There are many people who go to work every day in environments that can potentially cause them harm. This can include construction workers. These jobs require hard work that can also be dangerous. Part of these dangers can include scaffolding, a structure made of wood planks and metal poles. If these structures are not properly made and maintained, they can cause serious accidents. Often times, this leads to overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial burdens as a result. It is because of this that it is possible to recover compensation for these damages. In doing so, it is important to retain the services of an experienced New York personal injury attorney for assistance.
How do Scaffolding Accidents Happen?
Just like other personal injury accidents, scaffolding accidents generally take place as a result of negligence. More specifically, these may be due to a failure to follow the guidelines set in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These are mandatory standards that must be followed to ensure the safety of a workplace. This includes worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control, and safety and health training. In the event that these standards are not implemented, it can result in scaffolds missing overhead protection, a lack of functioning brakes, pulleys, defective fall safety systems, insufficient manufacturing or maintenance, scaffolds not being properly secured, and more.
How Do I Sue After a Scaffolding Accident?
After a scaffolding accident takes place, injured victims may wish to pursue legal action in order to recover compensation for their damages. This can begin by hiring an experienced personal injury attorney to help gather evidence in order to prove negligence. It is important that this evidence proves the negligent party breached their duty of care, thus directly causing the injuries. In these situations, these cases are generally a third-party lawsuit, meaning the construction worker is not directly suing their employer, but an indirect party who failed to provide safety.
How Long do I Have to Sue?
When an injured party wishes to pursue legal action, it is important to remember that there is a statute of limitations in place. This is a deadline by which they are required to file a claim. In the state of New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury. Failure to meet this deadline can result in losing the opportunity to sue and recover compensation.
Contact our Firm
If you have been injured in a New York City car accident, Swerling Law is here to help. Our firm understands the challenges that many people face after being hurt in an accident and is prepared to help you receive an award of significant compensation to ease some of your burdens. To schedule a consultation with an experienced construction site accident attorney in New York City, contact Swerling Law today.