Scaffolding Accident Lawyer
25+ Years Fighting for Workers Hurt on New York City Scaffolds
The Law Offices of Eric Richman represent workers hurt in scaffolding accidents, and we build those claims under Labor Law 240(1), the Scaffold Law that puts the duty for safe scaffolding on property owners and general contractors.
Eric Richman has handled car accident and scaffolding accident cases in New York City for over 25 years, and his practice focuses entirely on personal injury law. If a scaffold fall injured you or someone you love, reach out for a free case review. Eric or an experienced attorney on his team is available 24/7.
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Eric Richman Discusses Khalil Deportation with NY1
NY attorney Eric Richman joins NY1 to discuss the Khalil deportation.
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Eric Richman Discusses Legal Issues on NY1
NYC attorney Eric Richman joins NY1 to discuss the high profile cases.
Free Consultation
Call us at (800) 801-9655 to discuss your case or request a free consultation online.
Our Practice Areas: Scaffolding Cases We Take On
Hurt on a Scaffold in New York City?
New York City builds upward, and scaffolding stands on nearly every block where that work happens. The Department of Buildings logged 432 construction-related incidents citywide during 2025, injuring 330 people and killing 10, according to NYC Open Data.
A fall of one story often ends a career in the trades, with spinal fractures or head trauma a worker never fully recovers from.
New York Labor Law Puts the Duty on Owners and Contractors
Labor Law 240(1)
Owners and contractors must furnish scaffolding, hoists and ladders built and placed to give proper protection against gravity-related risks.
Labor Law 241(6)
Every construction area must be arranged and operated to give reasonable and adequate protection to workers.
Labor Law 200
Owners and contractors must keep the job site reasonably safe for everyone working on it.
Those statutes reach the property owner, the general contractor, and their agents. Immigration status bars no one in New York, and a worker who was partly responsible may still recover.
Eric Richman and his team have represented injured workers across New York City for more than 25 years. If a scaffold fall hurt you, our team is here to help.
What Compensation Can Scaffolding Accident Victims Recover
Our Process: How We Build Your Scaffold Law Claim
Owners and their carriers start building their position the day you fall. Our attorneys move first, while the scaffold still stands, and we handle every step so you can focus on healing.
Free Case Evaluation
Call any time, day or night. Tell us what happened on the scaffold, and we’ll explain which Labor Law section applies to your accident.
Preserving the Site Evidence
Job sites change within days. We demand the accident reports, safety logs, and Department of Buildings filings before the scaffold comes down.
Building the Liability Case
Responsibility may rest with the property owner, the general contractor, or the subcontractor that ran the work on your floor. We trace the contracts and name each one.
Pursuing Full Compensation
We negotiate with the carriers and aggressively pursue every dollar you are owed. We turn down lowball offers and are ready to take your case to trial.
No Fees Unless We Win
We work on contingency. Our fee is one-third of your recovery, and you owe nothing unless we win.
Why Choose Eric Richman, Esq. for Your Scaffolding Accident Case?
The right lawyer changes what a scaffold claim is worth. You need an attorney who knows how New York Labor Law applies to a fall from height and who gives your case personal attention.
Command of New York Labor Law
Whether your fall lands under Labor Law 240(1) or 241(6) shapes the value of your claim, and owners fight that question hard. Eric has built these cases for more than 25 years.
Outstanding Client Testimonials
The firm has earned a 5.0 rating across over 200 Google reviews. Clients point to the results and the personal attention Eric gives each case.
A Record of Real Recoveries
Eric has recovered millions for injured clients through careful negotiation and, when a company will not pay fairly, aggressive litigation.
No Financial Risk
Strong representation should not add to the pressure you already carry. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
Our Proven Results
Getting Our Clients The Best Results is Our Top Priority
After a scaffold fall, you face pain, lost income, and pressure to sign paperwork you have not read. Our team works around the clock to help clients get the justice they deserve.
Some of our most recent settlements are listed below:
$1,500,000
Pedestrian Accident
While crossing the street at a crosswalk, a pedestrian was recklessly run over by an inattentive driver. Eric successfully proved the case to the Judge. At that point, the Trial proceeded only on a partial basis – to determine the amount owed to the Plaintiff for her injuries. Due to the Plaintiff’s multiple back fractures and surgeries, Eric was able to obtain $1,500,000 to compensate her for her pain and suffering.
