New York Scaffolding Accident Lawyers

New York is a thriving place for business. Thus, New York City and some surrounding cities in the state have skyscrapers and high-rise buildings. Constructing these buildings requires the use of scaffolds. Scaffolds are essential, elevated platforms used to build tall and high rise buildings.

This makes scaffolding a crucial part of New York’s stunning and magnificent skylines. Scaffold platforms serve as a way for construction workers to reach heights that they ordinarily would not reach. Scaffolds are generally safer than ladders, providing a more stable and solid platform.

This stability is what allows construction workers to stand and do their work at elevated heights. Unfortunately, the rise in construction activities and the use of scaffolding has led to a higher number of scaffolding accidents in the State of New York. If you have been in a scaffolding accident, NYC personal injury law firm Hill & Moin LLP may be able to help.

Call us today at (212) 668-6000 to speak to a scaffold accident attorney and schedule a free case evaluation.

How New York Labor Laws Protect Workers

New York labor laws specifically protect construction workers who are injured in scaffolding accidents and enable construction workers to file compensation claims against responsible parties without any risk of discrimination.

This means that, with the assistance of a lawyer, you may ask for compensation for your accident from your employer without worrying that your employer may fire you or lay you off. The laws protect your rights, but many construction workers don’t know this.

Construction workers, particularly immigrant workers, have been known to take whatever their employers offer them as damages, even when it is clear that these workers need a lot more for their treatments.

Having a top-rated New York Scaffolding accident lawyer fighting for you and protecting your rights makes it easier for you to pursue the compensation you deserve without fear of retribution from the company or fear of deportation from the United States.

If you need to determine what your rights are, come talk to us at Hill & Moin LLP. Our highly experienced lawyers can help you with legal guidance and support.

Types of Scaffolding Accidents

Every year, 4500 construction workers are injured in scaffolding incidents. Additionally, 119 of these workers die from the injuries they sustained. With over 2 million workers using scaffolding every year, these statistics are worrisome.

The types of scaffolding used may contribute to these construction accidents. Some of the more common scaffolding types used in New York construction sites include:

• Tubular scaffolding – This type of scaffolding is made from steel materials and has been around for a long time
• Rolling scaffolding – This type is used for smaller-sized construction projects
• Systematic or modular scaffolding – This scaffolding, also made out of steel, comprises of horizontal and vertical interlocking bars that are arranged systematically; it is the more common scaffolding used in New York and throughout the country
• Bamboo or wood scaffolding – While this scaffold is not as popular as it once was, some New York City contractors still use it on construction sites
• Pole scaffolding – This is often used for lightweight construction activities like painting

As part of its efforts to protect construction workers, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) provides detailed guidelines that all construction employers need to follow. The guidelines are meant to be the standard in the industry and would minimize the number of scaffold accidents if always used. Unfortunately, some construction firms don’t adhere to safety measures.

What Are the Possible Injuries Caused by Scaffold Accidents in New York?

When construction companies refuse to follow safety protocols, the results are often anywhere from ghastly to fatal. These construction injuries include:

• Fall-related injuries
• Injuries caused by falling objects
• Slip- or trip-related injuries
• Injuries brought on by a collapsed scaffold

All of these injuries can be quite harmful and dangerous to the health and finance of the worker. The outcome of these injuries include:

• The wrongful death of a loved one
• Broken bones
• Permanent disability
• Traumatic brain injury or damage
• Paralysis caused by damaged spinal cord
• Severe bruises, punctures, or lacerations
• Amputation
• Disfigurement
• Temporary or permanent damage to an organ

For people who are lucky to be alive, every injury on this list may require major medical expenses, possibly years of rehabilitative physical therapy, and lifelong care. There is also the possibility of lost wages as well as the loss of the ability to earn an income.

For individuals who lose a loved one to the accident, this may result in financial ruin, particularly if the person who died is the family’s breadwinner. Whatever your situation, you need all the help you can get. You must contact a result-oriented New York personal injury lawyer who is highly experienced in scaffolding accident cases.

Scaffolding accident cases can become very complex. Unlike car accident cases that may sometimes be open-and-shut, there are often too many twists in scaffold accident cases for anyone to handle a claim alone.

