New York Scaffold Accident

Scaffolding work is extremely dangerous. Construction workers operate heavy machinery high above the ground, with zero room for error. One simple mistake can have disastrous consequences resulting in a scaffolding accident. While safety should always be the number one priority at a job site, unfortunately this is not always the case. With many workers each performing so many different activities, it can sometimes look like organized chaos. Time pressures to complete projects create the temptation to cut corners, even with safety practices. The injuries sustained from a scaffolding accident can be anything from a broken bone to something much more serious such as a spinal injury. Falls from these accidents can result in quadriplegia, or even death. If you have been injured in a scaffolding accident or have been injured in a construction accident, contact a New York scaffolding accident lawyer from Stephen Bilkis and Associates for advice. You deserve to be compensated for your injuries.

With the safety of construction workers in mind, New York Labor Law Section 240 was created. This is referred to as the “scaffold law.” This law places absolute liability on commercial property owners and general contractors if a worker is injured in a scaffolding accident. Under this law, commercial property owners and contractors who perform construction work or physical alterations to a property are under a duty to exercise care so that workers are protected from gravity related incidents. This includes falls from scaffolding, but can also include things falling on them. If a worker is injured and did not have the proper protection, the commercial property owner and the general contractor are liable.

During construction projects, everyone is under immense time pressure to complete the project. There is also a strong incentive to get the job done as cheaply as possible. Cutting corners on safety equipment and practices is always a temptation because it can save time and money.

Even with safety measures in place, a scaffolding accident can still happen. Job sites are inherently dangerous. Often these accidents are serious, life changing and sometimes even fatal. Often when a worker becomes injured, they are advised by their employer to file a workers compensation claim. While workers compensation does offer some compensation, it may not be adequate to deal with long term or permanent disabilities, medical bills, loss of income and pain and suffering. If it can be proven that third party negligence contributed to your accident, you may be able to pursue an action against other third parties such as the property owner and general contractor. It is important to speak with our legal team promptly to ensure that your interests are protected.

Injuries often seen in relation to a scaffolding accident are usually serious and can involve:

• Traumatic head injury
• Spinal injury
• Broken bones
• Quadriplegia
• Paraplegia

If you have been in a scaffolding accident and have sustained a head injury, or if you are suffering from paralysis or paraplegia as a result of the negligence of another, contact our office. You deserve to be compensated for your pain and suffering, lost income and more. We will offer you a free consultation with your first appointment. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, or have suffered injuries from a premises liability issue we can guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you deserve. We have office locations throughout the New York City area including: Queens, the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. We also have office locations in Suffolk County as well as Nassau County on Long Island, and Westchester County. Call us today for an appointment at 800.696.9529.