Result: $2.9 Million Settlement for Construction Worker Injured in 15-foot Fall From Ladder

The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., secured a $2,900,000 settlement for a construction worker who was injured after falling 15 feet from a ladder.

The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., represented a client who sustained herniations of his C5-6, C6-7 and L5-S1 intervertebral discs, as well as trauma that produced impingement of each shoulder.

On Jan. 19, 2009, the plaintiff, a construction worker, worked at a renovation site. He was installing a plasterboard ceiling, and the work necessitated his use of a ladder. During the course of that task, he fell off the ladder. He plummeted some 15 feet, and he claimed that he sustained injuries to his back, his neck, and his shoulders.

The plaintiff sued the premises’ owners. He alleged that the defendants violated the New York State Labor Law.

The plaintiff claimed that the ladder did not provide proper support. His counsel contended that the incident stemmed from an elevation-related hazard, as defined by Labor Law 240(1), and that the plaintiff was not provided the proper, safe equipment that is a requirement of the statute. They moved for summary judgment of liability, and the motion was granted. The matter proceeded to a trial that addressed damages.

During the trial, the parties negotiated a settlement. The defendants’ insurer agreed to pay $2.9 million.