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His clients call Michael Lamonsoff “The Bull” because he never stops fighting for them. Thanks to “The Bull” and his team of top-rated litigators, the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC., is consistently rated as one of the top personal injury law firms in New York City.
Ladder Accident Lawyer in New York City
Ladder Injuries Cause Serious Injuries
Types of Ladder Accidents at New York Construction Sites and Other Workplaces
OSHA's Regulations for Safe Use of Ladders in New York Workplaces
General Ladder Requirements Under OSHA
Employers must ensure that all ladders meet OSHA’s design and maintenance standards outlined in 29 CFR 1926.1053. Ladders must be capable of supporting at least four times the maximum intended load and should be inspected regularly for defects such as cracks, corrosion, or bent components. Defective ladders must be marked and removed from service immediately.
Proper Ladder Placement and Usage
According to OSHA regulations, ladders must be placed on stable and level surfaces to prevent tipping. When using portable ladders, the base must be secured, and the angle of placement should ensure stability, following the 4-to-1 rule: the base of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall for every four feet of height.
Access and Working from Ladders
Under OSHA standards, ladders must be used only for their intended purposes. Workers should maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand) while climbing. Tools or materials should not be carried in hand but instead secured on a tool belt or hoisted separately. Employers are required to provide ladders tall enough to reach work areas without workers needing to stand on the top rung, as stipulated in 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(13).
Special Requirements for Construction Sites
At New York construction sites, OSHA mandates that fixed ladders longer than 24 feet include ladder safety systems such as cages, wells, or personal fall arrest systems. Temporary ladders must be adequately secured and meet job-specific needs.
Ladders in Warehouses and Manufacturing Sites
For workplaces like warehouses or manufacturing sites, OSHA’s standards emphasize the importance of ensuring that ladders used around forklifts, machinery, or elevated storage areas are non-conductive if there is exposure to electrical hazards. Employers must also ensure that ladders are stored properly to avoid workplace obstructions or potential tipping hazards.
Training Requirements for Ladder Safety
OSHA requires employers to provide comprehensive ladder safety training under 29 CFR 1926.1060. This training must include instruction on proper ladder selection, placement, and usage, as well as recognizing ladder-related hazards. Workers must also be trained to identify and report damaged ladders.
Consequences of OSHA Violations
Failure to comply with OSHA’s ladder safety regulations can result in serious accidents, such as falls leading to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or fractures. Employers violating these safety laws can face significant penalties and liability if such violations contribute to workplace injuries.
New York City ladder accident attorney Michael S. Lamonsoff, “The Bull,” will hold negligent parties accountable for OSHA violations involving ladder misuse or defects and fight to ensure that injured workers receive the highest possible compensation for their injuries and losses.
How Our New York Ladder Accident Lawyer Will Prove Liability of the Negligent Parties
Seasoned New York City ladder injury attorney Michael S. Lamonsoff, “The Bull,” and his team will move fast to investigate various types of negligent actions of contractors, subcontractors, and third parties and find the evidence to prove their liability for the largest possible damages. These may include:
Improper Ladder Selection or Use
Contractors or subcontractors may fail to select the right ladder for the job, leading to accidents. For example, using a wooden ladder in an area exposed to moisture or selecting a ladder that is too short for the task can cause instability and increase the risk of a fall. Our New York ladder accident attorney, Michael Lamonsoff, will collect evidence such as expert opinions, ladder specifications, and photos showing inappropriate ladder use or selection for the task.
Failure to Inspect Ladders for Defects or Damage
Contractors and subcontractors are responsible for ensuring that all ladders are regularly inspected for defects or damage, such as cracks, missing rungs, or bent frames. Negligence in inspection can lead to accidents. Our attorney will review inspection records, maintenance logs, and photographs of damaged ladders to establish that proper safety checks were not conducted.
Ladder Misplacement or Improper Setup
Negligence can also occur when ladders are not placed on stable ground or are positioned at improper angles, making them unsafe to use. Contractors may fail to enforce safety measures that require ladders to be set up correctly and on level ground. Our ladder injury attorney in New York will collect evidence like site photographs, witness testimony, and accident reports to prove that improper setup contributed to the accident.
Failure to Secure Ladders in High-Traffic Areas
Ladders positioned in high-traffic zones without proper barriers or signage can become hazardous. If workers or passersby are unaware of the ladder’s location, there’s a risk of collision or destabilization. Our investigative team will gather evidence such as workplace diagrams, employee statements, and safety plan documentation to show that the ladder was negligently placed in a high-risk area.
Lack of Training for Ladder Safety
Contractors may fail to provide necessary training to workers on the safe use of ladders, including proper climbing techniques, weight limits, and the importance of checking for defects before use. Our NY ladder accident attorney will investigate the employer’s training protocols and interview workers to determine if there was a lack of training that contributed to the injury.
