A serious leg injury can take you off your feet for weeks, months, or longer. For Queens workers who depend on their ability to move, stand, and stay active on the job, this kind of injury carries real consequences, both physically and financially. At Bangel, Cohen & Falconetti, we represent Queens workers who’ve been hurt on the job, including those who’ve suffered leg injuries at construction sites, warehouses, and worksites across the borough. Here’s what you should know about your rights.
How Leg Injuries Occur on Job Sites
Queens has a high concentration of industries where leg injuries happen regularly, including construction, manufacturing, transportation, and service work. Leg injuries at work commonly result from:
- Falls from ladders, platforms, or uneven ground
- Getting struck by a vehicle in a parking lot or loading area
- Being hit by falling objects or heavy machinery
- Caught-in accidents where the leg is pinned or compressed
- Slip and fall incidents on wet, cluttered, or poorly maintained floors
Types of Leg Injuries That Qualify for Workers’ Comp
Leg injuries range from painful but manageable to permanently disabling. Injuries covered under workers’ comp include:
- Femur fractures, which are among the most serious
- Tibia and fibula breaks that may require surgery and hardware
- Deep lacerations and significant soft tissue damage
- Crush injuries from heavy equipment or falling loads
- Nerve damage causing lasting weakness or numbness in the limb
The Financial Impact of a Serious Leg Injury
Missing work because of a leg injury is only part of the financial hit. You may also face surgery costs, physical therapy bills, medication expenses, follow-up imaging bills, and the cost of any assistive devices. If your injury leads to a permanent disability, the long-term economic impact can be even greater. Some leg injuries require multiple surgeries or result in chronic pain that limits the type of work you can do going forward. When that happens, your lost earning capacity becomes just as important as your immediate medical costs, and both need to be properly accounted for in your claim.
New York’s workers’ comp system is designed to help with these costs. Under NY WCL § 13, your employer’s insurer must cover necessary medical care. Additionally, under NY WCL § 15, you may be entitled to wage replacement benefits while you recover.
Your Workers’ Comp Rights Under New York Law
Under New York Workers’ Compensation Law § 10, workers injured on the job are entitled to benefits regardless of fault. If a coworker’s mistake, a defective tool, or an unsafe work environment caused your leg injury, you still have a valid claim.
If the injury happened at a construction site, New York Labor Law § 240 may also apply, holding property owners and contractors strictly liable for gravity-related injuries.
Getting Back on Your Feet with Legal Support
Recovering from a leg injury is hard enough without fighting an insurance company at the same time. Our firm handles the legal side so you can focus on healing. We work to make sure your medical costs, lost wages, and any permanent disability benefits are properly pursued. Queens workers deserve more than a lowball settlement after a serious injury.
Call 718-446-4400 or contact us online to schedule your free workers’ comp leg injury consultation today.
