Window Washing Accidents In New York City
Window washers may work from ladders, suspended scaffolds, powered platforms, rope descent systems, roofs, and other elevated locations. A fall, platform failure, defective anchorage point, dropped tool, or malfunctioning safety device can cause catastrophic injuries or death.
The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. represents window washers and other workers injured throughout New York City. Our attorneys investigate the accident, preserve building and equipment records, identify the responsible parties, and determine which workers’ compensation and third-party claims may be available.
Call (212) 970-6500 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Common Causes Of Window Washing Accidents
Window washing accidents may result from:
- Defective or missing anchorage points
- Damaged ropes, lifelines, harnesses, or lanyards
- Suspended scaffold or powered-platform failures
- Unsecured or defective ladders
- Missing guardrails or fall-protection systems
- Improperly maintained equipment
- Inadequate equipment inspections
- Insufficient worker training or supervision
- Unsafe access to roofs or exterior surfaces
- Falling tools, glass, equipment, or debris
Depending on how the accident occurred, related claims may involve construction falls, scaffold accidents, ladder accidents, or falling objects.
New York Laws Protecting Window Washers
New York Labor Law § 202 addresses safe means for cleaning windows and exterior surfaces of covered public buildings. Depending on the circumstances, the law places responsibilities on building owners, lessees, agents, managers, superintendents, employers, and contractors. The statute also contains exceptions for certain buildings.
New York Labor Law § 240(1) may also apply to certain elevation-related window-cleaning accidents. The law includes cleaning among the covered activities and requires covered owners, contractors, and agents to provide safety devices that give workers proper protection. Whether the law applies depends on the work, building, accident, and parties involved.
Workers’ Compensation And Third-Party Claims
Eligible window washers injured while working may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, including necessary medical care and partial wage-replacement benefits. Workers’ compensation generally does not require the worker to prove that an employer caused the accident. Learn more about New York workers’ compensation claims.
A separate claim may also be available against a responsible party other than the direct employer. Depending on the facts, potential third parties may include:
- A building owner
- A managing agent
- A general contractor
- A maintenance contractor
- A scaffold or platform company
- An equipment manufacturer
- Another company responsible for inspecting or maintaining safety equipment
Injuries Caused By Window Washing Accidents
Falls and equipment failures can cause:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ injuries
- Nerve damage
- Crush injuries
- Severe cuts and lacerations
- Paralysis
- Permanent disability
- Fatal injuries
Prompt investigation is important because scaffolds, ropes, harnesses, platforms, anchorage systems, inspection records, surveillance footage, and other evidence may be altered or lost after an accident.
Compensation Available After A Window Washing Accident
Workers’ compensation may provide medical treatment and a portion of lost wages. A separate third-party claim may seek compensation for additional losses, including:
- Past and future lost earnings
- Unreimbursed medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Other accident-related losses
When a window washing accident causes a worker’s death, surviving family members may have claims for workers’ compensation death benefits and, depending on the circumstances, a separate wrongful death claim.
Related Construction Accident Practice Areas
- Construction Fall Accident Lawyers
- Ladder Accident Lawyers
- Scaffold Accident Lawyers
- Falling Object Accident Lawyers
- Crane Accident Lawyers
- Workplace Machine Accident Lawyers
- Construction Vehicle And Forklift Accident Lawyers
- Construction Electrical Accident Lawyers
- Trench And Excavation Accident Lawyers
- Demolition Accident Lawyers
- Elevator And Hoist Accident Lawyers
Contact A New York City Window Washing Accident Lawyer
The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has represented injured New Yorkers for more than 35 years. Our office is located at 120 W 45th Street, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Call (212) 970-6500 or contact us online for a free consultation.