New York City Scaffold Accident Lawyer

As a construction worker in New York City, you brave heights daily, trusting in the safety of scaffolds. You face daily challenges on the job, but nothing is as devastating as a scaffold accident. 

If you’ve been injured in a scaffolding accident, the only recourse for you or a family member to get the compensation you deserve is to hire a trusted New York City scaffold accident lawyer to pursue a construction accident lawsuit. 

While it's true that laws in New York State prohibit employees from suing their employers for on-the-job accidents, contractors, architects, manufacturers, and property owners may be held liable for construction site injuries or wrongful deaths resulting from a scaffolding accident at the worksite.

At Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm, our scaffold injury lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for the injuries, future economic loss, and other damages suffered by people injured in scaffolding accidents and other construction accidents in New York. 

If you've been hurt, let a New York City scaffolding accident lawyer at our firm take care of the legal challenges while you focus on your recovery. Our goal is to secure the maximum settlement for your injuries, and to make sure that you feel heard and supported throughout the legal process.

Call 212-268-3222 today or contact us online for a free lawyer consultation. 

Voice of the Injured: Our Scaffolding Accident Lawyers Focus on Your Future

With over 30 years of experience, our skilled lawyers have been dedicated advocates for hundreds of New York construction workers injured in scaffolding accidents.

Each scaffolding accident lawyer at our firm has a deep understanding of the complexities of New York's labor laws, particularly the Scaffold Law (also known as Labor Law 240).

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a personal injury can have on a you and your family.

As our client, you'll receive a customized legal approach involving detailed investigations and collaboration with industry experts to ensure each responsible party is held accountable. 

With over 350 local five-star reviews from past clients, we pride ourselves on clear communication, dedicated support, and genuine care for each person and family we serve.

Choosing Raphaelson & Levine means partnering with a New York City construction accident lawyer who will not stop fighting for you until justice is delivered.

Our no-fee guarantee means you pay $0 until we win your case. 

Over $700M Won: Our Recent Scaffold Accident Settlements & Verdicts

Despite the precautions that contractors take when erecting and maintaining scaffolding in construction contexts, labor statistics show scaffold accidents continue to occur. 

Workers have certain rights and protections under labor laws to ensure their safety during various construction work, such as scaffolding accidents, crane accidents, and other construction site injuries. 

When companies put profits over people, our New York scaffolding accident lawyers deliver justice.

$2.75M Settlement: A construction worker on a $40 Million NYC project was seriously injured when a poorly secured cement buggy fell four stories, striking the scaffold he stood on.

$2.4M Settlement: In the Bronx at PS 96, a union bricklayer sustained severe injuries when a container of concrete rocks, falling from five stories high, hit his scaffolding.

$2.25M Settlement: A construction mason in Rockland County, NY, fell 45 feet from unstable scaffolding, resulting in critical injuries, including fractures and a significant leg laceration.

View more recent construction accident settlements

Types of Scaffolding Injuries We Handle

Scaffolding accidents are an unfortunate reality in the construction industry and can result in serious personal injury. Our skilled New York City scaffold accident lawyers have experience handling claims involving many types of construction accident injuries, including:

Personal Injury: In scaffolding accidents, personal injuries encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious fractures and dislocations. These types of injuries can be caused by a ladder accident, falls, being struck by falling objects, or insufficient scaffolding safety measures.

Brain Injury: Head trauma can occur during scaffold falls, collisions with a heavy object, or having objects fall from above. Head trauma can range from a mild concussion to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can have can cause long-term cognitive problems, emotional disturbances, and memory loss.

Wrongful Death: Accidents involving scaffolding can sometimes lead to tragic fatalities. While the construction industry is not without risks, it's our responsibility to help victims and their families recover justice for their losses.

Seeking Compensation after a Scaffolding Accident

Local labor laws protect workers by placing their safety squarely on the shoulders of building owners and general contractors. Under New York state law, workers must be equipped with proper scaffolds, hoists, harnesses, and other safety gear when working at dangerous heights.

Despite these safety measures, construction work remains the most dangerous occupation in New York City and dozens of poorly maintained construction sites face fines each year.

After a scaffolding injury or workplace accident, our priority is to investigate your claim thoroughly.

This allows a personal injury lawyer at our law office to understand the events that led to your injury and identify any liable parties. This includes general contractors, property owners, and subcontractors involved in the construction project.

In New York, scaffolding accidents often fall under the state's Labor Law 240, the "Scaffold Law." This legislation holds contractors and property owners strictly liable for specific injuries sustained by workers on a construction site.

