers' compensation typically covers 60% of wages plus medical bills. Third-party claims can recover 100% of lost wages, pain and suffering, and future costs, which are often 5 to 10 times higher than workers' comp alone.
Yes. Even if paid 'under the table,' you have full workers' compensation and third-party lawsuit rights. A cash payment doesn't eliminate an employer's or a contractor's responsibilities. Attorney Sheehan has successfully represented many workers in similar situations using alternative wage documentation.
Federal and Massachusetts law prohibit employers from retaliating against workers who report injuries. If you're fired in retaliation, you have additional legal claims. The Paz v. Tara Construction case resulted in a $650,000 jury verdict in Boston against a contractor for immigration retaliation.
Not directly. Massachusetts workers' compensation is your exclusive remedy against your direct employer. However, you can pursue third-party claims against general contractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, and other contractors whose negligence caused your fall.
Workers' compensation: 4 years from when you knew the injury was work-related. Third-party lawsuits: 3 years from the date of the fall. However, evidence at a construction site disappears quickly, so contact Attorney Sheehan immediately for the best results.
Attorney Sheehan investigates all responsible parties, including general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, and rental companies. Massachusetts law allows suing multiple defendants, and we pursue every negligent party to maximize total compensation.
No. Attorney Sheehan works on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. No upfront fees, no hourly charges, no consultation fees. Legal fees are a percentage of your settlement or verdict, and the firm advances all case costs.
Attorney Sheehan conducts all meetings, phone calls, and legal proceedings in Spanish when preferred. All documents can be provided in Spanish. You never need interpreters or translators when working with The Law Office of John J. Sheehan.
Yes, you can still pursue third-party claims for your construction site fall. Workers' compensation and third-party lawsuits are separate proceedings with different defendants. However, the workers' comp insurer may have a lien on third-party recovery that Attorney Sheehan negotiates.
Common defense tactic. Attorney Sheehan investigates each party's specific safety responsibilities and violations. Multiple parties can share liability for construction site falls. We pursue compensation from all negligent defendants, regardless of their attempts to shift blame.

Get Help Today! Your Consultation Is Free and Confidential.

Don't let a construction site fall destroy your family's future. When safety rules are broken and workers fall, those responsible must pay. Attorney John J. Sheehan fights for every dollar you and your family deserve.

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