Ladder Accidents
Have you been injured in a ladder accident in New York, NY? If so, you likely have legal options available to you for compensation. Workers’ comp is one possibility, but it might not adequately make you whole again. In some instances, you can file an additional claim and receive money for things like your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.
Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C., is one of New York City’s most well-respected personal injury law firms. Our NYC ladder accident lawyers have over 40 years of combined experience, and we’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of our deserving clients. Putting our track record of success in your corner is just a quick phone call away.
If you’re ready to get started, contact us today at (212) 514-5007 or send us an online message. We offer a free-of-charge initial consultation to review the facts of your ladder accident case in NYC.
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How Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C., Can Help After a Ladder Accident in New York City
Construction projects are ever-present in New York City. Whether it’s a brand-new skyscraper in the works or a smaller-scale remodeling effort, it’s tough to walk more than a block without being reminded of this ubiquity.
New York lawmakers are also aware of these circumstances, and they’ve gone to great lengths to ensure that construction workers are protected in the event of an accident. Not only does New York offer workers’ comp, but it has additional protections in place specifically for employees in the construction industry.
Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C., have been helping construction accident victims in the area recover the compensation they need and deserve for decades. When you hire us to help with your case, we can:
- Explore all of your legal options to arrive at your best course of action
- Take care of all the paperwork, communications, procedures, and negotiations related to your claim
- Internally look into your accident to collect evidence and identify all sources of damages
- Apprise you of your case’s status at all times, ensuring your rights are protected and realized at each stage
Want to learn more about what we can do in support of your ladder accident case in New York, New York? Contact us today to set up your free, no-obligation case review.
How Common Are Ladder Accidents?
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides detailed statistics regarding the frequency of fatal ladder accidents across the country. BLS indicates the following for this type of accident from 2016-2020, the most recent five-year period from which data are available:
- 2020: 161 fatal injuries
- 2019: 171 fatal injuries
- 2018: 145 fatal injuries
- 2017: 156 fatal injuries
- 2016: 183 fatal injuries
Regarding nonfatal ladder accidents, there were 22,710 across the country in 2020, according to BLS, which is a slight increase relative to 2019, when there were 22,330.
BLS also provides statistics regarding workplace accidents in New York City, but ladder accidents, specifically, are not discussed. Instead, BLS data groups this type of accident into the larger category of “slips, trips, and falls,” noting that more than 20% of all fatal workplace injuries in NYC are due to one of these causes.
What Are My Options for Compensation After an NYC Ladder Accident?
Most likely, your first option for compensation after a ladder accident in New York City is to file a workers’ compensation claim. Just about every employer in the state needs to comply with this program, so it’s highly likely that you’re covered.
Workers’ comp can provide you with partial relief for your medical bills, lost wages, and benefits for surviving family members in the event of a fatal accident. However, it cannot make up for your other types of losses that aren’t financial in nature, such as your pain and suffering.
Fortunately, New York has gone a step further, enacting Labor Law 240, also known as the Scaffold Law. This law provides legal relief for NYC construction workers that goes beyond workers’ comp and applies to more types of accidents than just those involving scaffolding. Indeed, ladder accidents are also covered under this law.
Labor Law 240 allows you to possibly hold your employer – or whoever was in charge of the construction site – liable for additional damages. Normally, you would not be able to sue your employer after this type of accident, so this law is unique in what it offers.
The party against whom you will pursue this Labor Law 240 claim will depend on the facts and circumstances of your case. You can pursue a monetary award for all of the consequences of your injuries, not just your lost wages and medical expenses, as part of this claim.
In rare ladder accident cases, it’s possible you also have a third-party claim against a negligent party other than your employer. For example, if the ladder itself was defective, you might have a valid claim against its manufacturer.
Because of the number of potential options available to you for compensation, hiring a New York City ladder accident lawyer may be in your best interest. The experienced NYC personal injury attorneys with Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C., can work with you to arrive at the strategy that aligns best with your goals and that makes you whole again as best as possible.
Schedule a Free Case Review With an Experienced New York City Construction Accident Law Firm at Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C.
As we’ve discussed, New York offers construction workers generous protections in the event that they are hurt while working. The state’s lawmakers understand how vital construction workers are to the area’s economy and functioning, and ladder accidents are certainly covered under these beneficial statutes and programs.
However, you’ll still need to go through the necessary steps to receive the compensation you deserve, and it won’t necessarily be easy. You’ll likely be met with opposition at one point in the process or another, as the responsible party likely won’t freely admit their liability. That’s where hiring an experienced NYC ladder accident attorney can make all the difference.
If you’re ready to start forming an attorney-client relationship or just would like further information about how we can help, reach out to Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C., today by phone or online.
