Queens Scaffolding And Ladder Accident Lawyers

Last updated on March 5, 2026

Construction sites are dangerous environments where workers often perform tasks at significant heights. At Bardizbanian & Associates, P.C., our attorneys represent laborers and passersby who suffer severe injuries from falls or equipment failures. Scaffolding and ladder accidents cause serious trauma more frequently than almost any other incident in the NYC construction industry. Data from the New York City Department of Buildings and federal safety agencies highlight that falls remain a leading cause of construction fatalities and injuries across the five boroughs.

Our legal team represents workers regardless of their immigration status. In New York, undocumented immigrants have the legal right to seek recovery for medical bills and lost wages if negligence or safety violations cause an on-the-job injury. We provide attention to every case and help members of our community understand their legal rights to pursue compensation under the law.

Understanding New York’s Scaffold Law (Labor Law §240)

New York’s Labor Law §240 – often called the “Scaffold Law” – ensures that property owners and contractors remain responsible for safety on the job site. Most site owners and general contractors carry total legal responsibility under this statute, regardless of whether they directly supervised the work. Under this law, these parties must provide safety equipment, such as properly secured ladders and stable scaffolding, to protect workers from gravity-related risks.

Note: Owners of one- and two-family dwellings who do not direct or control the work are generally exempt from this specific liability.

When a worker falls from a height or a falling object strikes them because required safety devices were missing or defective, the owner or contractor may bear responsibility for the resulting damages. This law provides a tool for our attorneys to seek compensation for clients facing long-term disability or medical debt.

What Are Common Causes Of Ladder And Scaffolding Falls In Queens, New York?

Safety failures on a job site can cause life-altering accidents. Our lawyers manage claims involving various factors, such as:

• Falls from heights: Inadequate guardrails or lack of personal fall arrest systems
• Falling objects: Tools or materials dropping from unsecured platforms
• Scaffold collapses: Overloading a platform or improper assembly
• Electrocutions: Scaffolds placed near live power lines or faulty wiring
• Improper placement: Ladders set on uneven ground or at incorrect angles
• Faulty equipment: Use of rusted, cracked, or compromised ladders and planks
• Incorrect use: Failing to follow weight limits or safety protocols
• Unsafe conditions: Working on slippery, oily or ice-covered platforms

Our team also investigates violations of the NYC Industrial Code (Part 23) and the “4-Times Rule,” which requires scaffolds to support at least four times the maximum intended load.

When Is A Scaffolding Or Ladder Accident A Third-Party Personal Injury Claim?

While workers’ compensation provides initial benefits, it may not cover your full losses. You may pursue a third-party claim if a party other than your employer contributed to the accident, such as:

• General contractors or property owners who failed to enforce safety standards
• Manufacturers of defective ladders or scaffolding components
• Subcontractors whose negligent actions created a site hazard

Identifying these additional liable parties can significantly increase the total recovery available for your injuries.

What Legal Protections Are Available For Scaffolding And Ladder Injuries In New York?

In New York, workers injured in scaffolding and ladder accidents benefit from robust legal protections designed to ensure safety on construction sites and provide clear avenues for compensation. The cornerstone of these protections is Labor Law §240, famously known as the “Scaffold Law.” This critical statute places strict, absolute liability on property owners and general contractors, holding them fully responsible for providing adequate safety devices and protection against gravity-related risks, such as falls from heights or being struck by falling objects. This “absolute liability” provision makes it a powerful tool for injured workers to secure compensation when these specific safety standards are violated.

Beyond the strict liability of Labor Law §240, other vital statutes and codes also protect workers:

• Labor Law §241(6): Requires owners and contractors to comply with specific safety rules and regulations outlined in the New York Industrial Codes.
• New York Industrial Codes (e.g., Part 23): Details stringent requirements for scaffolding, ladders, and other construction operations.
• Labor Law §200: Imposes a general duty on owners and contractors to maintain a safe workplace, addressing hazards they knew or should have known about.

These collective laws create a comprehensive legal framework, offering injured workers multiple avenues to seek justice and hold negligent parties accountable for their injuries.

How Can A Scaffolding And Ladder Injury Lawyer Assist With Your Case?

After a serious fall or scaffold incident, an attorney can protect your rights while you focus on recovery. At Bardizbanian & Associates, P.C., we help injured workers and families by building claims that reflect the full impact of the accident and identifying every available path to compensation.

Our legal team can assist by:

• Investigating what happened: Gathering incident reports, witness statements, site photos/video, safety logs, and employment records to document how the fall occurred.
• Identifying all liable parties: Determining whether the property owner, general contractor, subcontractors, or equipment suppliers contributed to unsafe conditions.
• Preserving key evidence: Sending spoliation letters and taking steps to secure the ladder/scaffold components and maintenance records before they are altered or removed.
• Proving safety violations: Working with construction safety professionals when needed to pinpoint Industrial Code or OSHA/NYC safety failures and how they caused the injury.
• Handling insurance and legal filings: Managing communications with insurers and defense attorneys and meeting strict deadlines and procedural requirements.
• Calculating full damages: Documenting medical costs, lost income, future care needs, and the human impact of the injury (pain, limitations, and loss of quality of life).
• Coordinating with workers’ compensation: Ensuring your workers’ comp benefits continue while pursuing any third-party personal injury claim that may provide additional recovery.
• Negotiating and, if needed, going to trial: Pursuing a fair settlement when possible and preparing the case for litigation when insurers refuse to pay what your claim is worth.

If you were injured in a Queens ladder or scaffolding accident, early legal help can make a significant difference in preserving evidence and strengthening your claim.

What Compensation Can Be Pursued For Scaffolding And Ladder Injuries?

Victims of scaffolding and ladder accidents in New York can pursue comprehensive compensation beyond workers’ compensation. A personal injury claim aims to fully compensate you for both economic and non-economic losses from negligent third parties.

You can seek payment for damages including:

• Medical Expenses: Past and future treatment, rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Income loss, future earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical discomfort, emotional distress.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Permanent physical alterations.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Impact on daily activities and hobbies.

Our attorneys meticulously investigate and advocate to explore all legal avenues to pursue the full compensation you are entitled to for your recovery and future.

Schedule A Free, No-Obligation Consultation With A Queens Scaffolding And Ladder Accident Attorney

If you have been hurt, our legal team uses over 40 years of legal experience to assist you with the legal process. We provide guidance and speak Spanish to ensure our community receives the assistance they need. Call our office today at 866-938-3921 to speak with a member of our legal team. You can also message us at our contact page. Our attorneys operate on a contingent fee basis; you pay no legal fees unless we recover money for you.