Life-altering injuries often occur as a result of ladder accidents. Individuals find themselves in pain, unable to work, and without a steady paycheck. Workers’ compensation usually fills the gap, paying for medical bills and some lost wages; however, it does not make an injured worker whole. Bringing a lawsuit against the legally responsible parties allows injured workers to hold those responsible for their injuries accountable.
The Bronx ladder accident lawyers at Oresky & Associates, PLLC, proudly represent hardworking New Yorkers as they seek justice for their injuries. We have the knowledge and experience you need to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your case with an experienced ladder accident attorney in the Bronx. Your case evaluation is fully confidential, and you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your matter. Hablamos español.
Why Should I Hire a Bronx Ladder Accidents Lawyer?
An experienced Bronx ladder accident attorney can provide you with a distinct advantage when pursuing compensation for your injuries. The team at Oresky & Associates, PLLC, offers clients the following:
- Meaningful Experience – We have over 30 years of experience with ladder injury cases. That means we understand the courts and laws that could shape your case, and we know what it takes to win.
- Strong Results – We’ve recovered over $500 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients just like you. Those numbers speak for themselves.
- Strong Reputation – Not only do we have hundreds of positive reviews from satisfied former clients throughout the Five Boroughs, but our peers, colleagues, opposing counsel, and the local courts all regard us as honest, hardworking, and professional.
- Compassionate Support – We take a human approach to all of our cases, making sure to listen carefully to our clients’ needs, offer sound guidance, and communicate openly throughout the entire process.
- Aggressive Advocacy – We treat every client and their loved ones like they’re part of our own family, and we fight to protect our family. That means our team can advocate aggressively for the best possible results in your case.
- No Fees Unless We Win – Don’t worry about the cost of hiring legal representation for your ladder injury claim. We don’t charge you anything up front, and you’ll owe us nothing at all unless we recover compensation for you.
Reach out to us today. Your case review is free and fully confidential.
What Are Some of the Hazards and Risks Associated with Ladder Work?
Construction sites in the Bronx and throughout New York City use ladders for countless tasks, including electrical work, painting, drywall installation, roofing, and plumbing. Every ladder job carries risks, and unsafe conditions dramatically increase the danger.
Common ladder injury hazards include the following:
- Unstable Surfaces – Ladders set on uneven ground, slippery flooring, or loose debris can suddenly shift during use, causing violent falls.
- Defective Equipment – Damaged rungs or bent frames can put workers at risk. Unfortunately, employers sometimes keep old or poorly maintained ladders on job sites regardless of these risks.
- Improper Placement – Ladders must be placed at a safe angle and rested against strong support points. It’s not uncommon for workers to ignore this protocol, and improper ladder use can easily result in a catastrophic accident.
- Environmental Conditions – Rain, wind, low light, and even dust can compromise balance and visibility, significantly increasing the risk of injury.
- Lack of Proper Safety Equipment – Safety gear like harnesses and non-slip footwear can go a long way toward protecting workers and reducing injury risk. Unfortunately, not all employers provide workers with this equipment.
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Ladder Accident Injuries?
Workers’ compensation insurance protects employers from personal injury lawsuits in exchange for providing injured employees with workers’ comp benefits. That means you generally can’t sue them for a ladder failure injury.
However, there are other parties you may have a valid ladder injury lawsuit against, including the following:
- Property Owners
- Contractors
- Subcontractors
- Agents of the Owner
What Types of Compensation Are Available to Ladder Accident Victims?
Ladder accident victims have two main avenues for pursuing compensation: workers’ compensation and third-party claims.
Workers’ Compensation
If you qualify for workers’ comp, you can receive the following:
- Coverage for all reasonable medical treatment
- A percentage of your lost wages when you’re off work while healing
- Partial disability benefits when your injury limits your ability to work
- Benefits for permanent impairments
Workers’ comp only covers medical care and a portion of your lost income and does not compensate you for your pain and suffering and other economic loss. Additional compensation is available through a personal injury claim.
Third-Party Claims
Multiple third parties may be liable for your injuries and consequent damages. A third-party claim allows you to recover money for the following:
- Full lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- All out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
An experienced personal injury lawyer from Oresky & Associates, PLLC can review your case to determine whether you have a valid claim against a third party.
What Could My Ladder Accident Case Be Worth?
Every case is unique, which means it’s difficult to provide an accurate estimate of your case’s value without considering several factors. Those factors include the following:
- The severity of your injuries
- The length of your recovery period
- The medical expenses incurred
- Whether you need surgery or extensive therapy
- Your lost wages
- Whether you can return to your previous job
- The impact on your long-term earning ability
- Your degree of long-term disability
- The amount of pain and emotional distress you experience
- The duration of your symptoms
Our attorneys give thorough and careful thought when calculating a case’s monetary potential. In addition to the factors above, the amount of available insurance impacts potential recovery. We can work with medical and economic experts to calculate your maximum compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Ladder Accident in New York?
New York law sets strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit. If you plan to pursue a third-party personal injury suit, you typically have three years from the date of the accident. Workers’ compensation claims follow different deadlines. You must notify your employer of the accident within 30 days, and you have two years from the date of the injury to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Missing any of these deadlines can severely limit your legal options. It’s essential to act swiftly and contact a knowledgeable attorney if you want to recover the compensation you deserve.