Workers Compensation Claims

One of the most common methods is to file a workers comp claim. If your injury occurred while performing a job-related task, you can generally receive benefits through this type of claim without having to prove fault.

Workers' compensation helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. However, you must notify your employer of the injury within 30 days of the accident to be eligible for these benefits. 

It's also essential to keep any corresponding documentation organized and readily available to support your claim, such as medical records and evidence of missed work.

Personal Injury Claims

An injured construction worker may also be able to seek additional payment through a personal injury lawsuit. This option could be relevant if your accident resulted from the negligence of a third party, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer, or the accident occurred while you were working at heights.

A New York City personal injury lawyer can help you determine if you have a valid case and navigate the legal process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

It is essential to consider the statute of limitations when pursuing a personal injury claim in New York. Generally, the time limit for filing a claim is three years from the accident date. Acting promptly and consulting with an experienced attorney is essential to protect your rights.

Taking a proactive approach and seeking the right legal guidance as soon as possible can make a big difference in securing the financial support you need for your recovery and future well-being.

Wrongful Death Claims

When a scaffolding accident results in a fatality, the deceased person's family has the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. This allows them to seek financial awards for their loss, including medical expenses, funeral expenses, and the decedent's lost future earnings. We work closely with the family members of accident victims as we prepare compelling claims for compensation for the real people with real losses that we represent.

Product Liability Claims

Product liability claims can arise when a defective product, such as a scaffolding component, is responsible for the accident. 

In these cases, the defective equipment's manufacturer, distributor, or seller may be held accountable for your injuries. This may also involve proving that the product was inherently dangerous or failed to meet industry safety standards.

Understanding New York Labor Law 200, 240, 241)

In New York State, workers' safety in the construction industry is paramount. That is why the state has established specific laws to protect workers from falls and injuries related to scaffolding and elevated work environments. Among these laws are Labor Laws 200, 240, and 241.

The primary purpose of the New York Scaffold Law is to hold contractors and construction company owners liable for injuries caused by inadequate safety precautions or equipment.

Labor Law 200

This scaffolding law mandates that all workplaces be constructed, equipped, arranged, operated, and conducted in a way that provides reasonable and adequate protection for workers' lives, health, and safety. This helps ensure a general duty of care for construction workers, obligating employers and owners to maintain safe working conditions. It covers many potential hazards, offering broad protection against workplace safety violations.

Labor Law 240 (New York Scaffold Law)

This Labor Law section, often called the "Scaffold Law," provides specific protection for workers engaged in building construction, demolition, repair, or altering. It requires scaffolding and other devices, like hoists, stays, ladders, slings, and hangers, to be constructed, placed, and operated safely to protect workers from elevation-related risks. This law is particularly beneficial for construction workers as it holds each employer and property owner strictly liable for elevation-related injuries, which are common in construction work.

Labor Law 241

Labor Law 241 mandates specific safety provisions in construction, excavation, and demolition work, requiring areas where such work is being performed (like bridges, subway tunnels, boatyards, and water towers) to be constructed, shored, equipped, guarded, arranged, operated, and conducted to provide reasonable and adequate protection and safety to the workers. This law requires workplace hazards to be properly addressed and managed by owners and contractors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do after a scaffolding accident in NYC? 

Immediately seek medical attention, document the accident scene and your injuries, and consult a New York City scaffolding accident lawyer at Raphaelson & Levine.

How does Labor Law 240 impact my case? 

This New York law holds property owners and contractors strictly liable for gravity-related injuries due to inadequate safety measures, aiding your compensation claim.

What are the common causes of a New York scaffolding accident? 

Key causes of scaffold accidents include unstable scaffolds, defective equipment, insufficient safety gear, lack of training, and poor supervision.

What compensation is available after a scaffolding accident? 

Depending on your case's specifics, you could receive compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

What is the time limit to file a lawsuit after a scaffold accident? 

In New York State, you generally have three years from the accident date, but consult an attorney to understand any specific factors that might affect this.

How do I choose the right lawyer for my case? 

Look for a NYC construction accident lawyer with significant experience in construction accident claims, a strong track record, and a client-focused approach.

Injured? Our New York City Scaffold Accident Lawyers Can Help

If you’ve been injured in a scaffolding accident due to negligence by a property owner, developer, general contractor, or on-site third-party vendor, our firm can help you secure compensation.

At Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys have in-depth knowledge of scaffold accidents and have earned clients millions in settlements and verdicts. 

Navigating the New York scaffolding law can be complicated. During your case, our law office will provide transparency and constant communication to ensure you are well-informed and supported at every step.

Call 212-268-3222 today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled New York scaffold accident lawyer. You pay $0 until we win your claim.