Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
A scaffolding accident can cause serious injuries, unexpected medical bills, lost income, and questions about how you will support yourself and your family during recovery. Whether the accident involved a fall, a scaffold collapse, or falling materials, understanding your options can help you move forward.
Our workers’ compensation lawyer in Ramapo will explain your rights, pursue available benefits, and determine whether additional claims may be available. If a fall, collapse, or other scaffold-related incident injured you, our Ramapo scaffolding accident lawyer will investigate what happened and work to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Since 2013, Shulman & Hill has helped more than 26,000 clients and recovered over $1 billion for injured New Yorkers. We handle workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits, as scaffolding accident cases can involve both. Every Borough, Every Block, New York, We Got You. For a free case review, call us today.
How Our Ramapo Scaffolding Accident Attorney Can Help
Construction accident cases often involve multiple companies, large insurance policies, and disputes about who is responsible. Shulman & Hill handles every part of the process so that injured workers and their families can focus on recovery.
A Ramapo personal injury lawyer from our firm will:
- Investigate how the accident happened.
- Identify all responsible parties.
- Gather evidence from the job site.
- Review safety violations and Labor Law claims.
- Handle insurance company communications.
- Coordinate workers’ compensation and personal injury claims.
- Calculate current and future damages.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement.
- Prepare the case for trial when necessary.
Our team has extensive experience handling New York construction accident cases, including claims involving New York’s Scaffold Law. Our Ramapo scaffolding injury lawyer conducts detailed investigations and works to uncover every source of recovery available.
Common Scaffolding Accidents and the Injuries They Can Cause
Scaffolding accidents in Ramapo happen in many ways on construction sites and renovation projects. Some incidents occur because scaffolds collapse. Others happen when workers fall from elevated platforms or when objects fall from above.
Common scaffolding accidents include:
- Falls from scaffolds
- Scaffold collapses
- Falling tools or building materials
- Broken planks or platforms
- Defective safety equipment
- Missing guardrails
- Unsafe ladders used to access scaffolds
- Harness or lifeline failures
These accidents often cause severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Shoulder injuries
- Crush injuries
- Internal injuries
- Severe cuts and lacerations
- Permanent disabilities
Many injured workers require surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment. Some never return to the same type of work again.
Liability and Insurance Issues in Scaffolding Accident Cases
Determining responsibility after a scaffolding accident is not always simple. Several companies may have been working on the same project, and multiple insurance policies may apply.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Property owners
- General contractors
- Subcontractors
- Construction managers
- Scaffold manufacturers
- Equipment rental companies
- Maintenance companies
- Site operators
Workers’ compensation benefits are often available when an accident happens on the job. New York generally requires injured workers to notify their employer within 30 days of the injury and file a workers’ compensation claim within two years.
Missing a deadline can affect eligibility for benefits. Our team helps clients understand these requirements and keep their claims on track. Some cases also involve personal injury claims against parties other than the employer. Insurers can try to reduce what they pay by disputing injuries, blaming workers, or minimizing long-term losses.
Our lawyers for scaffold fall injuries in Ramapo know these tactics and work to build strong claims supported by evidence, medical records, and witness statements. We regularly help clients pursue workers’ compensation benefits while also investigating whether a separate personal injury lawsuit may be available.
Understanding New York’s Scaffold Law
New York provides important protections for construction workers through Labor Law § 240(1), often called the Scaffold Law. This law generally requires property owners and contractors to provide proper safety equipment when workers perform tasks at elevated heights.
If proper protection is missing or fails, injured workers may have the right to pursue a claim against responsible parties. In addition to the Scaffold Law, other New York laws address construction site safety and dangerous working conditions.
These laws may allow injured workers to pursue claims when safety violations contribute to an accident. These claims can exist alongside a workers’ compensation claim and may allow injured workers to recover additional damages.
Damages Available After a Scaffolding Accident
The damages available depend on the facts of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether a third-party lawsuit is available.
Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages (current and future)
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation costs
- Home modifications
- Disability-related expenses
Some workers face life-changing injuries that affect their ability to work, walk, drive, or care for themselves.
A Ramapo catastrophic injury lawyer from our firm can work with medical experts, vocational specialists, and financial professionals to understand the long-term effects of the injury and seek damages that reflect those losses.
Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Scaffolding Accident
Some scaffolding accidents result in fatal injuries. If your family lost a loved one in a construction accident, please accept our sincere condolences. We understand that no legal claim can replace the person you lost.
A Ramapo wrongful death lawyer from our firm can help surviving family members pursue damages and investigate what happened.
Depending on the circumstances, a wrongful death claim may seek damages for:
- Medical expenses before death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost financial support
- Loss of services and assistance
- Other losses recognized under New York law
Our team handles these cases with care, compassion, and respect while pursuing accountability from those responsible.
How Long Do You Have to Sue for Damages for a Work Injury?
If you want to file a lawsuit, time limits apply. Under NY CPLR § 214(5), most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the accident.
Under NY EPT § 5-4.1, most wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the person’s death. Workers’ compensation claims have separate deadlines that may apply much sooner.
Missing a deadline can affect your ability to recover damages. You can reach out to our team to learn about your legal options as soon as possible.
Our Scaffolding Accident Lawyer in Ramapo Will Help You Move Forward
When you need answers after a scaffolding accident in Ramapo, Shulman & Hill is ready to listen, explain your options, and help you pursue the recovery available under New York law.
We represent construction workers, laborers, tradespeople, and other injured workers throughout New York. Our team handles workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits when they arise from the same accident. This helps our clients work with one legal team throughout the process.
We conduct in-depth investigations, identify responsible parties, and take on insurance companies that may try to minimize injuries or losses. Whether your case involves a scaffold collapse, a fall from height, or another construction site accident, we will see your case through until the end. New York, We Got You. Call today for a free consultation.