Every day that they report to a New York City construction site, construction workers put their lives at risk. The chance of suffering an injury is even more pronounced when construction workers are on a scaffold. Injuries can easily be caused if scaffolding is not properly erected, is in poor condition, or when scaffolding can’t hold the weight of a worker and their tools. Falls from scaffolding are the leading cause of injury and death at New York construction sites.
Common Causes of New York Scaffolding Accidents
Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP has helped many injured New York construction workers secure a financial settlement after a scaffolding accident. We can help you get the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Here are the most common causes of New York scaffolding accidents:
• Improper scaffold construction: One of the easiest ways to ensure scaffolding safety is to be sure the scaffolding is properly constructed. All scaffolds must include hand and guide rails for workers, as well as open sides and ends.
• Scaffolding not properly inspected: Legally, all scaffolding needs to be inspected by a specially-trained construction worker who knows proper scaffolding construction technique. An inspection by a trained scaffolding worker can help other workers avoid scaffolding that can’t support the weight of the worker and their tools, slippery surfaces, or objects workers might trip over.
• Falling objects: Many injuries on construction sites are caused by objects like tools or pieces of building materials being dropped. An item dropped from a scaffold can cause severe–even fatal–injuries to people below.
New York Scaffolding Law
The State of New York recognizes the specific dangers that scaffolds cause on construction sites. Under New York Labor Law Section 240, there are several parties legally responsible for scaffolding safety, including building owners and contractors. The New York scaffolding law makes it possible for people injured in scaffold-related accidents to bring civil actions against the parties responsible for their injuries. The law also allows surviving family members of workers killed in scaffold-related accidents to file a wrongful death claim.
Contact an Experienced New York Scaffolding Injury Attorney
Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP has helped many New York construction workers injured in scaffold-related accidents. You can reach us today at (212) 986-7353.