Construction Accidents Involving Heights
Roura & Melamed has helped New York City construction workers recover damages for ladder accidents, scaffolding accidents and other injuries while working above the ground.
New York has a special labor law, Section 240, for construction accidents involving heights or the force of gravity. Unlike other workplace injuries, those workers can sue the property owner or general contractor for personal injury losses.
If you suffered a serious injury involving a ladder, scaffold, roof or other height, contact us now for a free consultation. We take cases in Brooklyn, the Bronx and all of NYC.
Scaffolding Injury and Ladder Accidents
Roura & Melamed recovered $3 million for a construction worker who fractured his neck when he fell off a ladder that was not properly stabilized and secured. We have obtained many settlements and verdicts in Labor 240 claims.
The law applies to building and carpentry, repairs and renovation, asbestos removal, painting, roofing, window cleaning, bridge work, demolition and other construction jobs where heights put workers at risk:
- Scaffolding collapse
- Ladder accidents
- Falls from roofs
- Falling debris
Under Section 240, owners and general contractors must provide scaffolding, hoists, stays and ladders, and they are liable if that equipment fails or is set up in an unsafe manner. The owner or GC must provide a safety rail if a platform is over 20 feet high, and must provide safety harnesses, braces, ropes, hard hats and other safety gear to every worker.
Owners and contractors are fully accountable for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent injuries, or wrongful death compensation in the event of a fatality. The only defense is that the employee was solely responsible for the accident, such as refusing to wear safety equipment that was provided.
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Representing the Hispanic Community
Roura & Melamed has represented Hispanic workers in the construction trades for nearly 30 years. In the past, Latinos were given the most dangerous jobs and forced to work in high places without safety devices. Sadly, this still happens today, especially for illegal workers. If you are not a legal resident, you still have rights to compensation under Section 240!
Call Roura & Melamed at 212-227-6821 to discuss your rights in a free consultation. We have Spanish speakers on staff, and we receive no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your scaffolding or ladder accident.
