New York City Negligent Window Washing Lawyer
Ensuring the safety of individuals engaged in window washing and the public around them is crucial in New York City. Window washing, especially on high-rise buildings, involves significant risks. New York Labor Law § 202 mandates that building owners, lessees, and agents must provide safe working conditions for window washers, adhering to the rules and regulations set by the board of standards and appeals. However, there are instances when these safety protocols are not followed, leading to serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured due to negligent window washing practices, you need a New York City Negligent Window Washing Lawyer. Call Michael Gunzburg, P.C. as they can guide you in the law, and help you obtain the compensation you may be entitled to recover.
Common Types of Window Washing Negligence
Property owners and managers are held to a high standard of care to ensure the safety of window washers. This means they must follow strict safety protocols and provide the necessary equipment and conditions to prevent accidents. When these standards are not met, and a window washer or a member of the public is harmed, the responsible parties can be held liable for their damages and made to pay them compensation. Some of the most common types of window washing negligence include:
- Failure to Provide Safety Equipment: Proper harnesses, anchors, and other fall protection equipment are essential for window washers. Failure to provide or maintain this equipment can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
- Inadequate Training: Window washers must be properly trained to use safety equipment and perform their tasks safely. Inadequate training can result in accidents.
- Unsafe Working Conditions: Property owners must ensure that the building and its surroundings are safe for window washing activities. This includes securing loose objects, ensuring stable surfaces, and maintaining clean, dry conditions.
- Violation of Safety Regulations: There are strict regulations in place to protect window washers. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in serious accidents.
Common Injuries Due to Window Washing Negligence
Window washing is a high-risk job, and negligence can lead to severe and even catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common injuries resulting from negligent window washing practices include:
- Falls: Falls from significant heights can cause catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and even death.
- Electrocution: Window washers working near electrical lines or equipment without proper precautions can suffer from severe electrical burns or electrocution.
- Lacerations and Puncture Wounds: Broken glass, sharp edges, and improper handling of cleaning tools can cause deep cuts and puncture wounds.
- Musculoskeletal Injuries: Repetitive strain injuries and overexertion can occur from improper techniques or lack of proper ergonomics while working.
Relevant Case: Eugenia Swiderska v. New York University (2008)
A notable case illustrating the importance of proper safety measures in window washing is Eugenia Swiderska v. New York University (2008). In this case, a contractor’s employee fell while attempting to clean 10-foot-high windows in a college dormitory. The employee was provided with only a rag and window washing solution and was instructed to climb on furniture instead of being given a ladder or any other safety device. The Court of Appeals reversed the lower courts’ decisions, holding that commercial window cleaning is an activity encompassed within Labor Law § 240(1) when it creates an elevation-related risk. This case highlights the critical need for Owners and Contractors to give Window Washers the proper safety equipment and to follow safety protocols to prevent them from getting into accidents and suffering injuries.
Our Negligent Window Washing Lawyer in New York City Can Help After an Injury
If you have suffered a serious or permanent injury due to any negligent window washing practices, our New York City Negligent Window Washing Lawyer at Michael Gunzburg, P.C. will answer your questions and give you the help you need. We understand the complexities of labor laws and safety regulations and will work hard to prove negligence and secure the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 212-725-8500 or chat with us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about your rights.
