Representing Brooklyn Workers Injured in Scaffolding Accidents
Scaffolds are temporary structures, built on construction sites to give workers the elevation and access they need to do their jobs. An estimated 2.3 million construction workers in the U.S. work on scaffolds frequently, as stated by OSHA. Scaffold related accidents are responsible for 4,500 injuries and 50 deaths every year. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a Brooklyn scaffolding accident, speak with an experienced Brooklyn personal injury lawyer by calling (212) 986-7353 as soon as possible.
How Do Most Scaffolding Accidents Occur?
Scaffolding incidents that cause injury or death to workers have the following common causes, all of which could be avoided by complying with safety standards, according to OSHA:
- Planking or support giving way
- Workers slipping
- Absence of fall protection
- Workers being struck by falling objects
On construction sites, scaffolding may be assembled incorrectly or built without guards or handrails. It may not be stabilized and secured or tested adequately before it is used. Contractors and property owners may fail to maintain scaffolding in good condition. All of the above can lead to serious accidents and injuries.
What Types of Injuries Do Scaffolding Accidents Cause?
Particularly at extreme heights, falls from scaffolding can be catastrophic or fatal. Common scaffolding accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Neck, back, and spine injuries
- Arm and elbow injuries
- Bone fractures
- Dislocations
- Internal organ damage
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Severe lacerations and puncture wounds
- Death
How Is Liability Determined in Brooklyn Scaffolding Accidents?
Liability for a scaffolding accident on a construction site can depend on the particular circumstances. Construction workers injured on the job in New York are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. In addition, workers injured through negligence may be entitled to recover damages from responsible parties. New York labor laws contain provisions that protect construction workers injured in scaffolding accidents at Chapter 31, Article 7, Section 200, Section 240, and Section 241(6).
Our Brooklyn scaffolding accident attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation of your accident, working with experts as needed, to determine what caused your accident and injuries and who is liable. We can tell you if you have a case against a negligent third party, in addition to workers’ comp, and what damages you may be entitled to claim.
What Types of Compensation Are Available for Scaffolding Accident Injuries?
After a serious scaffolding accident on a construction site, workers compensation will cover your related medical expenses and reimburse you for a portion of your lost wages while you are recovering. You may also qualify for partial or total permanent disability benefits. If your accident was caused by the negligence of a third party, such as a contractor, subcontractor, property owner, or equipment or tools manufacturer, you may have a claim for damages that may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, diminished quality of life, loss of consortium, and other noneconomic losses not covered by workers’ comp.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Serious Brooklyn Scaffolding Accident?
Catastrophic injuries sustained in a construction site scaffolding accident can have life-altering consequences for you and your family. Your best chance of recovering the maximum compensation available is to have an experienced Brooklyn personal injury attorney by your side.
At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, we bring experience, compassion, and results. We strongly believe in investing in our clients’ cases to get them the best possible outcomes. Our firm has recovered more than $1 billion in settlements and awards for our clients. If you have been seriously injured in a scaffolding accident caused by negligence, call our Brooklyn construction site accident attorneys today at (212) 986-7353.