Third-Party Defects in Ladders or Equipment
In some cases, third-party manufacturers or suppliers may provide defective ladders or safety equipment. A manufacturing defect or failure to meet safety standards can make the ladder inherently dangerous. Our ladder accident lawyers in New York City will examine product recall records, manufacturing defects, and third-party inspection reports to hold the manufacturer accountable for supplying faulty equipment.
Inadequate Fall Protection Systems
Contractors and subcontractors may fail to implement proper fall protection measures, such as guardrails or harness systems when ladders are being used at heights. The lack of safety precautions increases the risk of a fall. Our New York ladder accident attorney, Michael Lamonsoff, will gather evidence such as safety policies, OSHA violations, and accident scene photos to show that proper fall protection measures were not provided.
Improper Storage of Ladders
Improper storage of ladders on construction sites or in warehouses can lead to accidents. Ladders that are left in walkways, in high-traffic areas, or stacked improperly may become a tripping hazard or get damaged. Our NYC ladder accident lawyer Michael Lamonsoff “The Bull” will review site storage practices, witness statements, and photographs to demonstrate that improper ladder storage contributed to the injury.
By gathering this critical evidence, Michael Lamonsoff can build a compelling case of negligence against contractors, subcontractors, or third parties that contributed to a ladder accident and hold them liable for maximum damages.
Michael is such a good man. He's a fantastic lawyer.
He made sure I was taken care of. He didn't let anything stop him from getting me the best settlement. He's truly amazing. If it weren't for Michael I don't know where I'd be right now.
I was afraid to even sue after my accident. I spoke to Michael one time, and I knew I was making the right decision. If you want someone to win your case and take care of you, you need to call Michael.
After a Ladder Accident, What Should I Do?
Contact Us for Help With Your Ladder Accident Claim
If you were injured on the job because of a ladder accident, our personal injury attorneys in NYC can help. We will listen thoughtfully to your story and let you know how you can protect yourself and your family going forward. Let our experience work for you!
Contact our office at 212- 962-1020 for a FREE CONSULTATION at any time.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.
Ladder Injuries FAQ
How can defective ladders cause accidents at New York construction sites?
How can worker fatigue contribute to ladder accidents in New York workplaces?
Can lack of training lead to ladder accidents on New York construction sites?
What role do weather conditions play in ladder accidents on New York construction sites?
What is the employer's responsibility in ensuring ladder safety at New York construction sites?
Can a third party be held liable for a ladder accident on a New York construction site?
How does OSHA regulate ladder safety, and how does it apply to New York construction accidents?
What is the statute of limitations for filing a ladder accident claim in New York, and how does it affect my case?
How can defective ladders cause accidents at New York construction sites?
Ladders that are improperly manufactured, have defects, or are not regularly maintained can break, bend, or fail during use, causing serious accidents. Defects may include broken rungs, loose bolts, or faulty locking mechanisms. Manufacturers and employers are responsible for ensuring that ladders meet safety standards.
How can worker fatigue contribute to ladder accidents in New York workplaces?
When workers are fatigued or overworked, their ability to assess risks and maintain balance while using a ladder is impaired, increasing the likelihood of a fall or mishap. This is a particular risk on jobs with long hours or inadequate rest breaks.
Can lack of training lead to ladder accidents on New York construction sites?
Lack of proper training on ladder safety can lead to improper use, such as overreaching, failing to secure the ladder, or using a damaged ladder. Employers are required to provide safety training to workers to prevent such accidents.
What role do weather conditions play in ladder accidents on New York construction sites?
Weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or high winds, can severely impact ladder safety. Slippery surfaces or gusts of wind can cause ladders to shift or become unstable, leading to accidents. Contractors are required to assess weather conditions and adjust safety protocols accordingly to prevent accidents.
What is the employer's responsibility in ensuring ladder safety at New York construction sites?
Employers in New York are legally required to provide safe equipment, including ladders, and ensure that they are properly maintained and free from defects. They must also ensure that workers are adequately trained in ladder safety and that ladders are set up in stable, secure positions. Failure to meet these obligations can be considered negligence.
Can a third party be held liable for a ladder accident on a New York construction site?
Yes, third parties, such as contractors, subcontractors, or even ladder manufacturers, can be held liable for ladder accidents if their actions or negligence contributed to the accident. For instance, a third-party contractor may have failed to properly maintain ladders, or a manufacturer may have produced a defective ladder.
How does OSHA regulate ladder safety, and how does it apply to New York construction accidents?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets strict standards for ladder use at construction sites. This includes guidelines on ladder types, conditions, and safe usage practices. Any violation of these standards can be used as evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a ladder accident claim in New York, and how does it affect my case?
In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including ladder accidents, is generally three years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation. However, accidents at construction sites owned or operated by a municipal entity have a shorter timeframe by which a lawsuit must be filed.