Generally, ladders on a New York construction site must be braced, tied or otherwise secured before a worker can climb up or down them, or work from them. An unsecured ladder is an accident waiting to happen. Workers fall from all kinds of ladders, including step ladders, extension ladders with rubber feet, extension ladders with metal feet, rolling safety ladders, folding ladders, and platform steps. Each type of ladder has a proper and improper method of use. Rules must be followed, and when they are not, accidents happen. If a ladder falls, fails, or collapses, or a worker fall from the ladder, he almost always has a valid lawsuit under labor Law section 240 against the owner of the worksite, the general contractor, and other contractors or subcontractors. Unless the accident was 100% the worker’s fault, that is, his own negligence was the SOLE cause of his fall, he will almost certainly have a valid lawsuit against these others, and will recover 100% of his lost income, medical expenses and pain and suffering compensation.

Fallen construction workers often suffer extremely serious injuries, including broken feet, ankles, legs, arms, and other fractured bones, back injuries, including crushed or severed spinal cords, paralysis, quadriplegia, paraplegia or worse, death. These devastating injuries can require surgery, along with months, years or a lifetime of lost income, pain and suffering and medical expenses. The pain and suffering can be excruciating, and the loss of enjoyment of life heartbreaking.

Michaels & Smolak has recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in construction accidents and for other injuries to cover their medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and more. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a construction accident, contact us for a free consultation with an experienced lawyer who can inform you of your legal rights and maximize your compensation.