Window washing crews keep Manhattan’s iconic skyline clean and bright. They’re working hundreds of feet above the ground while dealing with unpredictable conditions. If you’re one of these workers, your life can change in an instant when an accident strikes at such heights.

You may have a valid personal injury claim, but successfully pursuing it requires a knowledgeable and experienced Manhattan window washer accident lawyer. The team at Oresky & Associates, PLLC understands high-rise work and proudly fights for the rights of the hardworking New Yorkers like you who dedicate themselves to these dangerous but important jobs.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your case with an experienced window washer accident attorney in Manhattan. Your case evaluation is fully confidential, and you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your matter.

Why Should I Hire a Manhattan Window Washer Accidents Attorney?

Working with an experienced Manhattan window washer accident attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Your lawyer can lead you through the legal process, help you avoid critical errors, and utilize a team of dedicated professionals to gather the evidence needed to hold the negligent party accountable for your window washer injury.

When you work with the team at Oresky & Associates, PLLC, we can provide the following:

  • Extensive Experience – We’ve proudly represented the people of New York City for over 30 years. We understand your job, the laws that protect you, and the courts that will impact your case.
  • Strong Results – Our team has recovered over $500 million in settlements and verdicts for workers just like you. We know how to determine the full value of your claim and what it takes to recover every penny.
  • Strong Reputation – Our firm is regarded as honest, hardworking, and professional by peers, colleagues, and opposing counsel throughout the Five Boroughs. That reputation is backed by hundreds of positive reviews from satisfied former clients.
  • Compassionate Support – Your case is more than a legal matter, and you need more than legal services to get through it. Our team will listen carefully to your needs, offer sound guidance, and communicate openly throughout the entire process.
  • Aggressive Advocacy – We treat clients and their loved ones like family, and we always advocate for their best interests. We’ll fight for the recovery you deserve, whether at the negotiating table or in the courtroom.
  • No Fees Unless We Win – Our firm works on a contingency basis. That means you pay no upfront costs for us to begin working on your case, and you won’t owe us anything unless we successfully resolve your case.

Reach out to us today to discover how our law firm can make a big difference for your case.

Who Can Be Held Liable for My Window Washer Accident Injuries?

Window washer injury cases can prove complicated due to the large number of potentially liable parties. These jobs often involve complicated contracts and overlapping responsibilities that can lead to liability issues for one or more of the following parties:

  • Building Owners – Owners must provide a safe exterior environment for window washers. They must ensure secure anchor points and safe rigging systems, as well as promptly remove known hazards. When owners ignore these duties, they may be held responsible for injuries that result.
  • Property Management Companies – Management companies control daily operations within many Manhattan skyscrapers. These companies often oversee maintenance, repairs, equipment storage, and safety procedures. Poor oversight can expose window washers to serious risks and management companies to window washer injury lawsuits.
  • Contractors and Subcontractors – Window washing companies often work under general contractors or subcontractors. These parties have a legal responsibility to maintain a reasonably safe work environment. When they cut corners or overlook hazards, accidents can occur.
  • Equipment Manufacturers – Harnesses, safety lines, scaffolding, suction devices, powered lifts, and ladders must function flawlessly at great heights. If a defective design causes injury, the manufacturer may bear responsibility.

How Do New York Labor Laws Apply in Window Washing Accident Claims?

New York’s labor laws provide powerful protections to workers performing tasks at elevated heights. Some of the most significant of those laws include the following:

Labor Law Section 200

Section 200 requires property owners and contractors to provide a safe workplace. Window washers are legally entitled to proper lighting, well-maintained equipment, and a generally hazard-free work environment.

Labor Law Section 240 (the Scaffold Law)

Section 240 protects workers who perform elevated work. It requires owners and contractors to provide appropriate window washers with safety devices such as harnesses, lifelines, bosun’s chairs, and suspended scaffolding.

Labor Law Section 241

Section 241 outlines specific safety rules for construction, demolition, and repair work. These rules cover jobsite conditions, equipment safety, surface maintenance, and debris removal.

