St. Stephens Church Ladder Accident: 60-Year-Old Maintenance Worker Injured In St. Stephens Church Roof Fall Accident In Delmar Along 16 Elsmere Avenue
BETHLEHEM, NEW YORK (December 14, 2019) – A 60-year-old maintenance worker sustained a serious head injury after falling off a ladder at St. Stephens Church located at 16 Elsmere Avenue.
New York State Police are saying that the accident took place around 1:30 p.m. The 60-year-old man was working on the roof of St. Stephens Church when he suddenly fell off a ladder around 12 to 14 feet.
Delmar-Bethlehem EMS arrived at St. Stephens Church in order to help the victim. He sustained serious head injuries and was taken to Albany Medical Center Hospital.
An investigation into the Delmar ladder accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Delmar Roof Fall Accidents
Despite advances in technology and safety improvements contractors remain at serious risk of injury or death. According to NYC Vital Signs, “Falls comprised more than half (58%) of fatal unintentional injuries among construction workers. Most fatal falls occurred from scaffolds (25%), followed by ladders (16%) and roofs (11%).” There is a clear pattern of why these types of accidents tend to take place. “Most OSHA citations resulted from noncompliance with training requirements and fall protection standards, such as requirements for guardrails or a properly anchored harness. Violations of OSHA scaffold, stairway and ladder safety standards were also frequently cited,” according to the report’s authors. Here are just of few of the most common causes of ladder falls:
- Using defective or worn ladders
- Using ladders with broken parts or footing
- Using ladders in small areas where they can’t fully open
- Placing ladders on uneven surfaces
Under New York Labor Law 240(1) general contractors are held strictly liable for gravity related accidents when workers are injured. This includes accidents where workers fall off of structures or are hit by falling objects. General contractors must take measures to make sure that workers are provided with adequate fall protection and that ladders are safe. When a general contractor fails to take measures to properly protect workers they could face summary judgement against defendants on the issue of liability. Victims of ladder fall accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Pelvis injuries
- Wrongful death
Any person that is injured in a ladder fall accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. It’s important that evidence is properly preserved and collected after an accident. Unfortunately, general contractors and building owners will often fight vigorously to deny liability after an accident. A ladder fall accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case free of cost and make sure that your rights are being protected.
Getting Help After A Delmar Ladder Fall Accident
We at Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson extend our thoughts and prayers to the maintenance worker that was injured at St. Stephens Church. Any person that may have seen what happened should reach out to OSHA as they continue their investigation. Ladder fall accidents are largely preventable when the right safety measures are taken. It is our sincere hope that steps are put in place to prevent additional incidents like this.
If you or someone that you care about has been injured in a ladder fall accident you may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any legal questions that you may have. We are committed to making sure that accident victims are aware of their rights so that they can make informed decisions. Whether you just have questions about NY Labor Law 240(1) or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You’re always welcome to reach out to us anytime at 212-471-5106.
