New York & New Jersey Falls From Unguarded Openings

Openings in walking surfaces at jobsites present a real hazard for New York and New Jersey construction workers. Falls can happen when large holes in floors or roofs are left unguarded or unprotected. A worker can accidently fall through an opening to a lower level, resulting in disability or death. The NY / NJ construction accident lawyers at the Ginarte law firm can help fall victims get the money they deserve for their injuries.

Ginarte is one of the biggest construction accident firms in the New York / New Jersey metro area. Our attorneys have more than 150 years of combined experience with fall injury claims. Call us today to find out how we can help you. Dial 1-888-GINARTE now. Or fill out an online contact form. We receive compensation only if your case is won.

It’s important to call us as soon as you can. New York and New Jersey construction injury claims have deadlines. Your case might be barred if you wait too long.

How Unguarded Opening Falls Happen In NY / NJ

OSHA rules require safety measures to keep construction workers from falling through any hole that is at least 6 feet above the lower level. Sometimes skylights and other openings are left unguarded. In other cases, a flimsy piece of plywood might be thrown over the hole.

Covers should be able to support at least twice the weight of any workers, equipment and materials that could be on it. Guardrails are another way to prevent falls through holes at NY / NJ construction sites. Safety nets or fall arrest devices can also be used. If the opening is not secure, one false step can allow a worker to fall through an opening to the hard surface below.

Injuries Resulting From Falls Through Unprotected Openings

Falls through unguarded openings can be deadly. Injuries can vary depending on how far the person falls and what type of surface is below. Some types of injuries caused by falls through unprotected holes include:

• Spine injuries;
• Back injuries;
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI);
• Broken bones;
• Paralysis, including paraplegia and quadriplegia;
• Knee, foot and ankle injuries;
• Bleeding;
• Death;
• Sprains, and more.

About 20 out of every 10,000 full-time construction workers suffered a fall to a lower level in 2010, according to OSHA. Falls caused 35 percent of the 751 construction deaths in 2010.

Workers Threatened By Unguarded Opening Falls In NJ / NY

Unprotected holes are a real threat to anyone who works on a New York or New Jersey construction site. It doesn’t matter what trade you perform, you can be surprised by a floor opening if it is not secured right.

A few examples of construction workers who could be hurt in a fall through an unguarded hole include:

• Framers;
• Carpenters;
• Roofers;
• Drywall hangers;
• Painters;
• General laborers and helpers;
• Plumbers;
• Electricians;
• Masons;
• HVAC installers;
• Window installers;
• Flooring specialists;
• Ironworkers;
• Demolition workers;
• Welders;
• Plasterers, and others.

The Cost Of Falls From Unguarded Openings

Falls to a lower level, including falls through unprotected holes, were the third costliest type of workplace injury in 2009, according to the 2011 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index. Total costs related to falls to a lower level amounted to $5.35 billion.

When you fall through an open hole to a lower level, you will probably suffer bad injuries. Fall injuries can be very expensive for individual victims. Medical bills alone can reach thousands of dollars. If you are disabled and can’t work, there are large losses due to no pay. Rehab can also cost a lot. It is important to get help from an experienced NY / NJ construction injury lawyer. The Ginarte law firm can help you get the cash you need for your construction injuries.

New York Construction Injury Lawsuits

Labor laws in New York require safe workplaces. If you are hurt at a New York construction site, the law could let you recover money damages if your job site was unsafe. Often you can bring a third-party lawsuit and recover more money than workers’ comp alone. Under NY law, property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, vendors, site developers and other third parties can be held liable for construction site accidents.

You need to talk to the New York construction accident lawyers at the Ginarte law firm. Our attorneys have years of experience. We know what to look for in a fall injury case.

About Your New Jersey Fall Injury Claim

New Jersey doesn’t have the same labor laws as New York. But you can still sue third parties if they failed to provide a safe workplace. Many times there are violations of OSHA rules that led to the accident. Our NJ construction accident lawyers know how to use OSHA rules to back up a claim against a third party, like a property owner or subcontractor. We often work with experts to find out which OSHA rules were broken, allowing a fall through an unsecured opening.

Although you will likely be able to claim workers’ comp and/or SSD, you might be able to get more money from an NJ construction injury lawsuit. It is important to talk to the lawyers at the Ginarte firm to find out all of your options.

Ask Our Lawyers About Your Construction Injury Case Now!

The NY /NJ unguarded opening fall lawyers are ready to get started on your claim. Call us today for a free consultation. Dial 1-888-GINARTE now. You can also fill out our online contact form. You pay us a fee only if you win your case.

At Ginarte Gonzalez & Winograd, LLP, we have 25 lawyers ready to help with your construction accident claim. We have helped lots of injured workers in the NY / NJ metro area. Let’s see how we can help you. Call us or stop in one of our nearby offices in Newark, New York City, Union City, Elizabeth, Clifton and Perth Amboy.