In New York City, construction happens vertically. From high-rises in Midtown to scaffold-covered brownstones in Brooklyn, ladders are an everyday part of the job. They’re essential tools—especially in tight, congested work zones where lifts and scaffolding don’t fit. But there’s no margin for error. One unsecured ladder, one missing safety device, and a worker can suffer life-altering injuries in seconds.
The NYC ladder accident lawyers at The Perecman Firm represent construction workers who’ve been hurt in these entirely preventable falls. If you were injured while working on a ladder, or someone in your family is facing serious injuries from a fall, you’re likely dealing with more than just the pain.
Medical bills are rising. Work is on hold. The pressure to stay afloat is growing by the day. While workers’ compensation may cover some of your losses, it’s often not the only source of financial recovery. We help injured workers hold the right parties accountable and pursue every option available under New York law.
Key Takeaways from NYC Ladder Accident Lawyers
- Ladder accidents often involve preventable falls caused by unsafe conditions, defective equipment, or lack of proper safety devices.
- In some cases, New York Labor Laws allow injured workers to file a personal injury lawsuit against third parties, such as manufacturers or contractors.
- Ladder accident injuries include spinal cord injuries, broken bones, head injuries, and other life-altering conditions requiring extensive medical treatment.
- Construction workers injured in ladder falls may be eligible to pursue both workers' compensation benefits and a civil ladder accident claim.
- Prompt legal representation helps document evidence, calculate damages, and strengthen your ladder accident case from the start.
- The Perecman Firm fights for financial recovery and justice, providing client-focused, results-driven representation in NYC ladder accident cases
Why Injured Workers Choose The Perecman Firm
When you’re recovering from a serious injury, you need a legal team that sees you, hears you, and fights for what’s right. At The Perecman Firm, we’ve spent over 40 years helping New York City construction workers recover after devastating injuries. Here’s what sets us apart.
Client-first, always
We treat every case with urgency, care, and precision. You’re not a case number here. You’re a person whose future matters. Our firm gives you direct access to attorneys who listen, follow through, and advocate fiercely.
Record of high-value results
Our ladder accident attorneys have secured multiple seven- and eight-figure outcomes for construction workers hurt in ladder falls, including a recent $15.2 million verdict for a worker who fell from an A-frame ladder.
Deep knowledge of New York labor law
Our trial lawyers have helped shape how New York Labor Law applies to construction accident cases. We know how to apply New York labor laws to help workers pursue maximum compensation.
No legal fees unless we win
We take ladder accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Local knowledge, statewide reputation
From downtown Manhattan to Queens, our team has extensive experience handling ladder injury cases across New York City and Long Island. We know the local courts, judges, and defense strategies used by insurance companies.
HOW IT WORKS
FREE CASE REVIEW
We’ll review your situation, explain your legal options, and help you understand whether you have a case worth pursuing—along with a realistic timeline for potential recovery.
AN IRONCLAD CASE
Our legal team gathers evidence, consults with experts, and builds a strong case that clearly demonstrates fault and the full scope of your injuries.
BATTLE THE BULLIES
We stand up to insurance companies and defense teams, pushing back against lowball offers and fighting for the compensation you’re legally entitled to seek.
Common Ladder Accidents on NYC Construction Sites
Ladders are essential on most construction sites, but they can pose significant risks when safety is overlooked. Unsafe conditions, improper use, and employer negligence can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. We’ve seen firsthand how quickly a ladder accident can change everything for a worker and their family.
Ladder accident cases often involve failures in basic safety practices. These include:
- Unsecured ladders or unstable surfaces
- Lack of proper safety equipment, such as harnesses or anchors
- Use of damaged or defective extension ladders
- Inadequate training or supervision
- Working at heights without adequate fall protection
Ladder falls often result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. Some victims never return to work in construction again.
Common Ladders Involved in NYC Ladder Accident Injuries
Not all ladders are the same, and neither are the risks that come with them. On NYC construction sites, workers use different types of ladders depending on the task, location, and height involved. But no matter the design, every ladder must be in good condition, properly secured, and used with appropriate safety devices. When they’re not, serious injuries can occur.
Ladder accident injuries frequently involve:
- A-frame ladders used in tight or enclosed workspaces where scaffolding isn't practical
- Extension ladders that rest against structures and often lack sufficient anchoring on uneven ground
- Platform ladders used for overhead work that require guardrails and stable footing
- Fixed ladders attached to trucks, containers, or buildings, often lacking protective cages or slip-resistant surfaces
- Folding ladders commonly used during maintenance and electrical work, which can collapse if not properly locked into place
Each of these ladders comes with its own risks. New York law requires that workers be provided with reasonable and adequate protection while working at heights. The responsible party may be held liable for the injuries sustained if a ladder is defective, unstable, or used without the necessary safety equipment.
What the Law Says About Ladder Accident Liability
New York has some of the strongest worker protection laws in the country. If you’re a construction worker injured in a ladder fall, specific statutes may support your personal injury claim.
Section 240(1): The Scaffold Law
New York Labor Law § 240(1) requires construction site owners and general contractors to provide safety devices when workers perform tasks at heights. This includes ladders, scaffolding, and hoists. If the ladder was unstable, defective, or failed due to a lack of adequate safety devices, the responsible party may be strictly liable for your injuries. View the law here.
Section 241(6): Safety code violations
Under § 241(6), injured workers may bring a claim when a job site fails to follow New York Industrial Code safety rules, such as those governing ladder placement, training, and equipment condition. One such rule is 12 NYCRR § 23-1.21, which outlines specific ladder safety standards.
Section 200: General safety duty
NY Labor Law § 200 reinforces the obligation of employers to provide a reasonably safe workplace. If site owners fail to fix a known ladder hazard or ignore dangerous conditions, this law may support a personal injury claim.
