New York is constantly buzzing with construction. Throughout the city, workers depend on ladders to get the job done. However, ladder accidents are among the most frequent causes of injuries and fatalities on New York City construction sites. Falls from a great distance may cause death or serious injury. However, even a relatively minor fall can result in permanent disability
A New York construction accident attorney at Friedman. Levy. Goldfarb & Green, P. C. will protect your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Ladder accident causes
Reasons for ladder accidents can include:
- Missing rungs or steps
- Breaks repaired with tape or other quick fixes
- Splinters or loose screws on rungs
- Uneven ground use
- Uneven ladder surface due to dirt or other materials
- Electrocution if used near electrical equipment
- Use of ladder to create a makeshift bridge
Common types of ladder accidents
Falls are the most common types of accidents. Contributing factors include—ladders that are too short for the worker to safely perform their work, causing the need to stretch. In addition, extension ladders require securing against a structure.
Other common types of ladder accidents include:
- Falling objects–Objects placed on a ladder that fall and injure someone are considered ladder accidents.
- Improper ladder use–Ladders have weight and height limits. Workers issued the wrong type of ladder are often hurt when used incorrectly.
- Tipping ladders–Instability for a variety of reasons can cause the ladder to tip over.
Common injuries from ladder accidents
New York City ladder accidents are often serious. Many prove deadly. Some of the most common injuries resulting from such accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Facial injuries or disfigurement
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Paralysis
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Who is liable for a ladder accident in New York City?
Because the accident occurred on a construction site, most ladder injuries are subject to workers’ compensation laws. That limits the ability of the injured party to sue. However, there are circumstances under which injured parties may file a personal injury lawsuit. That occurs when a third party is liable for the accident due to negligence or recklessness.
New York City law makes it clear that construction workers must receive ladders that are safe. The law also states that the owner and general contractor must ensure that defective ladders are not used. Unfortunately, that law is often ignored by those responsible for ensuring the safety of their workers. Under threat of firing or other consequences, workers may find themselves forced to use them.
There are many different types of ladders found on construction sites. They all have their specific uses and safety protocols. Workers are required to receive instruction or training on their use. Failure in this regard can lead to liability. New York City labor laws provide additional cover to construction work performed at elevated heights. An employer using defective equipment may face negligence allegations in a personal injury lawsuit.
Other situations that fall outside workers’ compensation include a property owner being held liable if they failed to warn about unsafe conditions and a ladder accident occurred due to these conditions. In addition, liability may fall on the manufacturer if it is defective. Also, while an injured worker may not be able to sue an employer because of workers’ compensation laws, that is not the case if an independent contractor working on the site caused the accident.
Potential compensation available
Potential damages or compensation for a ladder accident in New York City may include:
- Medical expenses, current, and future
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
Why it is important to hire a lawyer
A victim of a ladder accident should hire a personal injury lawyer specializing in construction accidents as soon as possible. Without a prompt investigation, critical evidence may disappear. If you were seriously injured on the job in the Bronx or elsewhere in New York City, you need time to recover while your Bronx ladder injury attorney pursues your claim.
Contact a New York City Ladder Accident Lawyer
If you were seriously injured in a New York City construction site fall accident, you need the services of the dedicated construction accident lawyers at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green. If a family member was killed in a New York City construction site accident, we could help you file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Schedule an appointment for a free consultation. After reviewing your claim, we will discuss your options. Because we work on a contingency basis, there is no fee unless you receive compensation. Hablamos Español.