$1,500,000
Homicide Victim / Negligent Security
A tenant was tragically murdered in her New York City apartment. Her family retained the Law Office of Eric Richman, Esq. Our office immediately started a negligent security case against the insurance company for the landlord.
We hired safety experts to make the case as strong as possible. Eric was able to prove that the victim’s building was unsafe and was a magnet for crime. The case settled for $1,500,000.
$1,100,000
Pedestrian Accident
After being struck by a motor vehicle while crossing the street, a client was hospitalized for several months with multiple fractures, head injuries, and surgeries. An expert in accident reconstruction analysis proved that the accident was the driver’s fault.
One of our most significant victories in Westchester County was securing a major settlement for victims of the tragic Metro-North train crash. This high-profile case not only highlighted our relentless pursuit of justice but also demonstrated our deep understanding of the complex legal and logistical challenges unique to Westchester wrongful death cases. Read more about this landmark result in our press release here.
About Eric Richman: Get to Know Your Lawyer
Eric Richman, Esq., has spent his career representing injured people and their families across New York City and surrounding areas. He has secured millions in compensation and is regarded as one of the state’s most respected personal injury lawyers. Eric stays reachable by phone 24/7, and clients hear from Eric or an experienced attorney on his team.
Summary of Accomplishments:
- JD from The University of Pennsylvania Law School.
- BA from Brandeis University, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa.
- Bar Admissions in New York and New Jersey.
- Recognized as one of the best personal injury lawyers in NYC by expertise.com.
- Regular appearances on NY1.
Recognition in The Media: Known For His Legal Expertise
Eric has been recognized by many of the largest news outlets in the world, including The New York Times, New York Daily News, New York Post, Newsday, WCBS-TV, and 1010 WINS.
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Eric Richman Provides Legal Analysis on Diddy Sentencing
Erich Richman provides a legal analysis on Diddy's sentencing.
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Eric Weighs in on Kohberger Gag Order, Mich. Kidnapping Plot Acquittals
Attorney Eric Richman offers valuable insights in this NewsNation segment, shedding light on the media restrictions during the trial of Bryan Kohberger, who faces charges related to the tragic deaths of four students at the University of Idaho. Additionally, he addresses the acquittal of three individuals allegedly involved in a plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer, noting that a sympathetic jury was likely the cause.
Client Reviews: What Our Clients Have to Say
Eric treats clients with the respect and compassion they need during a difficult stretch of their lives. No client here is just another case file, and our previous clients say it better than we can.
Eric Richman is the consummate professional: measured, thoughtful, and fair. Will continue to seek his counsel on matters great and small—nothing but the highest praise for his work
Nationally Recognized Personal Injury Law Firm
Locations We Serve
The Law Offices of Eric Richman is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan; however, Eric provides outstanding personal injury legal representation to individuals and families who have suffered injuries throughout the state of New York, including:
Other Areas of Practice: How We Serve Our Clients
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I still recover if I was partly responsible for my fall?
Yes. New York lets an injured worker recover after an accident he or she partly caused, with the award reduced by that share. Under Labor Law 240(1), a worker’s share rarely ends a claim, because the duty to furnish proper scaffolding belongs to the owner and the contractor.
Does Labor Law 240(1) cover a fall from a low scaffold?
Often, yes. Height alone does not answer the question. A court looks at whether your work exposed you to a gravity-related risk and whether the owner furnished the protection the statute requires. Workers have recovered after falls of only a few feet.
Can a pedestrian hit by material from a scaffold bring a claim?
Yes. Owners and contractors owe the public a safe sidewalk beneath their work, and we represent people struck by tools or material falling from scaffolding and sidewalk sheds.
How long do I have to file a scaffolding accident claim in New York?
The three-year deadline applies to most New York personal injury lawsuits. A claim touching city or state property can require written notice in as little as 90 days. Call us early to protect your deadline.
How long will my scaffolding case take?
No honest attorney can predict that. A scaffolding claim moves at the pace of your medical treatment and the court calendar, and a case against several companies takes longer. Serious claims commonly run for years, and Eric sets realistic expectations from the first call.
Scaffolding Accident Legal Services in New York City
For more than 25 years, Eric Richman has protected the rights of injured workers and their families, including people hurt on scaffolds across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island. Eric or an experienced attorney on his team is available 24/7.
Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation by completing our online form or calling (212) 688-3965. Toll-free calls can be made to (800) 801-9655.