These laws exist to protect construction workers—but you still need evidence and skilled legal guidance to prove a ladder accident case.
What To Do After a Work-Related Ladder Accident
If you’ve already received medical care, there are additional steps to help preserve your legal options and support your ladder injury claim.
Start with the most important: hire an attorney with experience in NYC ladder accident lawsuits. Then take the following actions as soon as possible:
- Keep all medical appointments and follow treatment plans to document your injuries
- Report the ladder accident to your employer and request a written incident report
- Take photos of the accident scene, equipment, and visible injuries (or have someone do so for you)
- Journal your symptoms, pain levels, and how the injuries affect your ability to work or care for yourself
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer
Your legal team can help investigate your case, identify responsible parties, and build a ladder accident lawsuit if your accident involves third-party liability.
Who May Be Liable in a NYC Ladder Accident Claim?
Unfortunately, many New York City construction workers assume that workers’ compensation is their only option after a ladder fall or other workplace accident. But in many NYC ladder accident cases, pursuing a third-party personal injury lawsuit is another option. This can provide compensation far beyond what workers’ comp typically covers.
Workers’ compensation provides basic medical and wage replacement benefits, but it doesn’t allow you to seek damages for pain and suffering or loss of future earnings. That’s where third-party liability comes in. If someone other than your direct employer contributed to the unsafe conditions that led to your fall, you may be able to file a ladder accident lawsuit in addition to receiving workers' comp.
Liability in ladder accident cases may fall on:
- General contractors or site owners who failed to provide proper safety equipment or maintain safe working conditions under New York Labor Law
- Third-party subcontractors who created hazards, interfered with ladder placement, or neglected safety standards
- Manufacturers or distributors of defective ladders or safety devices that failed during proper use
Filing both a workers' compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit can be legally complicated, but doing so may significantly increase your total financial recovery. At The Perecman Firm, we investigate the full scope of your accident, identify all responsible parties, and help you pursue every available avenue for compensation under New York law.
Common Ladder Accident Injuries in New York City
Falling from a ladder is rarely a minor incident. Even from modest heights, a fall can result in permanent injuries that affect every part of your life, from your physical health to your ability to earn a living.
Ladder fall accidents often result in:
- Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, or skull fractures
- Spinal cord injuries and herniated discs
- Broken bones in the arms, wrists, legs, or pelvis
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries that require long-term physical therapy
Some injured workers may also suffer psychological effects, including PTSD or depression, especially if the injury ended their career or caused chronic pain.
Recovering from these injuries takes time and often involves steep medical expenses, time away from work, and ongoing treatment. A successful ladder accident claim helps cover these losses.
What Compensation May Be Available After Being Injured in a Ladder Fall?
Depending on your case, you may be eligible to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit, a workers' compensation claim, or both. Each case is unique, and compensation varies depending on the severity of your injuries and the legal pathway you pursue.
A ladder accident claim may include compensation for:
- Current and future medical bills
- Physical rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Home or vehicle modifications due to injury-related limitations
If the ladder accident resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may also be able to pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses and loss of financial support.
The Perecman Firm works with economists and medical experts to document damages and ensure all losses are fully accounted for.
Legal Deadlines for NYC Ladder Accident Claims
Strict deadlines apply to all personal injury cases in New York, including those involving ladder accident injuries.
For most ladder accident claims:
- The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New York is three years from the date of injury (N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214)
- For wrongful death claims, the deadline is two years from the date of death (EPTL § 5-4.1).
- Workers' compensation claims must typically be reported within 30 days of the injury and filed within two years.
However, these deadlines can be shorter if your claim involves a government entity. It’s critical to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing your window to file.
FAQs About NYC Ladder Accident Lawyers and Legal Claims
What if I’m partially responsible for my ladder fall?
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. That means even if you’re found partially responsible, you may still recover damages, though your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced attorney can help you understand how this may affect your claim and work to protect you from undue blame.
Can I file a lawsuit and receive workers’ compensation?
Yes. In many ladder accident cases, workers file a workers' compensation claim through their employer and a personal injury lawsuit against a third party, such as a general contractor, site owner, or equipment manufacturer. These are separate legal avenues and may both be available.
How do I prove a ladder was defective?
A product liability claim involving a defective ladder requires evidence that the ladder was unreasonably dangerous due to its design, manufacturing process, or lack of proper warnings. Preserving the ladder and securing expert analysis are essential steps that your attorney will help facilitate.
What if I wasn’t using a harness or fall protection?
If the job site failed to provide you with proper safety equipment, this may actually strengthen your case under New York Labor Law § 240(1). Employers and site owners have a duty to provide adequate protection and train workers how to use it, regardless of worker actions.
Can I still file a ladder accident claim if I didn’t report the injury right away?
Yes, but you will likely need an experienced lawyer to overcome the challenges that delayed reporting can present. If you didn’t report the accident immediately, it’s important to do so as soon as possible and document what happened in writing. An attorney can help explain the delay and gather evidence to support your claim.
What happens if I’m an undocumented worker injured in a ladder fall?
Your immigration status does not prevent you from filing a workers' compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit in New York. State labor laws protect all workers, regardless of documentation. If you were injured in a ladder accident, you still have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and lost income.
Take the First Step Toward Financial Recovery
You don’t need to carry this burden alone. If a ladder accident left you injured and unable to work, you deserve a law firm that treats your case with urgency, respect, and relentless focus. At The Perecman Firm, we fight for construction workers and their families across New York City, securing justice in even the most complex ladder injury cases.
Let us help you move forward with strength and clarity. Call (212) 977-7033 or contact us online for a free consultation with an experience NYC personal injury lawyer. We’re ready to fight for you.