It is not often recognized that construction sites can be places filled with grave danger. That is, construction workers are placed in vulnerable positions almost every day. Namely, scaffolding accidents are the most common type of catastrophic accident to take place. Read on to discover what you should do in the event of a scaffolding accident and how a seasoned New York City construction site accident attorney of Mark L. Bodner, P.C., can assess your eligibility in filing a claim.
What types of scaffolding accidents commonly occur in New York?
Despite the endless safety regulations and requirements, construction workers are confronted with life-threatening situations on a regular basis. Like any construction site accident, scaffolding accidents commonly occur due to the negligence of employers or third parties. That is, they ignore these established safety regulations and requirements and instead neglect to ensure that their employees are well-protected when they are on the job. Specific examples of such negligence include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Employer negligence:
- Employers neglect to follow OSHA guidelines.
- Employers neglect to install overhead protection.
- Employers neglect to properly secure scaffolds.
- Third-party negligence:
- Manufacturers produce and distribute malfunctioning breaks.
- Manufacturers produce and distribute defective or unsafe scaffolds.
- Manufacturers produce and distribute defective equipment (i.e., pulleys and fall safety systems).
Am I eligible to file a scaffolding accident claim?
If you are a construction worker who has been injured in a scaffolding accident due to no fault of your own, you have the right to file a claim. For this, you must collect evidence that proves that your injuries directly correlate to the negligence of another party (i.e., employer or a third party). So, you must take the following steps immediately after your scaffolding accident occurs:
- Call 911: a law enforcement officer will conduct a police report once they arrive at the scene, along with dispatch an ambulance. You must request a copy of your police report.
- Record the scene: take photos and videos of your injuries, damages, and any hazards that caused your accident to occur. You must ask present witnesses if they have any recordings.
- Attend medical treatment: stop by the ambulance at the scene and also schedule follow-up appointments with your physician. You must request copies of your medical bills, along with a doctor’s note that states the date, time, and seriousness of your injuries.
- Retain the services of a competent New York City personal injury attorney: our team can help you obtain additional evidence (i.e., surveillance camera footage). From here, you must file your claim before New York’s statute of limitations, which is typically three years from the date of your accident.
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