Were you injured in a ladder accident in Queens? If so, contact an experienced Queens injury lawyer at Hach & Rose, LLP for help immediately.
Falls from ladders are among the top causes of death on construction sites in Queens and throughout New York. A fall from a ladder can also result in severe injuries to the head, spinal cord, and other vital body parts. These injuries may require costly long-term medical treatment.
If you have suffered an injury from a ladder accident, you may be struggling to pay for medical bills and other expenses while recovering and unable to work. Fortunately, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits or able to file a personal injury claim for your injuries, depending on the circumstances of your ladder accident.
While ladder falls can happen anywhere, many occur at work or home. Ladder injuries on the job are typically preventable with the proper conditions, equipment, and safety precautions. In many cases, ladder accidents are caused by employer negligence or a defective ladder. If the ladder you were using was defectively designed or manufactured, you could have a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
If you’ve been hurt in a ladder accident caused by negligence in Queens, hire an experienced construction accident lawyer as soon as possible. Hach & Rose, LLP will protect your rights. Seeking compensation is a complicated process that requires investigating the cause of the ladder accident, collecting evidence to prove your case, and negotiating with insurance companies. Call Hach & Rose, LLP now for a free and confidential consultation with our highly skilled and compassionate Queen’s ladder accident attorneys.
Ladder Accident Statistics
Statistics show that ladder accidents are common in the U.S., resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities. For example:
Each year, over 500,000 people are treated for ladder-related injuries, and about 300 of these incidents are fatal, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
In 2018, over 580,000 ladder injuries needed medical treatment, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2011 to 2016, deadly workplace falls to a lower level jumped by 26%. In 2011, there were 553 fatal falls to a lower level, and there were 697 in 2016. The number increased every year except for 2015. Throughout the six years, there were 3,723 fatal falls to a lower level. Ladders (836 fatalities) and roofs (763) were the most common sources.
During a 16-year study period from 1990 to 2005, ladder injuries per 100,000 individuals increased by nearly 27%, and 97.3% happened in settings that were not work-related, such as homes and farms. Over 2.1 million people needed to be hospitalized.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the United States is a world leader in ladder deaths. Every year nationwide, there are over 164,000 emergency room-treated injuries and 300 fatalities caused by falls from ladders.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Employees injured in Queens have two key responsibilities immediately following the accident. First, they need to obtain the necessary medical attention. Second, they need to notify their supervisor about the accident.
If you have suffered a ladder accident on the job, your employer will need to report the injury to the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) and the company’s workers’ comp insurance provider. You will be required to file a Form C-3 with the Board within two years from the date of the ladder accident.
New York law provides different types of benefits for injured workers. If you qualify for workers’ compensation, you can receive a variety of benefits, including:
- Compensation equal to 2/3 of your average weekly wage
- Reduced earning compensation to make up for your decreased ability to work
- Medical treatment
- Compensation for extremity injuries, such as damage to arms and legs
- Reimbursement for travel to doctor’s appointments and expenses related to your injury, such as drug prescriptions
Getting workers’ compensation benefits for your Queens ladder accident can be overwhelming. You must complete paperwork, meet deadlines, and comply with rules and procedures. Because insurance companies make money by denying claims, they will do everything they can to minimize the benefits you are awarded. A skilled lawyer can help you navigate the complex New York workers’ comp benefits process following the ladder accident.
Third-Party Claims
You can file a third-party injury claim if a third party causes your ladder accident. A third party is an individual, company, or entity, not your employer. In the case of a ladder accident on a construction site, a third party might be:
- The ladder manufacturer or designer
- The company that built the structure you fell from
- Contractors responsible for certain aspects of the construction job
- A property owner who does not provide a safe environment
- The company that rented out the ladder or other equipment
Unlike workers’ compensation cases, third-party lawsuits may address the pain and suffering you suffer after experiencing a ladder-related injury. At Hach & Rose, LLP, we can help you understand the full legal options. We can help recover compensation to cover the cost of the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Surgery
Contact a Ladder Accident Attorney
At Hach & Rose, LLP, our Queens ladder accident lawyers understand the applicable New York workers’ compensation and personal injury laws. We work hard to ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation for their injuries. Our legal team has the skills, resources, and experience to investigate and pursue your claim, no matter how complex.
The ladder accident attorneys at Hach & Rose, LLP are committed to fighting for our clients’ full and fair financial recovery through highly skilled and meticulous preparation for trial. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury due to a ladder accident, contact us now at (212) 779-0057 for a free initial consultation.