Scaffold Accident Injury Lawyer in NYC
Get an experienced construction accident attorney on your side
There is always a lot of construction going on in New York City, and scaffolds are a common sight. When set up and used correctly, scaffolds allow workers to complete tasks high off the ground safely. But a construction accident involving scaffolds can leave workers with serious injuries.
If you’ve been hurt in a scaffold accident, you need an experienced NYC construction accident attorney. At Keogh Crispi, P.C., we fight for the rights of injured workers by building strong cases that hold negligent third parties accountable. We are committed to helping them recover the financial compensation that they deserve.
A construction accident lawyer fighting for the injured in NYC
There are different types of scaffolding used in construction. These include:
- Supported scaffolds – These structures can have one or several levels. Platforms are supported by poles, legs, base plates and outrigger beams.
- Suspended scaffolds – These are platforms suspended by ropes, chain, or cables from an overhead structure, often the top of a high-rise building.
- Mobile scaffolds – These are supported scaffolds that have wheels or casters that allow the scaffold to be easily moved.
There are OSHA regulations and state laws that must be followed when erecting, inspecting, using, and dismantling any type of scaffold on a construction site. These include Labor Law Section 240, known as the “Scaffold Law.” Fall protection must be used when a worker will be doing a job more than 10 feet off of the ground.
Failing to follow these regulations and laws can result in an accident. There are many different types of scaffold accidents. Some involve falling to the ground, in some cases from several stories above ground. A worker can also hit another object, including the scaffold itself, while falling. Others are hit with a falling object, or slip and fall on planking. If a scaffold was not erected properly, it can collapse.
A scaffold accident can be caused by:
- Defective materials
- Improper construction
- Inadequate training of workers
- Inadequate maintenance
- Failure to inspect the scaffold
- Weak planking
- Falling objects
- Working in hazardous weather
Any type of scaffold accident can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, injuries to the neck and back, severe lacerations, crush injuries and damage to internal organs. Workers may need extensive medical treatment. They may not be able to work for several months or longer. Some are left with a permanent disability and can’t work ever again.
We fight for the compensation you deserve
Worker’s compensation benefits can help with medical expenses and provide partial lost wages. But if the negligence of a contractor, general contractor, property owner, manufacturer or other third party caused your scaffold accident, you may be able to recover financial compensation.
But third parties often don’t admit to doing anything wrong and refuse to accept responsibility for what happened. Insurance companies will dispute liability, or they will challenge your claim and try to limit your compensation as much as possible.
That’s why you need an experienced construction accident lawyer on your side. Our firm knows what it takes to win and has a strong track record of getting results.
We build strong cases from start to finish
Our legal team investigates scaffold accidents to get the facts. We gather evidence, review documentation, and interview witnesses. We check to see if all regulations and laws were followed and whether a third party took any shortcuts to try to save time or money. If needed, we consult industry experts who can help us prove negligence.
We determine the total damages you suffered in your accident and demand compensation. In general, you can seek compensation for damages including all current and future medical expenses related to your injury, lost future income, any necessary home modifications, disfigurement and scarring, pain and suffering, and other damages.
We are very familiar with insurance company tactics. They may deny liability or challenge the seriousness of your injuries. They may try to shift blame. Sometimes they’ll make a lowball settlement offer. We fight back against any attempts to limit your compensation.
Call today for a free consultation
Many times, we are able to reach a settlement that meets your needs. But if a settlement can’t be reached, you can trust that we will be ready to fight for you in court. We prepare every case as if we are going to trial. The insurance company will know that we are serious about recovering compensation for your injuries.
You may not be sure if it’s worth talking to an attorney or even if you have a case. But it’s important to know your rights. We can listen to what happened, review the details of your accident, go over your legal options for recovering compensation, and answer any questions you have. There’s no cost and no obligation.
But don’t delay. While the law generally gives you three years from the date of your accident to take legal action, waiting too long can make it more difficult to build a strong case. Evidence can be lost or destroyed over time, and witnesses may forget important details.
If you’ve been hurt in a scaffold accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation at our New York City office.