Defective Ladders Lawyer in NYC

Defective ladders are a significant source of construction site injuries and fatalities. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that more than 24,882 injuries and 36 fatalities occur annually due to falls from ladders and stairways used in construction sites. Most of these injuries are severe, and they force workers to take time off the job. Ladder accidents mostly occur when a worker is asked to use this element in an unsafe or improper manner. This results in collapsing, tipping, and wobbling. When such an accident happens, you may be eligible for compensation. Talk to Pazer Epstein Jaffe Fein & Gozenput, P.C., and our attorneys will fight to obtain the maximum compensation possible.

About Ladder Accidents

Ladder safety is essential on construction sites. New York’s Labor Law (commonly referred to as the “Scaffold Law”) Sections 240(1) and 241(6) require owners and general contractors to provide safe ladders and to ensure they are used properly and safely so that accidents don’t occur. The ladders provided must have solid feet and must be secure so that they do not “walk” or kick out from under the worker standing on them to perform the work required. Ladders must be positioned on flat and level surfaces so that they don’t move while workers are standing on them, and they must be the appropriate height for the worker to reach the level of the work to be done. Additionally, ladders are considered to be three-point safety devices which means three out of four of the workers’ hands and feet must be able to touch the ladder at all times in order to use the ladder safely. When an owner or general contractor on a construction project fails to ensure proper and safe ladders are provided and properly used, the owner/contractor will be held responsible under the law. When such claims arise it is crucial that you obtain legal representation with lawyers who are well versed in New York’s Labor Law.

In addition to ensuring safe and appropriate ladders are present and used properly on construction projects, job sites should have safety plans that discuss the safe use of ladders. Site safety supervisors should be present to make sure the site safety plan is followed and workers are able to work safely.

Sometimes, however, even when safety plans are followed to the letter, they might not help where ladder defects are concealed and hard to uncover. A worker might only realize there is a problem with the ladder when it fails. Some of the defects found in ladders include:

• Loose steps
• Rotted rungs
• Frame weakness
• Hinges that fail to lock
• Defective no-slip feet

These defects can cause the ladder to collapse or move, which could result in severe injuries such as brain injuries, bone fractures, and more. When such injuries occur, New York’s Labor Law allows victims to seek compensation. Bringing such a claim against an owner and/or a contractor is not simple and requires experience and familiarity with the laws. This is why you need to work with construction accident attorneys like Pazer Epstein Jaffe Fein & Gozenput, P.C. We have successfully represented construction site victims for decades and you can rest assured we will help you fight to obtain the compensation you deserve.

How Can Construction Accident Attorneys Help?

When you are injured in a fall from a ladder on a construction site you need construction accident attorneys with significant knowledge of the law. You will often have two separate claims to make – one for workers’ compensation benefits for your lost wages and medical bills and the other in what is called a third-party lawsuit, a suit brought in Court against parties other than your employer who may be responsible for your accident. At Pazer Epstein Jaffe Fein & Gozenput, P.C. we will investigate and prosecute your case to its fullest to be sure you have the best opportunity to obtain a recovery in your lawsuit.

We will hire investigators and retain experts as needed to help prove your claim. While proper prosecution of a construction site accident claim can be costly, you will not pay any money towards the prosecution of your case while it is in suit. We work on contingency, paying all expenses for the case throughout the litigation, and we do not get paid unless we win your case.

Why Should You Work with Pazer Epstein Jaffe Fein & Gozenput, P.C. for Defective Ladders Accidents?

As a construction worker, you are at great risk of sustaining injuries from defective ladder accidents. Having experienced construction accident attorneys from Pazer Epstein Jaffe Fein & Gozenput, P.C. can make the difference when you are trying to obtain the compensation you deserve. We will invest our time, energy, and resources into your claim and fight for optimal results. When you retain our firm you become our client for the entirety of your case – we will not refer your case out to another attorney. You will have direct contact with your lawyer throughout your litigation and even after your case is over, as many of our clients stay in touch well after their claims have been completed.

If you have sustained injuries from defective ladders and want to consult with a construction accident attorney, Pazer Epstein Jaffe Fein & Gozenput, P.C. can be reached at (212) 227-1212 (New York City) or (631) 864-2429 (Long Island).