Massachusetts Window Washing Accident Lawyers
Have you or someone you care about been involved in an accident while working as a window washer in Massachusetts? Window washers have a very dangerous job, as they hang countless stories above the streets of Boston and other major cities, supported only by scaffolds, ropes, pulleys and other “safety” devices. In addition to wrongful death, window washing accidents can cause severe fractures, head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, scarring, and disability.
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If you or a loved one has been injured in a Massachusetts window washing accident, you may be able to receive workers’ compensation from your employer, and additional compensation from any third parties who played a role in your injury. At Gilman Law LLP, we have successfully represented Massachusetts window washing accident victims for more than 40 years, and understand the devastating toll these types of personal injuries take on victims and their families. With Gilman Law’s experienced team of Massachusetts window washing accident lawyers by your side, you stand the best chance of recovering all of the compensation you need to cover your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages.
Window Washing Accident Lawsuits
At Gilman Law LLP, we have successfully represented scores of Massachusetts window workers injured because of:
- Elevated distance falls
- Scaffolding not properly equipped
- Scaffolding breaking or previously broken scaffold
- Unsafe scaffold
- Scaffold failure
- Improper maintenance of safety equipment
- Equipment failure
- Improper safety equipment
- Failure to provide proper safety equipment
Worker’s compensation may pay for some of the medical bills and lost earnings you’ve incurred because of a window washing accident, but that alone will not adequately compensate you and your family for permanent losses and disability arising from a serious window washing accident. In addition to helping you with your workers’ compensation claim, the Massachusetts window washing accident lawyers at Gilman Law LLP can assist you in filing personal injury lawsuits against other responsible parties, including building owners, or the makers of defective scaffolding or other equipment that caused your accident.
IWCA Window Washing Safety Standards
In order to prevent terrible window washing accidents, the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA) developed safety standards to better ensure the safety of window cleaners. Known as “ANSI/IWCA I-14.1 Window Cleaning Safety,” the document was approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in October 2001 and establishes some guidance in providing a safer environment for window cleaners. Under the IWCA standards, property owners and managers are to create a “safe work place” and provide written documentation on an annual basis that addresses such items as:
- Verification of the inspection of any permanent window-cleaning equipment installed on rooftops. This might include powered platforms, platform supports, roof anchors, window-cleaner belt anchors or permanent ladders, as well as other equipment.
- Maintenance records and inspection documents for the window-cleaning contractor prior to the use of the equipment.
- All applicable information about the equipment, including the manufacturers of the devices, load ratings, intended use and limitations, and instructions for the window-cleaning contractor.
Window washing contractors also must meet certain obligations under the IWCA standards. The plan includes assurances that:
- Contractors will perform their services in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws, regulations, codes and standards.
- Their workers are trained adequately in the operation of any and all equipment used to perform their duties. This includes verifiable proof of training or certification.
- Any equipment brought to the building by the contractor is designed, maintained and inspected according to industry standards.
The IWCA standard applies to all window-cleaning operations performed at least three stories above the grade, flat roof or any other surface, indoors or out. Contractors must give building managers assurances that they are performing their duties covered by the standard, and vice versa.
Legal Help for Massachusetts Window Washing Accident Victims
Like most states, Massachusetts imposes a strict statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits, including window washing accidents. To increase your odds of obtaining the full compensation the law allows, it’s vital you contact the experienced Massachusetts window washing accident lawyers at Gilman Law LLP today. With offices throughout Massachusetts, the compassionate personal injury attorneys at Gilman Law LLP are available now to answer all of your legal questions. Please complete our online form or contact Gilman Law LLP at (888) 252-0084 for your free, confidential, no-obligation case evaluation with one of our window washing accident attorneys today.