When a serious construction accident throws your life off track, it’s not just about the initial injury. It’s about the medical bills piling up, the lost wages, and the mountain of uncertainty about your future. For many injured construction workers and their families, dealing with multiple insurance systems can quickly feel impossible. These construction accident lawyer Long Island results show how having the right legal team can make a meaningful difference when multiple claims must be handled at the same time.
At Miller & Caggiano, we get it. We know that a construction accident often means you’re facing more than just one legal battle. In fact, many injured workers need help with workers’ compensation benefits, a personal injury lawsuit, Union Disability Pension and Social Security Disability benefits all at the same time.
This case result shows exactly how our team brought all those pieces together for one injured construction worker, helping them get back on their feet financially after a truly devastating fall. It’s a real story of full recovery.
The Construction Site Accident
Our client was a 51 year old Union Sheet metal worker who was injured when the metal duct that he was installing fell on his head, leading to multiple surgeries and a traumatic brain injury. The injuries were so bad that he couldn’t go back to work, creating long-term physical and financial struggles.
Before finding us, he had actually been represented for 10 months by another law firm. . But he became frustrated with the lack of communication, their failure to assist in securing authorization for medical care, and his weekly monetary benefits being unilaterally reduced by the workers’ compensation carrier with no explanation.
After discussing his dissatisfaction with a family member, he was referred to one of the partners, Todd Miller Esq., for a free consultation. Immediately after the consultation, he made the decision to transfer both his workers’ compensation case and personal injury claim to Miller & Caggiano. In addition we immediately identified that his prior attorneys failed to encourage our client to file a claim for Social Security Disability benefits along with a Union Disability Pension.
From that moment on, our firm made sure that our client was properly pursuing every possible legal remedy.
Handling Four Separate Claims Under One Roof
Construction accident cases are almost always more complicated than people realize. Many injured workers simply don’t know that they might have different types of claims happening all at once, each with its own set of rules, deadlines, and insurance companies.
In this case, Miller & Caggiano handled everything:
- The workers’ compensation claim
- The personal injury lawsuit
- The Social Security Disability claim
- Union Disability Pension
By managing all four claims together, we made sure the legal strategy was perfectly coordinated from day one until the very end.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
After his accident, he needed ongoing medical care and was unable to continue working in any capacity. .
The workers’ compensation part of this case focused on securing benefits to help cover his medical treatment and replace some of his wages while his other disability matters were pending.
Over the course of the case, he received approximately $200,000 to $250,000 in workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers’ compensation benefits are absolutely crucial after a serious job-related injury, but they’re often just one part of the financial recovery puzzle.
Personal Injury Recovery
Beyond the workers’ compensation claim, Miller & Caggiano also pursued a personal injury case related to the construction site injuries..
New York construction accident cases can involve claims against property owners, contractors, or other third parties when safety failures lead to an injury. Often, injured workers have rights under New York Labor Laws that go beyond just workers’ compensation.
The issue we had to address in this particular case was whether the duct in question, which the worker had previously installed, was a permanent fixture, which would have made the case not actionable. We researched the issue prior to commencing discovery in suit, retained the proper construction expert, and then positioned the case according to the law and the facts. Using the pre-determined strategy, we were able to win summary judgment on Labor Law Section 240(1), also known as the Scaffold Law, so that the issue of liability was awarded to Plaintiff by the Court. Further, we aggressively pursued the traumatic brain injury aspect of the case, by utilizing Alpha 3T MRI imaging of the brain, and retaining experts to explain the radiological findings.
As a result of careful and early planning, we were able to obtain a settlement of $7.5 million in the worker’s favor.
This outcome was the biggest financial component of his recovery, truly reflecting the severe nature of his injuries.
Social Security Disability Benefits Approved
Because his injuries prevented him from ever returning to work, our firm also handled his Social Security Disability claim.
Ultimately, he was approved for SSD (Social Security Disability) benefits, providing him with vital long-term financial support. Securing the Social Security Disability also automatically entitled our client to a Union Disability Pension.
Many injured workers don’t realize that a serious construction accident can impact so many areas of their financial future all at once. Getting these claims coordinated properly can prevent unnecessary delays, conflicts, or even missed opportunities for recovery.
A Long-Term Commitment to Our Client
This entire case took about five and a half years from start to finish.
Throughout that time, Miller & Caggiano managed the complex legal process across multiple systems, always fighting for our client’s long-term best interests.
Serious construction accident cases are rarely quick fixes. They often require ongoing legal work, detailed medical documentation, negotiations, hearings, and seamless coordination between different benefit systems.
For an injured worker, having one legal team oversee the entire process can make all the difference in the world.
Why This Case Matters
This result truly highlights an important truth about serious construction accidents in New York.
One injury can lead to more than one claim. While workers’ compensation helps with immediate support, it might not fully cover the long-term financial impact of a catastrophic injury. In situations like this, additional personal injury and disability claims become critical.
At Miller & Caggiano, our attorneys help injured construction workers understand every single legal option available to them after a serious accident. We are committed to getting you the full recovery you deserve.
Speak With a Construction Accident Lawyer on Long Island
If you were injured in a construction accident in New York, it’s vital to understand every type of claim that might be available to you.
The legal team at Miller & Caggiano handles workers’ compensation, personal injury, Social Security Disability, and all related claims tied to serious workplace injuries.
To talk about your specific situation with an experienced construction accident lawyer in Long Island, contact us today for a consultation.