White Plains Work Accident Lawyers | Billy Cooper Law

Representing Injured Workers in White Plains, Peekskill, Westchester County, the Bronx, Rockland County & NYC

A work accident can change everything in a single moment. One misstep on a construction site, one defective piece of equipment, one negligent subcontractor—and suddenly you’re facing injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and uncertainty about your future.

At Billy Cooper Law, we represent injured workers across New York, including White Plains, Peekskill, Westchester County, the Bronx, Rockland County, and New York City. We fight for workers who’ve suffered serious on-the-job injuries—including those whose claims involve third-party negligence, unsafe job sites, and vulnerable categories of workers like day laborers and undocumented employees.

If you were hurt at work, you may be entitled to far more than workers’ compensation. Our firm helps injured workers recover the full compensation they deserve.

Injured workers face an uphill battle. Workers’ compensation provides limited benefits, and employers and insurance companies have every incentive to minimize what they pay. At Billy Cooper Law, we’ve spent decades fighting for workers who deserve more than the system wants to give them.

Founding partner Marvin A. Cooper brings over 50 years of experience representing injured New Yorkers. His involvement in drafting Article 51 of the New York Insurance Law in 1973—the No Fault system—demonstrates his deep understanding of how insurance and liability law intersect. That knowledge is essential in work accident cases where multiple sources of recovery may be available.

Lead trial counsel William H. Cooper, recognized by Super Lawyers in 2024 and 2025 and honored as a CLE presenter at the New York State Bar Association, has secured over $41 million in verdicts and settlements. His willingness to take cases to trial ensures that negligent contractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers take our clients’ claims seriously.

When your livelihood is on the line, you need attorneys who understand both the workers’ compensation system and the civil justice system—and who know how to maximize recovery through both.

Understanding Work Accident Claims In New York

Workplace injuries happen in every industry, but they’re especially common in:

• Construction and demolition
• Warehousing and distribution centers
• Manufacturing and industrial facilities
• Landscaping and outdoor labor
• Hospitality, cleaning, and property maintenance
• Delivery, trucking, and transportation

Many injured workers think their only option is workers’ compensation. But depending on how the accident occurred, you may also have a third-party claim—a separate lawsuit that can provide compensation workers’ comp does not cover, including pain and suffering and long-term damages.

At Billy Cooper Law, we evaluate every angle of your case so you recover everything the law allows.

Types of Work Accident Cases We Handle

We represent injured workers in a wide range of cases, including:

• Third-party injury claims (contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, negligent drivers)
• Construction accidents
• Scaffold and ladder falls
• Defective or dangerous equipment
• Unsafe premises or job sites
• Day laborer injuries
• Undocumented worker injuries
• Industrial accidents
• Warehouse and delivery injuries
• Motor vehicle accidents while on the job

Whether you were working with your hands, behind the wheel, or on a job site, we’re here to fight for you.

Third-Party Injury Claims

Extra compensation beyond workers’ comp

Workers’ compensation covers medical bills and a portion of lost wages—but it does not compensate you for pain and suffering, future earning losses, reduced quality of life, or full economic damages.

A third-party lawsuit can.

Third-party claims arise when someone other than your employer caused or contributed to your injury. Common examples include:

Defective Equipment

If a tool, machine, vehicle, or safety device malfunctions, the manufacturer, distributor, or seller may be liable. Examples:

• Faulty power tools
• Defective ladders or scaffolds
• Machinery with missing safety guards
• Cranes, lifts, or vehicles that fail unexpectedly

When equipment fails, you may have both a work accident claim and a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

Negligent Contractors or Subcontractors

Construction sites are filled with multiple companies working side-by-side. If another contractor creates a hazard—improper scaffolding, unprotected edges, dropped materials, poor site oversight—they may be financially responsible.

Unsafe Premises

Property owners must maintain safe conditions for workers performing tasks on their premises. When they ignore hazards like:

• Poor lighting
• Slippery surfaces
• Hidden holes
• Unsafe stairways
• Unprotected openings

—they can be held accountable under premises liability law.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

If you were injured in a work-related crash caused by another driver—while making deliveries, driving between job sites, or operating company vehicles—you can pursue a third-party claim against the negligent driver.

Why Third-Party Claims Matter

Workers’ compensation is not enough for most injured workers. Third-party lawsuits can recover damages for:

• Pain and suffering
• Full lost wages and lost future earnings
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Future medical needs
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Our legal team investigates every accident aggressively to find all liable parties.

Our Approach To Third-Party Work Accident Claims

Thorough Investigation

We examine:

• Site conditions
• Safety protocols
• Equipment maintenance logs
• OSHA violation history
• Contracting relationships
• Witness statements
• Surveillance footage

We also determine whether multiple companies share liability.

Medical Collaboration

We work closely with your doctors to build a detailed picture of your injuries, your recovery timeline, and your long-term medical needs.

Aggressive Representation

Whether through negotiation or litigation, we push for maximum compensation—not just what workers’ comp offers, but full accountability under New York law.

Personalized Support

Work injuries are overwhelming. We guide you through every step, answer every question, and fight for your financial security.

Undocumented Worker Injuries

Your immigration status does NOT take away your rights.

Undocumented workers often face the most dangerous jobs—yet they’re the least likely to report injuries or demand justice. At Billy Cooper Law, we stand firmly with injured workers regardless of immigration status.

Your Rights As An Undocumented Worker

Under New York law and federal labor protections:

• You can receive workers’ compensation
• You can bring a third-party lawsuit
• You cannot be denied medical care
• Your employer cannot retaliate legally
• Your immigration status cannot be used against you in your injury claim

You have the same right to a safe workplace as every other worker.