What Types of Compensation Are Available to Window Washing Accident Victims?

Window washer injury compensation can come from two sources: workers’ compensation and third-party claims.

Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ comp provides limited but essential financial support to injured workers. Benefits include the following:

  • Coverage for all necessary medical treatment
  • A percentage of your lost wages when you must miss work
  • Benefits for impairment
  • Coverage for vocational rehabilitation services

These benefits only cover your medical bills and part of your lost income, which is typically only a fraction of the real damage the accident caused. If another party contributed to the accident, the injured worker may pursue a personal injury claim against any negligent third parties, which offers more comprehensive compensation.

Third-Party Claims

If a party other than your employer caused or contributed to the accident, you can pursue a separate window washer injury claim against them. These claims allow you to recover compensation for the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • All out-of-pocket expenses
  • Full lost wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

At Oresky & Associates, PLLC, our attorneys can investigate the accident to identify every possible source of compensation, then build a compelling case to hold all negligent parties accountable.

What Could My Window Washing Accident Case Be Worth?

Window washing accidents often involve falls from heights, dangerous equipment, and significant injuries, so compensation is often substantial. However, no two cases are the same, so each requires careful, individualized evaluation to determine its value.

Factors that influence the value of a claim include the following:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • The length of your recovery
  • The medical costs incurred
  • Whether you need surgeries or long-term therapy
  • Your ability to return to work
  • The degree of permanent disability
  • The emotional and psychological effects of the accident

Our law firm works with medical professionals and financial experts to determine the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. We use our findings to calculate your maximum compensation.

Can I Recover Damages If I’m Being Blamed for the Accident?

Yes. New York follows a comparative negligence system, meaning you can recover compensation even if you contributed to the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault you bear.

For example, if you were awarded $100,000 for your injuries but you were determined to be 30 percent at fault, your recovery would be reduced by 30 percent, leaving you with $70,000. That’s why it’s critical to work with an attorney who can build a strong case for holding the other party fully responsible.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Window Washing Accident in New York?

New York imposes strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit or workers’ comp claim. If you plan to pursue a third-party claim, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. When seeking workers’ comp benefits, you have 30 days to report the accident to your employer, and two years from the date of the injury to file your claim.

Missing any of these deadlines can mean losing your right to recover the compensation you deserve, no matter how severe the injury or how clear the negligence. If you want to protect your rights, you should act swiftly and contact a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

What Are Common Causes of Window Washing Accidents?

Window washing involves high-risk conditions even on a well-run jobsite. However, an unfortunate number of accidents result from preventable errors or oversights. Some of the most common causes of window washer accidents include the following:

  • Faulty or poorly maintained harnesses
  • Defective anchor points
  • Weak or damaged scaffolding
  • Improper or missing safety lines
  • Sudden equipment failure
  • Poorly secured rigging systems
  • Strong winds and unsafe weather conditions
  • Electrical hazards near metal equipment
  • Slippery building surfaces
  • Inadequate training or supervision

At Oresky & Associates, PLLC, we are prepared to examine every detail of the accident to uncover the exact cause and identify every responsible party, then fight for the accountability you deserve.

What Are Common Injuries Sustained in Window Washing Accidents?

Window washing accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries. Some of the most common injuries include the following:

  • Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis
  • Damage from safety harness jolts
  • Crush injuries
  • Chronic pain conditions
  • Severe lacerations
  • Shoulder and knee tears
  • Internal organ damage
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Psychological trauma

These injuries often require extensive medical care and long recovery periods. Our team documents the full impact your injuries have on your daily life and finances, and we fight for a full recovery.

Contact a Window Washing Accident Attorney in Manhattan Today

If you’ve suffered injuries in a window washing accident, you need a skilled personal injury attorney to protect your rights. The team at Oresky & Associates, PLLC will review your case, inform you of your legal options, and then lead you through whichever path to recovering the rightful compensation that you choose.

Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation. Your case review is fully confidential, and we charge nothing unless we recover compensation for you.