What to Do if You’ve Been Injured on the Job by Scaffolding?
Construction is booming in New York and all over the country. While there is a lot of money to be made in the industry, it is also very dangerous. Thousands of workers are seriously injured or killed in construction accidents every year. In fact, in New York City, construction has become the deadliest job.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), scaffolding issues are the main cause of construction accidents. Scaffolding is very dangerous, as it involves heights. Instability is common, with loose platforms and weak screws. Poor assembly and missing guardrails can also lead to deadly falls.
Scaffolding injuries can range from minor lacerations to severe head trauma or traumatic brain injury. Broken bones and internal injuries can also occur. Some accidents cause spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis and other disabilities.
Many scaffolding injuries are caused by money issues. There is so much competition in the construction industry, forcing contractors to underbid on jobs. This means that contractors have to cut corners in other aspects, as well, so they hire cheap laborers who have little training. This lack of training can be deadly.
If you or a loved one was a victim of a scaffolding accident, protect your legal rights with help from a scaffolding accident lawyer. Read on to learn more about what to do if you are injured at work.
What the Law Says
New York has a couple of state laws that apply to construction workers. Under New York State Labor Law, Section 200, the general contractor or owner must ensure that construction sites are safe for all employees. All machinery and equipment must be properly maintained so that employees have access to safety devices. If an accident occurs due to a safety issue, and it can be proven that the accident could have been prevented, the general contractor or owner could be held liable.
Under New York State Labor Law, Section 240, construction laborers who work in environments that expose them to heights must be given proper safety provisions. Also known as the Scaffolding Law, this law allows a worker who is injured while working at elevated heights to sue the person responsible for the construction project.
If you do have a scaffolding injury claim, time is of the essence. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York is two years. Therefore, you have two years from the time the accident occurred to file a claim for compensation.
Contact a New York Scaffold Accident Lawyer
Scaffold accident claims can be complex. Because they are construction claims, there are often multiple parties involved. It is important that you receive sufficient compensation from all liable parties. This can only be accomplished with help from a knowledgeable construction accident lawyer.
If you or loved one was involved in a scaffolding accident, contact a scaffold accident lawyer at Peters Berger Koshel & Goldberg, P.C. We can navigate you through the process and help you understand the various forms of compensation available to you, such as workers’ compensation or damages awarded in a personal injury lawsuit. Contact our office at 718-596-7800 to schedule a free consultation.