Sullivan Papain Secures $1.7 Million Labor Law Settlement for Construction Foreman Injured in Roof Truss Collapse
Sullivan Papain is proud to announce that firm member John F. Nash secured a $1,700,000 settlement on behalf of a construction foreman who suffered serious injuries when roof trusses collapsed during a library reconstruction project in Mastic Beach, New York.
The plaintiff was serving as the general foreman on the construction site during the early stages of the library’s reconstruction. Prior to the incident, a series of roof trusses had been installed as part of the framework for the building’s future second floor. According to the claims in the case, the trusses were not properly braced, creating an unsafe condition that ultimately led to their collapse.
On the day of the accident, the plaintiff was at ground level gathering debris before leaving the site when he became aware that the roof trusses were collapsing. As the structure gave way, he attempted to jump out of the path of the falling trusses, landing forcefully on the ground and striking his head. Moments later, one of the collapsing trusses struck him, causing significant injuries to both of his wrists and both of his knees.
The injuries required extensive medical treatment over the following years. The plaintiff ultimately underwent five surgeries, including multiple procedures to repair damaged ligaments in his wrists and knees. Despite these efforts, he has been left with lasting physical limitations.
The plaintiff was 58 years old at the time of the accident and 63 years old when the case was resolved. Married with grown children, he has been unable to return to work as a result of the injuries he sustained in the incident.
The lawsuit alleged violations of New York’s Labor Law arising from the unsafe conditions on the construction site, including the failure to properly secure and brace the roof trusses before work was performed beneath and around them. The case highlighted the importance of maintaining appropriate safety measures to protect workers from preventable construction-related hazards.
With jury selection scheduled to begin on July 15, 2026, the parties reached a $1.7 million settlement prior to trial.
Learn More About Firm Member John F. Nash
A veteran of the Nassau and Suffolk trial courts, John F. Nash has built a lengthy and distinguished career as a highly respected litigator across several practice areas. He has helped build Sullivan Papain into one of Long Island’s premier personal injury firms. Mr. Nash has recovered a series of substantial verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients in the areas of product liability, premises and motor vehicle negligence.
Read more about Firm Member John F. Nash here.