New York City Scaffolding Accident Lawyer
The Scaffold Law (Labor Law Section 240) requires property owners and general contractors to follow strict safety procedures and provide protective equipment to prevent falls from heights at construction sites. It applies broadly to all “elevation-related hazards,” including scaffolding, roofs, rafters, balconies, cranes, stairs, and suspended platforms. Additionally, Labor Law Section 200 mandates a reasonably safe work environment.
Despite these protections, scaffolding accidents remain common and cause severe injuries such as traumatic brain injury, paralysis, broken bones, amputations, and wrongful death. If you’ve been injured in a NYC scaffolding accident, you may be entitled to compensation from negligent parties. Unfortunately, some owners and contractors avoid liability despite clear legal duties.
Common Types of Scaffolding Accidents
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or unfinished floors
- Scaffolding collapses
- Falls down elevator shafts
- Objects or tools falling from heights
- Slip and falls on scaffolds or platforms
- Plank or support failures
- Scaffolds too close to power lines or utilities
Most result from negligence or failure to follow safety protocols.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Under the Scaffold Law, property owners and general contractors are strictly liable and cannot delegate responsibility to subcontractors. Other potentially liable parties include:
- Developers
- Third-party vendors
- Engineers and architects
- Equipment manufacturers
- Companies installing or maintaining scaffolding
Workers’ Compensation and Additional Claims
You cannot sue your employer directly but may receive workers’ compensation covering medical bills and about two-thirds of lost wages. Workers’ comp often does not fully cover serious injury costs. You may pursue additional claims against other responsible parties, with compensation reduced by your share of fault.
Legal Protections for Injured Workers
New York labor laws protect injured workers from employer retaliation when filing claims. Still, many—especially immigrants—accept low settlements unaware of their full rights.
Common Injuries from Scaffolding Accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions
- Neck, back, spinal cord injuries, paralysis
- Crush injuries from collapses
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones, amputations, disfigurement
- Soft tissue injuries and severe bruising
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
These injuries often require extensive treatment, rehabilitation, and may cause long-term hardship.
Common Types of Scaffolding in New York Construction
- Tubular scaffolding
- Rolling (baker) scaffolding
- Systematic (modular) scaffolding
- Bamboo or wood scaffolding
- Pole scaffolding
- Steel scaffolding
Causes of Scaffolding Accidents
- Insufficient training
- Failure to follow safety protocols
- Defective or weak equipment/planks
- Misaligned attachments
- Inadequate fall protection
- Overloading or unsecured materials
- Poor design or installation
- Scaffold collapse or falling objects
- Contact with live wires/electrocution
- Carelessness during setup or relocation
- Lack of frequent safety inspections
Scaffolding Safety and Maintenance Rules
- Daily inspections by a responsible person
- No unauthorized scaffold changes
- Remove debris/tools daily, no overnight storage
- Display safety notices clearly
- Protect scaffolds from vehicle damage
- Keep platforms free of slippery substances (ice, oil)
OSHA requires safety inspections each time scaffolds are set up, moved, or reassembled.
Why You Need an Experienced Scaffold Accident Lawyer
Claims under Labor Law 240 require thorough investigation and expertise. Our attorneys at Greenstein & Pittari:
- Hold all responsible parties accountable
- Maximize your compensation
- Navigate workers’ compensation alongside personal injury claims
- Protect your rights throughout the process
Contact us promptly if you or a loved one has been hurt in a scaffolding accident in NYC.
We Fight to Recover Compensation For:
- Medical bills, hospital, ambulance, ER costs
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Medical devices
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Long-term care
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Damages for wrongful death
Important Questions in Your Case
- Who set up and designed the scaffold? Was it safe?
- Were safety inspections conducted regularly?
- Did the accident involve falling objects?
- Were guardrails and protective equipment in place?
- Were you under the influence?
- What was your experience level with scaffolding?
- Were you authorized to be on site?
- Who employed you?
Legal Time Limits
You typically have three years from the accident date to file a claim. Missing this deadline can bar recovery.
Don’t Be a Victim Twice – Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free, confidential consultation.
If you or a loved one was the victim of a scaffold accident, the New York City scaffold accident attorneys at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP are ready to fight for your rights. Our firm’s motto is “Don’t Be a Victim Twice”. If you are a victim of an accident involving a scaffold, call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) to schedule a confidential consultation. The call is free. The consultation is free. You don’t pay us unless we are successful. That’s our “Our Fee Guarantee” – No Fee Unless Successful.
We have seven convenient locations throughout New York. We maintain offices in Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County. Your convenience is our top priority!
Don’t face the financial and physical consequences alone. We work to secure fair compensation for injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. With Greenstein & Pittari, you don’t have to be a victim twice. Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462.