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Whether you were hurt in a fall from an A-frame ladder on a small renovation job or a multi-level pipe scaffold on a high-rise, our scaffolding accident lawyers and ladder accident attorneys know how to build the strongest possible case for your compensation. We'll go the extra mile to investigate your case, gather the necessary evidence, and build a strong legal strategy to maximize your compensation. Let us be your voice and advocate as you focus on healing.
At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, we've dedicated ourselves to helping injured individuals and their families handle the difficult aftermath of construction accidents, with a proven track record of success in New City and throughout New York State.
A fall from a ladder or scaffold is rarely just bad luck, and our ladder accident lawyers are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, so contact us today for a free consultation.
The dangers of working at heights in New York State are impossible to ignore once you look at the numbers behind them.
The numbers make the danger hard to ignore:
That's why understanding your rights as an injured worker matters just as much as the medical care you receive after a fall.
Scaffold and ladder accidents are a serious concern across numerous industries, but some are particularly susceptible due to the nature of their work. Construction is the most obvious culprit, with building, renovation, and demolition projects inherently involving heights. However, other industries also rely heavily on scaffolding and ladders, including:
Within these industries, specific locations pose a higher risk:
Employers have a responsibility to maintain safe working environments for their employees. If you were injured due to employer negligence, our experienced ladder accident lawyers can help you recover compensation for your losses.
Scaffold falls are a serious hazard in construction and other industries, and they often stem from preventable causes. Here are some of the most common factors contributing to scaffold accidents:
Scaffolding must be erected and dismantled according to manufacturer instructions and industry standards. Inadequate training, rushed work, or using incorrect components can lead to instability and collapses.
Scaffolding needs to be adequately braced and supported to withstand the weight it is designed to carry. Insufficient bracing, improper placement of supports, or using substandard materials can compromise stability.
Guardrails, toe boards, and other fall protection devices are essential to prevent workers from falling off platforms. Missing or inadequate guardrails, damaged components, or improperly installed systems can leave workers vulnerable.
Exceeding the weight capacity of the scaffold, placing loads unevenly, or improperly securing materials can lead to instability or collapse.
Wind, rain, snow, or ice can affect the stability of scaffolding. Working in adverse weather conditions without proper precautions can increase the risk of falls.
Workers need proper training on safe scaffolding use, including assembly, inspection, and operation. Inadequate supervision can lead to unsafe practices and accidents.
Regular inspection and maintenance of scaffolding are crucial to ensure its structural integrity. Damaged components, missing bolts, or corroded parts can weaken the scaffold and lead to falls.
Clear communication and coordination between workers, supervisors, and other parties involved in scaffolding operations are essential to avoid accidents. Misunderstandings, lack of information, or poor communication can lead to unsafe practices.
These common causes highlight the importance of prioritizing safety, implementing proper training, and ensuring strict adherence to industry standards and regulations. Our scaffolding accident lawyers see the same handful of failures behind case after case, which is exactly why they're so preventable, and so provable in court.
A fall from even a modest height can leave a lasting mark on a worker's body and their ability to earn a living. Because scaffolds and ladders often put workers six feet or higher above the ground, the injuries our clients bring to us tend to be severe, and sometimes permanent.
Some of the injuries we see most often in scaffold and ladder accident cases include:
New York State takes a proactive approach to worker safety, particularly when it comes to construction and scaffolding accidents. The state's detailed legal framework combines federal OSHA regulations with New York's unique labor law provisions, creating a stringent environment to protect workers from preventable falls.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's core principle is the "general duty clause," requiring employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that can cause serious injury or death. This clause applies broadly to scaffolding safety, encompassing proper assembly, inspection, maintenance, and use.
OSHA also has specific regulations outlining requirements for scaffolding design, construction, inspection, and use. These standards cover aspects like platform strength, guardrail height, access ladders, and worker training.
The Section 240 Scaffolding Law is the most significant piece of legislation protecting workers in New City and New York in general. It places strict liability on owners and contractors for elevation-related falls, meaning a worker hurt by inadequate safety devices can recover regardless of fault. Section 241, New York's Construction Safety Law, requires owners and contractors to follow specific safety rules across a broader range of site conditions, but unlike a Section 240 claim, a Section 241(6) claim can be reduced if the worker is found partly at fault, so which statute applies to your case can meaningfully affect what you recover.
