Work Injuries: Window Installation & Window Washing
Many of us have had the experience of looking up and being awed by the window washers and glass installation workers who work at such high elevations. For those who are used to working closer to the ground, it’s enough to make one’s head spin. For these overhead workers, however, it’s just another day on the job.
At Block O’Toole & Murphy, we understand the risks that workers face every day on construction sites. We have been helping these workers seek full and fair compensation for their injuries for nearly 30 years. Our lawyers represent window installers, window washers, construction site workers and other individuals who have suffered serious negligence-related injuries on the job. We also represent those who have lost loved ones in fatal accidents caused by negligence.
We have experience representing workers in a variety of window accident cases, including those involving:
- Falls from window cleaning hoists, scaffolds or other heights
- Defective or missing safety gear
- Injuries from falling objects
- Slips and trips on the job site
- Staging collapses
New York Legal Protections for Window Washers
Although modern safety equipment is better than it used to be, window washers are still at risk of falling accidents, particularly if building owners and employers do not provide them with adequate fall protection devices. One legal protection window washers have is Labor Law §202, which is commonly called the “Window Washer Statute.” Under this law, building owners, lessees and managers may be held legally responsible for any injuries to window washers who are injured while working on their buildings due to a lack of proper safety equipment.
Similarly, Labor Law §240(1), commonly called the “Scaffold Law,” requires building owners and contractors to provide appropriate scaffolding, hoists and other safety equipment for workers, including window washers and glass installation workers. Violations of either of these labor laws may give rise to a negligence claim for damages.
At Block O’Toole & Murphy, our attorneys have extensive experience holding building owners, managers, contractors and other parties accountable when their negligence causes injury to our clients. Read on for examples of victories we have secured for those injured while installing and washing windows in New York.
$3.72 Million for a Glass Installation Worker
Block O’Toole & Murphy represented a commercial glass installation worker after he stepped on an unsecured hole cover resulting in a two-story fall. As a result of this fall, he suffered a calcaneus fracture in his left foot and a torn left rotator cuff. To treat these injuries, he required open reduction-internal fixation surgery on his left foot and arthroscopic surgery to repair his shoulder.
At only 28 years old, these injuries and the resulting complications prevented our client from ever returning to construction work. In addition to pursuing compensation for his injuries and medical expenses, we made a claim for his lost wages, both past and future. With the assistance of the court, our attorneys negotiated a pretrial settlement of $3,720,000 for our client.
$3.2 Million for a Window Installer
In another case, we represented a window installer who was working on a construction site at an elementary school. While working on a one-level scaffold, he stepped on an unsecured plank, which flipped up and caused him to fall to the ground. He suffered serious injuries to his left elbow, left shoulder, and cervical spine.
The defense argued that our client’s injuries were resolved and would require no further treatment. Additionally, they argued that even if he could never return to construction work, our client could be employed in other capacities. Despite these arguments, we obtained a $3,200,000 settlement for him.
$2.25 Million for a Manhattan Window Washer
In another case, we represented a window washer who was working on a Manhattan office building. He was secured properly to the exterior of the second floor, but the bolt that was securing his belt suddenly pulled out of the wall. He fell 15 to 20 feet to the ground, suffering fractures to his left arm, pelvis and hip.
The defense attempted to argue that the window washer had disobeyed safety instructions and taken unnecessary risks to perform his job, and that his excellent recovery minimized his need for future medical expenses. Despite these challenges, our attorneys obtained a $2,250,000 million settlement before trial for his medical costs, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
When Workers’ Compensation Is Not Enough
Workers’ compensation may cover some of your immediate bills after an accident, but it may not provide you or your family with the full amount of money you need and deserve to compensate you for future medical bills or lost wages, as well as other, less tangible damages.
In New York, the law allows injured workers to pursue personal injury claims for compensation beyond what is available through workers’ compensation. However, it is essential to coordinate both claims to protect your legal rights and secure the best result. Block O’Toole & Murphy has a reputation for handling complex injury cases, and we are happy to help clients with their workers’ compensation claims by drawing on our network of some of the best workers’ compensation attorneys in New York.
Speak to an Attorney Today. Call for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love were seriously harmed while installing or washing windows, we encourage you to contact us to speak with a lawyer at no cost. During your FREE case evaluation, one of our experienced work injury attorneys will answer your questions, advise you of your rights and help you determine an appropriate course of action to pursue the compensation to which you are entitled. Call us at 212-736-5300, or contact us online. We serve all New York State, including Buffalo, Albany, Long Island, Rochester, and the five boroughs of New York City.
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