Scaffolding Accident Lawyer | Port Chester, NY
A sudden fall from a scaffold can change your life in an instant. One moment, you are securing materials high above the ground. The next, the scaffolding beneath you gives way, and you fall—helpless to stop it. In an instant, your life changes, leaving you with serious injuries, facing a long road to recovery, and wondering how you will support your family.
Scaffolding accidents are among the most dangerous incidents on construction sites, often leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a scaffolding accident in Port Chester, you may have legal options beyond workers’ compensation.
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we consider it an honor to represent injured construction workers and their families. With a long history of successful case results, our Port Chester scaffolding accident lawyer can provide strong legal advocacy for those facing life-altering injuries.
Understanding Your Rights After a Scaffolding Accident
Construction workers often assume their only recourse after an on-the-job injury is filing a workers’ compensation claim. However, when a scaffolding accident occurs due to a third party’s negligence—such as a subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer—you may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Unlike workers’ compensation, which limits your benefits, a third-party claim allows you to seek full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Common Causes of Scaffolding Accidents
Scaffolding must be properly designed, constructed, and inspected to keep workers safe. Workers are vulnerable to serious accidents when contractors cut corners or fail to follow safety regulations.
Some of the most common causes of scaffolding-related injuries include:
- Defective or poorly maintained scaffolding can collapse under a worker’s weight;
- Failure to secure scaffolding to the structure can cause it to sway or tip;
- Missing or inadequate guardrails increase the risk of workers losing balance and falling;
- Overloaded scaffolding beyond its weight capacity can cause dangerous structural failures;
- Slippery or unstable work surfaces make it difficult for workers to maintain footing;
- Lack of proper fall protection equipment means workers have no backup safety measures in case of an accident; and
- Inadequate training for workers leads to improper use of scaffolding and increased risk of injuries.
Any of these hazards can lead to a catastrophic fall or serious injury. If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to unsafe scaffolding, a Port Chester scaffolding accident lawyer can help you determine who may be held accountable.
Your Legal Options Beyond Workers’ Compensation
New York has some of the strongest worker protection laws in the nation, especially for those injured in scaffolding accidents. New York’s Scaffold Law, the only one of its kind in the country, automatically holds contractors and property owners liable for failing to provide adequate scaffolding and fall protection. If a worker suffers an injury because of an unsecured or defective scaffold, they may have a legal claim against those responsible.
Over the years, New York courts have reinforced this law by ruling that contractors and property owners are strictly responsible when a worker is injured due to improper scaffolding or a lack of fall protection.
Unlike other personal injury claims, where the injured person must prove negligence, the Scaffold Law allows injured workers to sue and recover damages without showing fault. Even if the worker made a mistake, liability still applies as long as the accident was caused by an elevation-related hazard that the law was designed to prevent. This legal protection ensures workers have a clear path to compensation when safety violations put them at risk, helping them secure the financial support they need to move forward.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Scaffolding Injury?
While workers’ compensation prevents employees from suing their direct employer, many scaffolding accidents involve third-party negligence. The following parties may be held accountable:
- Property owners who fail to maintain safe worksites;
- General contractors who do not enforce safety regulations;
- Subcontractors who improperly erect or dismantle scaffolding; and
- Equipment manufacturers that produce defective scaffolding or safety gear.
Determining liability requires a thorough investigation. Working with a Port Chester scaffold accident attorney who understands construction site laws and third-party claims is crucial.
Compensation Available in a Scaffolding Injury Lawsuit
Unlike workers’ compensation, a personal injury lawsuit allows injured workers to pursue the full extent of their damages, including:
- Medical expenses, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care;
- Full lost wages, including future lost earning capacity;
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress; and
- Loss of quality of life and disability-related expenses.
If a loved one tragically passed away due to a scaffolding accident, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and other losses. A Port Chester scaffolding accident lawyer can assess your case and help you understand your legal options.
Why Choose Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers?
Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers has fought for injured workers and their families for over six decades. We help clients recover the compensation they deserve after life-changing accidents.
Attorney Michael Greenspan, a recognized leader in the legal community, has successfully represented injured construction workers in New York. Super Lawyers has recognized him for 10 consecutive years. He has a strong track record of success in personal injury litigation, including a $693,000 settlement for a construction site injury and multimillion-dollar results in other accident cases.
We understand the challenges injured workers face and are committed to fighting for full and fair compensation in every case. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a scaffolding accident, our firm’s Port Chester scaffolding injury attorney can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call Your Port Chester Scaffolding Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a scaffolding accident, do not wait to explore your legal options. The sooner you act, the stronger your case may be. At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we are ready to fight for the full compensation you deserve. With decades of experience, we have the experience needed to help you with your case. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.