Confidentiality And Safety

We maintain strict confidentiality. Your immigration status is protected throughout the legal process, and it does not determine your right to compensation.

Common Injuries Among Undocumented Workers

Undocumented workers are often exposed to:

• Scaffolding falls
• Trench collapses
• Heavy machinery accidents
• Electrical injuries
• Falls from roofs
• Toxic exposure
• Unsafe demolition sites

These injuries can result in catastrophic injuries that are life-altering—and you do not have to face the aftermath alone.

Our Approach To Undocumented Worker Cases

• Confidential consultations with no risk to your privacy
• Full investigation of unsafe working conditions
• Medical collaboration to document injuries
• Aggressive legal action to secure full compensation
• Connection to community organizations offering additional support

Your safety and recovery are our priority.

Day Laborer Injuries

Fighting for some of the most vulnerable workers in New York

Day laborers are essential to New York’s economy—yet they are often exposed to the worst conditions:

• Unsafe construction sites
• Lack of proper training
• No protective equipment
• Unregulated contractors
• Dangerous demolition or renovation jobs
• Heavy lifting with no assistance

Because many day laborers work without formal contracts, employers often deny responsibility or pressure them not to report injuries.

We don’t tolerate that.

Common Hazards For Day Laborers

• Falling debris or materials
• Roof or ladder falls
• Machinery accidents
• Electrical shocks
• Hazardous chemical exposure
• Crushed limbs or severe lacerations

Your Legal Rights As A Day Laborer

Regardless of work arrangement, day laborers enjoy legal protections:

• Right to a safe workplace
• Right to medical care
• Right to workers’ compensation (in most cases)
• Right to sue negligent third parties
• Protection against retaliation

Our Approach To Day Laborer Injury Cases

We ensure day laborers receive the same vigorous representation as any other worker:

• Full investigation into site safety and employer conduct
• Identification of all responsible contractors
• Collaboration with medical and vocational experts
• Aggressive pursuit of compensation
• Support throughout every phase of recovery

No worker should be left behind or ignored.

New York Construction Worker Protection Laws

New York has some of the strongest worker protection laws in the country. If you were injured on a construction site, specific statutes may significantly strengthen your case:

Labor Law § 240 (The Scaffold Law): This law holds property owners and general contractors strictly liable for gravity-related injuries—falls from heights, falling objects, and scaffold or ladder accidents. Under this statute, you don’t need to prove negligence; if the owner or contractor failed to provide proper safety devices and you were injured in a gravity-related accident, they’re liable.

Labor Law § 241(6): This section requires owners and contractors to provide reasonable and adequate protection for construction workers. Violations of specific Industrial Code regulations can establish liability.

Labor Law § 200: This codifies the common-law duty of property owners and general contractors to maintain safe work sites.

These laws exist because construction is inherently dangerous, and the parties who control job sites must be held accountable when they fail to protect workers. Our attorneys have extensive experience applying these statutes to secure maximum compensation for injured construction workers.

Why Choose Billy Cooper Law For Work Accident Cases?

Decades of Experience Fighting for Injured Workers

We’ve built strong cases against contractors, construction companies, manufacturers, negligent drivers, and building owners across New York.

Client-Centered Representation

You’ll work directly with attorneys who listen, communicate, and fight for the outcome your family needs.

Comprehensive Resources

We collaborate with:

• Medical specialists
• OSHA and workplace safety experts
• Engineers and accident reconstruction experts
• Economic and vocational loss professionals

We build powerful cases from day one.

Relentless Advocacy

Whether at the negotiating table or in court, we push for maximum compensation—not the lowball numbers insurance companies offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I sue my employer if I was injured at work?

A: In most cases, workers’ compensation is your exclusive remedy against your employer, meaning you cannot sue them directly. However, you can file a third-party lawsuit against other parties who contributed to your injury—such as property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or negligent drivers. These third-party claims can provide compensation for pain and suffering and other damages that workers’ comp doesn’t cover.

Q: What if my employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance?

A: New York law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer is uninsured, you can file a claim with the New York State Uninsured Employers Fund. You may also have additional legal options, including the ability to sue your employer directly. Contact our attorneys to discuss your specific situation.

Q: How long do I have to file a work injury claim?

A: For workers’ compensation, you must notify your employer within 30 days of the injury and file a claim within two years. For third-party lawsuits, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of injury. However, if your claim involves a wrongful death, different deadlines apply. Acting quickly preserves your rights and ensures critical evidence isn’t lost.

Q: What compensation can I receive beyond workers’ comp?

A: Third-party lawsuits can recover damages that workers’ compensation doesn’t provide, including: pain and suffering, full lost wages (workers’ comp only pays a portion), loss of enjoyment of life, future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, and in some cases, punitive damages. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and the extent of the third party’s negligence.

Q: I’m an undocumented worker. Can I still get compensation?

A: Yes. Your immigration status does not affect your right to workers’ compensation benefits or your ability to file a third-party lawsuit. New York law protects all workers regardless of immigration status. Your employer cannot legally retaliate against you for filing a claim, and your status cannot be used against you in your injury case. We maintain strict confidentiality in all consultations.

Q: What should I do immediately after a work injury?

A: First, seek medical attention—your health is the priority. Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible (within 30 days is required for workers’ comp). Document everything: take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any unsafe conditions. Get contact information from witnesses. Don’t give recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice. Then contact an experienced work accident attorney to evaluate your options.

Contact A White Plains Work Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one was injured on the job—whether on a construction site, in a warehouse, during a delivery, or on any work site in White Plains, Peekskill, or anywhere in the Hudson Valley or NYC—we’re ready to help.

Contact Billy Cooper Law for a free, confidential consultation.

We’ll explain your rights, investigate your case, and fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Let us handle the legal battle. You focus on healing.