New York has also raised the stakes for the worst offenders through Carlos' Law, which increased criminal fines against corporations whose negligence leads to a worker's serious injury or death to as much as $500,000, a penalty NYCOSH continues to push to enforce more consistently statewide. Together with OSHA regulations, these state labor laws place a high burden on employers to ensure worker safety and offer a real path to recovery.
Here are the essential first steps to take after a scaffold accident to protect your rights and well-being:
Your safety is paramount. Call 911 or have someone call for emergency medical services. Even if you feel okay initially, seek medical evaluation, as injuries can manifest later. Get a complete medical assessment and keep detailed records of your injuries, treatments, and recovery progress.
Inform your supervisor or another representative of your employer about the accident. If the accident involves a serious injury or fatality, report it to OSHA. Report the accident to the New York State Department of Labor, especially if it involves a violation of labor law.
Obtain contact information from any witnesses to the accident. If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, the scaffolding, and your injuries. Request copies of any accident reports, inspection records, or other documentation related to the scaffolding. Review your employer's safety procedures and training records regarding scaffolding use.
An experienced ladder accident attorney can provide critical legal guidance and protect your rights. Our scaffolding accident lawyer can help you handle the complexities of workers' compensation, personal injury claims, and other potential benefits. Your attorney will handle all communication with insurance companies, employers, and other parties involved in the case.
Avoid signing any documents, releases, or settlements without consulting with our scaffolding accident attorney. Don't discard any evidence related to the accident, such as clothing, work tools, or medical records.
Remember: The legal process after a scaffold accident can be complicated. Seeking legal help from a qualified scaffolding accident lawyer is essential to ensuring your rights are protected, and you can receive the compensation you deserve.
Construction sites across Rockland County and New York City employ a large number of immigrant workers, and NYCOSH's own 2026 research found that immigrant and non-union workers are injured and killed in falls at disproportionately high rates, in part because fear of retaliation or deportation keeps many from reporting unsafe conditions in the first place.
Your right to pursue compensation after a scaffold or ladder accident does not depend on your immigration status. New York law allows an injured worker to file a workers' compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit regardless of whether they are a U.S. citizen, a green card holder, or undocumented.
Our ladder accident lawyers and scaffolding accident attorneys represent workers from every background, and we will never report your immigration status to any outside agency. Hablamos Español, and we're prepared to communicate in whatever language makes you most comfortable while we build your case.
Not sure whether to file a workers' comp claim or a lawsuit, or worried about your immigration status? Contact our skilled scaffolding accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
A scaffold accident in New City, NY, can have devastating consequences, leaving you with serious injuries and a challenging recovery ahead. You may be facing limitations on medical coverage, damages for lost wages, and even compensation for pain and suffering.
It's important to understand your options and consider all avenues for seeking justice and the compensation you deserve. A conversation with a scaffolding accident lawyer before you file anything can help you avoid a decision you can't undo later.
Most employers are required to carry workers' compensation insurance in New York. Filing a claim is a quick and easy process, but it comes with major drawbacks. You'll likely receive limited benefits, and you won't be compensated for pain and suffering.
A personal injury lawsuit, while complex and sometimes time-consuming, offers significant advantages. Firstly, you can seek compensation for a wide range of damages, including pain and suffering. A lawsuit also allows you to hold those responsible for your accident accountable for their negligence.
Unfortunately, if your employer offers workers' comp coverage, you won't be able to sue them instead of accepting benefits. However, you could accept benefits and bring a third-party lawsuit against someone other than your employer. For instance, a fellow worker whose negligence caused you to trip and fall off scaffolding might be held liable for a portion of your losses.
An experienced scaffolding accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, explore all options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
New York generally gives you 3 years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, though missing that window can permanently bar your claim. Fatal falls carry a 2-year wrongful death deadline instead, and a claim involving government-owned property must typically be filed within just 90 days. Exceptions exist for minors and other specific circumstances, so it's worth confirming your deadline with a scaffolding accident attorney rather than assuming the standard three years applies to your case.
