New York City Scaffold Accident Lawyer

New York City Scaffold Dangers: A Growing Crisis

On New York construction sites, workers depend on temporary scaffold structures, facing risks that increase as the city's construction boom surges. Preventable accidents can leave workers facing devastating injuries and an uncertain future.

These accidents affect workers across diverse environments, with the highest risk in the following jobs and tasks:

• High-rise building renovation, where aging structures and tight spaces complicate scaffold setup.
• Exterior maintenance work requiring suspended scaffolding systems at extreme heights.
• Window installation projects involving frequent scaffold repositioning.
• Bridge repair operations that expose workers to weather conditions and traffic vibrations.
• Industrial site construction where chemical exposure adds to existing risks.

The problem grows more severe as construction projects multiply across the five boroughs. 

Many general contractors rush scaffold assembly to meet tight deadlines, while property owners may delay critical maintenance of scaffold structures. Construction workers face these and other risks every day, especially on projects where safety is overlooked in favor of speed.

Types of Scaffolding Accidents We Handle

When scaffold structures fail, the results are often catastrophic. Our firm has helped workers injured in all types of scaffolding-related accidents on New York construction sites, including the following:

Each of these types of accidents requires thorough investigation to document safety violations and pinpoint liability. From improperly installed safety equipment to negligent maintenance, our attorneys work to identify every factor that contributes to our clients’ injuries.

Serious Injuries from Scaffold Falls

Height-related accidents frequently inflict severe trauma, requiring extensive medical treatment and prolonged recovery periods. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries resulting in permanent cognitive changes.
• Spinal cord damage leading to partial or complete paralysis.
• Multiple fractures requiring surgical intervention and rehabilitation.
• Internal organ injuries from impact or crushing forces.
• Devastating crush injuries from scaffold collapses.
• Permanent nerve damage affecting mobility and sensation.
• Joint injuries that threaten to end construction careers permanently.

The physical, emotional, and financial toll of these injuries extends far beyond initial recovery. Many accident victims face years of ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and career-related challenges.

New York Laws Protecting Height Workers

Section 240 of New York’s Labor Law, also known as the "Scaffold Law," provides vital protection for construction workers operating at height. Unlike typical workplace accident cases, this law holds property owners and general contractors absolutely liable when workers get hurt due to inadequate safety equipment or unstable structures.

The law applies to various situations, including:

• Scaffold collapses and structural failures
• Falls due to inadequate safety equipment
• Injuries from falling objects
• Accidents involving ladder access points
• Platform and decking failures

Importantly, injured workers can pursue compensation even if they partially contributed to the accident, which is hard to avoid, given the precarious nature of construction work.

Essential Steps to Take After a Scaffold Accident in NYC

Most construction workers aren't thinking about lawsuits right after a serious fall. However, carefully documenting what happened can make all the difference in securing fair compensation. 

Taking the right steps will help protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what to do (and not to do):

Liability in Construction Accident Cases

Scaffold accidents often involve complex chains of liability. Some of the responsible parties may include:

• Property owners: Hold primary responsibility under New York labor law for ensuring safe working conditions.
• General contractors: Have a direct duty to oversee site safety and scaffold maintenance.
• Subcontractors: May share liability for improper scaffold use or modifications.
• Equipment providers: Tasked with supplying safe, properly maintained components.
• Safety managers: Responsible for regular inspections and hazard identification.
• Assembly teams: Must ensure proper installation and stability verification.

Being aware of these overlapping responsibilities can help you assign liability accurately and maximize your potential compensation.

Pursuing Compensation After a Scaffold Fall

New York law provides multiple routes to obtain compensation after scaffolding accidents. Here’s what you should know about how to take legal action successfully.

Consider Filing Concurrent Claims

Construction workers often benefit from combining different claims. While workers' compensation covers immediate medical bills and lost wages, you can use a personal injury lawsuit to target negligent parties beyond your employer.

Furthermore, Labor Law Section 240 can add power to your case by holding property owners and general contractors responsible for height-related accidents. When faulty equipment plays a role, product liability claims offer additional recovery options.

Compile Strong Evidence

The outcome of your case hinges on thorough documentation. You should focus on gathering:

• Photos and videos of the accident scene
• Medical records linking your injuries to the fall
• Expert analysis of safety violations
• Witness accounts confirming hazardous conditions
• Proof of income and benefit losses
• Medical assessments of lasting limitations

Your attorney can help you collect and present various forms of evidence to substantiate your claim and ensure that you receive fair and adequate compensation.

Understand the Time Limits for Legal Action

Legal claims have strict deadlines in New York. More specifically, you’ll have:

• 30 days to notify your employer of the injury
• Two years to file a workers’ compensation claim
• Three years from the accident date to initiate a personal injury lawsuit
• 90 days to give notice of claims against government entities

Missing these deadlines could result in you losing your right to compensation. Most scaffold accident lawyers offer free case reviews to evaluate your options while time remains.

Damages You Can Recover After a Scaffold Fall in New York City

Each scaffolding accident affects workers differently, producing unique consequences of physical, psychological, and financial strain. To make sure you get the assistance you need, your claim should cover every loss you’ve incurred as a result of your accident, including:

• Emergency treatment: First responder care, ambulance transport, and trauma center treatment.
• Hospital stays: Intensive care, surgery, and inpatient rehabilitation.
• Ongoing care: Physical therapy, specialist visits, and prescription medication.
• Medical equipment: Mobility aids, home modifications, and adaptive devices, if necessary.
• Lost earnings: Missed time at work and reduced future income potential.
• Family support: Help with household tasks and dependent care, if applicable.
• Quality-of-life impacts: Forced changes in daily activities and lifestyle limitations.
• Career changes: Job retraining and educational programs, if necessary.

When assessing your case, your lawyer will take stock of your various losses and meticulously calculate their value, ensuring that your compensation accurately reflects the harm you’ve suffered.

How Our Trusted Scaffolding Accident Lawyers Will Handle Your Case

With decades of experience representing New York construction workers, our attorneys know how to secure results. Here are a few of the ways we’ll take action when you choose us to manage your legal claim:

• Documenting key accident details: Our capable investigators will work to capture all crucial evidence before it disappears.
• Hunting down records: We’ll look for maintenance logs and other documentation showing that the scaffold structure had been neglected.
• Calculating costs: Our team will analyze every last one of your expenses, from emergency care to future needs.
• Proving fault: We’ll demonstrate how improper scaffold assembly led to the accident.
• Negotiating with insurers: We’ll block unscrupulous attempts to downplay or point the finger back at you for your scaffolding injuries.
• Connecting with experts: Our firm maintains a large network of specialists who can explain exactly what went wrong.
• Preparing for court, if necessary: We’ll get your case ready for trial if we can’t secure a fair settlement through other means.

When you work with Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, you get a team of dedicated advocates who combine aggressive litigation with impeccable case preparation to achieve the best possible outcomes.