Bronx Scaffolding Injury Law Firm Helps Injured Workers

Construction accident attorneys represent those hurt on New York job sites

In a city like New York where tall buildings abound, scaffolding, ladders and other devices are used to help construction workers reach great heights or descend to great depths. Because of the inherent danger involved in using scaffolding, New York State has taken strong measures to encourage contractors to keep their equipment in good condition and safeguard workers. The Bronx work site injury lawyers at the firm of James Newman, P.C. work hard to help injured construction workers get justice after gravity-related injuries.

Understanding New York’s scaffold law

New York’s scaffold law, Labor Law 240, protects workers who are injured on scaffolding, ladders and other devices intended to help workers ascend or descend.  It covers workers who are performing work necessary or incidental to a building’s construction or repair. The law requires measures to be taken to ensure the safety and proper use of scaffolding devices. If unsafe equipment or procedures lead to a worker’s injuries, the employer is liable. As long as the employer or contractor is at fault in some way, your own fault will not reduce the damages you receive. We help injured workers hold contractors liable.

Specific protections under the scaffold law

The scaffold law applies to a variety of devices used on construction sites, including:

• Blocks
• Braces
• Hangers
• Hoists
• Irons
• Ladders
• Pulleys
• Ropes
• Scaffolding
• Stays

An employer is required to construct, operate and place these devices in a way that protects workers. Workers seek relief under this law when they suffer falls due to broken guardrails, missing guardrails or broken ladders. Additionally, injuries caused by falling objects are covered by this statute when the fall is caused by a device regulated under the law. Injuries occurring due to problems with elevators and catwalks may also be covered. It is important to understand that these protections only apply to the building, demolition, repair, painting or cleaning of a structure. Routine maintenance is not covered. Our construction accident attorneys help workers prove that their work activity was included in a protected category.

Injuries and compensation after a construction site fall

Workers who fall from a height can sustain broken bones, spinal injuries, and head injuries. Neck injuries and brain trauma are also common. Internal injuries can occur whenever workers land on an object or uneven surface. Extreme injuries often lead to a wrongful death claim. Because scaffold injuries can be serious and the payout in court can be extremely high, most employers opt to settle these cases. Our attorneys pursue the largest possible settlement awards for our clients to compensate them for medical costs, physical therapy, lost wages, and diminished earning potential. We also seek damages for your pain and suffering.

Contact an experienced Bronx scaffold law attorney for help after a construction accident

If you have been hurt on a construction site due to a broken scaffold or ladder, you have special rights under New York law. The construction site injury attorneys at the Bronx law firm of James Newman, P.C. have experience helping injured workers and their families. For a free initial consultation, contact us online or call us at 718-823-3122.