If you or a loved one has suffered a scaffolding accident, you need to contact the experienced New York City-based personal injury law firm, Hill & Moin LLP.  Our top-rated law firm has trusted, compassionate attorneys with experience in scaffolding accidents. Don’t suffer in ignorance and fear. You have rights, and our network of attorneys will do all we can to help you secure those rights.

Call our law firm today at (212) 668-6000 to speak to a New York City construction accident lawyer free of charge

What Are the Causes of Scaffolding Accidents in New York (NY)?

What caused your accident? This is what we may need to determine when we take on your case. Understanding the cause of the accident is very crucial to the success of your case. We will use that knowledge to determine if your employer was careless or whether some other parties were negligent in their jobs.

The compensation from your NYC scaffold accident case is based on your scaffolding accident lawyer’s ability to prove that people who should have been careful were not; and that the actions of the at-fault party directly or indirectly resulted in your injuries.

The more specific causes of these accidents in New York include:

• Failing scaffold support gives way while the worker is standing on it
• Carelessness when moving and setting up the scaffold in another location
• Poorly designed scaffolding
• Poorly done scaffolding installation
• Heavy falling objects from above the scaffold or from the scaffold hitting workers or passersby
• Poorly maintained scaffolding without frequent safety inspections
• The scaffold was carrying too much weight
• Scaffold steel bars coming in contact with live wires and electrocuting the worker standing or touching the scaffold

According to OSHA regulations, the scaffold should be inspected for safety each time it is set up, moved, or reassembled in another location. The same applies to personal protective equipment and kits. If no safety inspections were carried out and people were hurt, the entities responsible for the oversight may be liable.

What are the Grounds for Filing a Scaffolding Accident Lawsuit?

If you were injured while using a scaffold or because you were in the area legally, that is enough reason to file a scaffold accident NYC suit against all responsible parties. However, in order to build a strong claim, your case must be thoroughly investigated.

When you work with our network of local scaffolding lawyers, we will address the following questions:

• Who was responsible for setting up the scaffold?
• Who designed the scaffold, and was the design accurate/optimal?
• Did an object fall on you, or did the object fall from the scaffold onto a bystander?
• Were there safety inspections performed every time the scaffold was set up and before the beginning of each shift?
• Were you under the influence of alcohol or any substances while you were on the scaffold?
• Were adequate safety measures like guardrails put in place?
• Were you issued personal protective equipment, and did you wear the equipment while you were on the scaffold?
• Was that the first time you were climbing scaffolding, or are you experienced?
• Who was the victim of the scaffold accident, and what was the person doing at the site?
• Was the victim legally on the site?
• Who employed the injured or deceased victim?

These are some of the questions that the courts, insurance companies, and other agencies may ask you when you file your compensation claim. It is important to answer these questions correctly, without implicating yourself. This is why you must have a very knowledgeable lawyer guiding you through the process, providing you with legal advice along the way, and negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf.

Don’t make the mistake of answering these questions or any others by yourself. Remember: Insurance companies are not on your side. They want to pay you as little as possible and move on. With the help of experienced and skilled lawyers, you may secure your future. When you work with Hill & Moin, we can advise you accordingly and fight to defend your rights.

What Should You Do Right After a Scaffolding Accident?

Your first step after a scaffolding accident depends on whether you are a worker or a passerby. Whatever the case, get immediate medical treatment if you are still conscious. Dial 911, tell the operator what happened and describe your location. This is often enough to get emergency services racing to the construction site.

It is imperative to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible as well. As a rule, do not talk to anyone about the case until you have spoken to our lawyers. Once you are stable, get in touch with our experienced scaffold accident lawyers at Hill & Moin LLP. Try to recount as many details of the incident as possible, including the witnesses who saw the accident happen.

Your lawyer can examine your case and work to identify all parties that may need to be sued, including third parties. From there, we may go after all involved parties and fight for your rights to get fair compensation. We work hard for our clients because we understand the impact that scaffold accidents can have on your life, your finances, your family, and your future.

Don’t wait to secure your future and that of your family. Our network of lawyers has helped many scaffolding accident clients in the State of New York.

Call Hill & Moin LLP today at (212) 668-6000 to schedule a free consultation with one of our construction accident attorneys and learn your Personal Injury Recovery SolutionsⓇ. Don’t wonder about your rights!