Ladder accidents remain a leading cause of injuries and fatalities in New York construction sites. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 161 fatal work injuries nationwide involving ladders, with 105 of those deaths specifically attributed to accidents on movable ladders. In the same year, there were over 5000 non-fatal ladder accidents in the construction and extraction industry.
Closer to home, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) has reported an alarming 17% increase in ladder falls, stair falls, and tripping incidents on construction sites, despite required safety measures being in place.
When you're injured in a ladder accident on a NY construction site, you may be able to pursue legal action against your employer and other third parties. This means you could receive compensation beyond basic workers' compensation benefits.
Injured in a Ladder Accident at a NY construction site?
Your employer may be responsible for your medical bills and lost wages. Let us help you get the full compensation NY law provides.
The CDC has identified five major causes of ladder accidents that employers must prevent:
| Poor Ladder Positioning | Nearly half of all ladder accidents happen because workers aren't given proper guidance on setup angles. Your ladder should be placed at a 75-degree angle - that's one foot away from the wall for every four feet of height. When employers rush jobs or skip safety checks, dangerous angles often lead to accidents. |
| Using the Wrong Type of Ladder | Not all ladders serve the same purpose. Your employer must provide ladders rated for your specific task and weight requirements. For example, using a lightweight aluminum ladder for heavy electrical work or choosing a ladder that's too short for the job puts you at serious risk. |
| Skipped Safety Checks | Ladders need inspection before every use. Damaged rungs, loose components, or worn non-slip feet can fail without warning. Your employer must remove defective ladders immediately and tag them as unsafe. |
| Unsafe Work Practices | Reaching too far to the side while on a ladder is a leading injury cause. Other risky behaviors include carrying heavy tools while climbing or working from the top steps. These often happen when workers face pressure to complete jobs quickly. |
| Inadequate Training | Many employers, especially smaller companies, fail to provide proper ladder safety training. You have the right to learn about ladder ratings, proper positioning, and fall protection before using any equipment at height. |
Environmental factors at your worksite can also lead to accidents, such as:
If you notice these hazards, report them immediately. Your right to a safe workplace includes protection from these preventable risks.
Ladder accidents can cause severe injuries that can impact your ability to work and support yourself and your family. Common injuries include:
Each of these injuries can have long-lasting effects on your career and quality of life. That's why proper medical documentation matters from day one - it helps prove the full impact of your injury when seeking compensation.
Two powerful NY laws and industrial code can protect you after a ladder accident:
This law makes property owners and contractors directly responsible for your safety at heights. If you're injured in a ladder fall, they're legally liable - even if you might have contributed to the accident.
Key requirements under Labor Law 240:
This section specifically addresses construction site safety standards. For ladder accidents, it establishes clear requirements that site owners and contractors must follow.
Labor Law 241 requires:
This detailed code sets specific ladder safety standards your employer must follow. Violations of these requirements can prove crucial in your injury case.
The code mandates:
These three layers of protection work together to ensure your safety. When employers ignore any of these requirements and you're injured, you may be entitled to compensation.
OSHA requires your employer to inspect every ladder before each work shift. Defective ladders must be tagged "Dangerous: Do Not Use" and removed immediately.
Key OSHA regulations your employer must follow include:
Your employer's violation of these rules often proves critical in winning your case. Document any safety shortcuts you've observed, if possible - this evidence helps establish their liability.
After a ladder accident, you may receive several types of compensation. Workers' compensation covers basic medical care and partial wage replacement, but depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may pursue more compensation, which can include:
If equipment failure caused your accident, you might also have claims against manufacturers or suppliers.
Seeking Legal Counsel After Your Ladder Accident?
Our NY construction accident lawyers will evaluate your case for free. Learn how we can help protect your rights and secure maximum compensation.
Ladder accident cases can be complex, involving multiple parties and complicated legal issues. An experienced New York personal injury lawyer can help you:
Having a skilled ladder accident attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
If you've been injured in a ladder accident on a New York construction site, reach out to us as soon as possible.
At the Porter Law Group, we're dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured construction workers. Our experienced personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of success in helping our clients obtain the justice they deserve.
Contact us today at 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com for a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll review your case, explain your options, and provide the personalized guidance you need to move forward.
We're here to help you every step of the way. You won’t need to pay anything if we don’t win your case.
