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NEW YORK CITY CONSTRUCTION SITE FALLS LAWYER

Falls on New York City Construction Sites

Falls are a leading killer on construction sites. Even from lower heights, falls can cause serious or fatal injuries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), falls were a leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the U.S. in 2016.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a fall on a construction site, contact the personal injury attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP to pursue full and fair compensation. Serious injuries resulting from falls can lead to long-term disability and significantly impact your future. Our success rate of more than 95 percent is a testament to our dedication and skill in handling serious personal injury matters.

How Do Falls Occur on New York City Construction Sites?

Falls on construction sites in New York City can occur for many reasons. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), major types of fall hazards in construction include:

  • Unprotected edges of elevated work surfaces, including scaffolds, roofs, and ladders: Most construction sites have unprotected sides and edges, floor holes, or wall openings at some point during construction, which can lead to falls.
  • Improper construction of scaffolds: Scaffolds can become hazardous without safe access and fall protection. Guardrails or personal fall arrest systems are required to prevent falls on scaffold platforms 10 feet or higher. Falls from scaffolds may cause serious injuries or result in death.
  • Unsafe portable ladders: According to BLS data, falls from ladders cause 100 fatalities every year. Portable ladders must be safely positioned every time they are used. A ladder may move or slip from its supports while in use, causing a worker to lose his or her balance and fall.
Construction Accident

Slip or Trip and Fall Accidents in Construction

Poor housekeeping on construction sites can lead to a serious trip or slip and fall accident. Falls can result when passageways are in poor repair, are not large enough to allow safe clearance, or are littered with debris and obstructions. Slippery surfaces can cause slip and falls. Indoor and outdoor surfaces must be kept clean and dry and treated with salt, sand, or anti-skid adhesives to prevent accidents. Non-slip floor mats that lay flat and have beveled edges should be used indoors to prevent slip, trips, and falls.

Injury Claims in New York after Construction Site Falls

Under state law, workers injured in construction site falls may bring lawsuits against responsible parties, which may include general contractors, owners, and other parties. New York Labor Law, §240 provides that contractors, owners, and their agents must ensure that scaffolding, hoists, ladders and other devices are constructed, placed, and operated so as to provide proper protection for workers. When they fail, and it causes a fall, contractors, owners, and their agents may be held accountable for resulting injuries.

Workers’ Compensation May Not Be Enough

Typically, companies have workers’ compensation insurance to cover any accidents that occur in the workplace. However, most coverage has a limit to the amount of compensation – and in cases of serious accidents resulting in severe injury and damages, workers’ comp may not be enough. Additionally, accepting a workers’ compensation settlement may typically relinquish your rights to pursue the company for further damages via a lawsuit. This is why an experienced, skilled personal injury lawyer is highly recommended to provide you counsel on the best course of action.

New York City Personal Injury Lawyers Protecting Fall Accident Victims

At Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP in New York City, we are committed to recovering the maximum compensation possible for our clients. We can help you explore your options for compensation from a fall or construction accident, and ensure you receive the best care based on your unique circumstances. We have a long and successful history, recovering more than $700 million in settlements and verdicts. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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