Mr. Goodwin is everything you want in an attorney: professional, honest, thorough, and genuinely caring. He always explains things clearly, so I understood exactly what was happening and what to expect next. His attention to detail and persistence really stood out. Looking back, I feel lucky to have found him. He guided me through the whole process expertly, and I deeply appreciate all his hard work. Would definitely recommend him to anyone needing legal help.
As scaffold accident lawyers in New York, our firm is dedicated to fighting tirelessly on behalf of those who have suffered injuries in scaffolding incidents. We bring our extensive knowledge, skills, and resources to each case, working diligently to secure the full and fair compensation our clients deserve for the harm they have endured.
Negligence in Scaffolding Accidents
Negligence is a key factor in many scaffolding accidents, and it can take various forms. Failure to provide proper safety equipment, such as guardrails, toe boards, and personal fall arrest systems, is a common type of negligence. Employers must ensure that workers have access to and are trained in the use of appropriate safety gear to prevent falls and injuries.
Inadequate training and supervision are also forms of negligence that can lead to scaffolding accidents. Workers should receive comprehensive training on scaffold assembly, disassembly, and safe work practices. Supervisors must oversee the work and enforce safety regulations to minimize risks. Failing to provide proper training or supervision can result in workers making mistakes or engaging in unsafe behaviors that cause accidents.
Overloading scaffolds beyond their maximum weight capacity is another type of negligence. Each scaffold has a specific load limit, and exceeding this limit can cause the structure to collapse or become unstable. Employers must ensure that materials and equipment are evenly distributed and do not exceed the scaffold's capacity. Ignoring load limits or failing to monitor the weight on the scaffold can be considered negligent behavior.
Improper scaffold construction and maintenance are also forms of negligence. Scaffolds must be built according to manufacturer specifications and industry standards, using high-quality materials and proper assembly techniques. Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to identify and address any damage, wear, or defects that could compromise the scaffold's integrity. Failing to construct or maintain scaffolds properly can lead to structural failures and accidents.
Failure to provide fall protection is another common type of negligence in scaffolding accidents. Workers at heights of ten feet or more must be provided with fall protection, such as guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. Employers who fail to provide adequate fall protection or enforce their use put workers at risk of serious injuries or death from falls.
Negligence can also involve failing to protect workers from falling objects. Employers must implement measures to prevent tools, materials, and debris from falling from scaffolds and striking workers below. This may include using toe boards, screens, or debris nets, as well as establishing barricades and warning signs around the work area. Failing to take these precautions can result in workers being hit by falling objects and suffering injuries.
When involved in a scaffolding accident, it is important to take note of the date, time, and location of the incident, a description of the scaffolding and work being performed, the specific factors that contributed to the accident, and the names and contact information of any witnesses. You will also need to describe the injuries you sustained, including the type and severity of physical injuries, medical treatment received and ongoing care needs, emotional and psychological impact of the accident, and how it has affected your daily life, work, and relationships. Gathering relevant documentation is crucial, such as accident reports, incident investigations, medical records, bills, treatment plans, photographs or videos of the accident scene and injuries, and employment contracts, union agreements, and safety policies.
During your consultation with a scaffold accident attorney like us, we can discuss legal options and strategies, explaining New York labor laws and regulations, identifying potentially liable parties and insurance coverage, reviewing available evidence and the strengths of the case, and outlining the legal process and timeline for pursuing a claim.
We can work on a contingency basis, which means that you will not have to pay any upfront legal fees. Instead, our compensation will be a percentage of the settlement or award we secure on your behalf. This arrangement allows you to pursue your legal rights without worrying about the financial burden of hiring an attorney.
Should you need legal representation in a scaffold accident, you can call us at 212-233-1233 or send us an email at [email protected]. We represent scaffold accident victims throughout the state of New York, including all five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island), Long Island, and Upstate New York.
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About the Author
Albert Goodwin Esq. is a licenced New York attorney with over 17 years of courtroom experience. His extensive knowledge and expertise make him well-qualified to write authoritative articles on a wide range of legal topics. He can be reached at 212-233-1233 or [email protected].