A few things can shape your timeline:
A successful scaffolding accident lawsuit in New York City requires proving several key elements. These elements establish liability, meaning that the defendant (the party responsible for the accident) was negligent and caused your injuries. Here's a breakdown of what's needed:
To win a personal injury lawsuit, you must prove that the defendant's negligence caused your injuries. This involves establishing several key elements:
The defendant owed you a duty of care. In construction settings, property owners, contractors, and even manufacturers have a legal duty to ensure a safe work environment for workers. This means they must take reasonable steps to prevent accidents and injuries.
There are many ways this could occur, including:
Overall, a breach of a duty of care means someone in a position of responsibility failed to act with the necessary care and caution to prevent an accident.
The defendant's breach of duty directly caused your injuries. You must prove that the defendant's negligence was a direct cause of your accident and subsequent injuries.
To prove these elements, you'll need strong evidence, which can be gathered through various means:
Collecting documentation of any relevant safety regulations or industry standards that were violated can also support your lawsuit.
New York's Scaffold Law was written specifically so that property owners and general contractors can't pass the blame down the chain when a worker falls. But depending on how your accident happened, more than one party may share responsibility for your injuries.
Our scaffolding accident lawyers investigate every layer of a construction site's chain of command to identify every party who may owe you compensation.
You may be entitled to various types of compensation to cover your losses and help you recover. Here's a breakdown of the potential compensation you could receive:
These damages are available from workers' compensation claims and lawsuits. They compensate you for tangible losses, such as:
Calculating the value of these damages is fairly straightforward and can be accomplished by your legal team.
Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages encompass intangible losses that are not easily measured, such as:
It can be difficult to put a number on the value of your non-economic damage, but your knowledgeable ladder accident lawyer knows how to complete this step in a way that accurately reflects your losses. Non-economic damages are not typically available in workers' compensation cases.
It's impossible to give a specific amount for compensation after a scaffold accident in New City, NY. Compensation payout for a scaffold accident can range from thousands of dollars for a minor injury to millions of dollars for a catastrophic injury.
Each case is unique, and the amount you can receive depends on various factors:
The legal skills of your attorney also factor into the result. That's why hiring skilled scaffolding accident attorneys, rather than settling for the first offer an insurance adjuster gives you, so often changes the final number.
At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, our experienced scaffolding accident lawyers are dedicated to securing justice and compensation for injured workers. Here's how we'll fight for you:
We'll conduct a comprehensive investigation to gather all evidence, including:
The investigation phase is a crucial part of the claim process because it creates a firm foundation for the rest of the process.
We'll fight for your rights every step of the way:
Our team is prepared to explore every legal avenue available to us to make you financially whole after your scaffold or ladder accident.
We understand the physical and emotional toll of a scaffold accident in New York or New City. We'll provide support and guidance throughout the legal process by offering:
Your best interests are our priority. We'll provide clear advice and ensure you feel empowered and ready to proceed at each stage of your claim or lawsuit.
Rob Fellows is more than just a lawyer; he's a seasoned advocate and a respected leader in the legal community. With over 40 years of experience, he's earned a reputation for meticulous preparation, unwavering advocacy, and a genuine commitment to his clients.
Steve Hymowitz is a champion for the underdog, specializing in medical malpractice and construction accident cases. He’s known for his warmth and unwavering dedication, relentlessly pursuing justice for those who feel powerless against insurance companies.
Matthew brings an unparalleled level of energy and drive to every case, earning a reputation for achieving exceptional results. He goes beyond financial wins, building deep connections with clients and becoming a trusted advisor during their most difficult times.
Joanne Horowitz is a skilled legal strategist and a strong advocate for those facing injuries due to negligence, construction accidents, and medical malpractice.
Margaret is a seasoned negotiator, expert in civil dispute resolution, with extensive experience handling homicide cases.
Jake is a dedicated, hardworking, and compassionate attorney with a unique perspective shaped by his experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants.
We represent clients throughout New York State, providing legal counsel and dedicated advocacy. Our commitment to serving the diverse communities across the state is reflected in our reach, which extends from the bustling streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn to the vibrant communities of New City, Rockland County, Ossining, Westchester County, and beyond.
One shortcut on a jobsite already costs you enough. Call our New City scaffolding accident lawyers and ladder accident attorneys now for a free case review, no fee unless we win.
