It has become common to walk on sidewalks under extensive scaffolding setups. But what the public and construction workers sometimes don't recognize is the danger and potential for New York City scaffold accidents.

The TriBeCa Trib recently reported that one building there has had scaffolding up for 20 years. The longer scaffolding is in place, the more likely the potential for injury. Our New York construction accident lawyers know that crews have to work in tight spaces in New York City and there's a lot of pressure to finish jobs quickly1153206_scaffold_boards.jpg.

But sometimes, negligence, poor training or a mild mistake on a work site can lead to an injury not only to workers, but also to passersby. And scaffolding is especially susceptible if it is not properly constructed.

Certainly, the weather can be a factor in scaffold accidents because heavy winds, wet surfaces or snow can affect how these construction tools are put together. And injuries caused by scaffold accidents go beyond workers' compensation.

It's possible that third-party claims could be made against building owners, general contractors or others who are responsible for an accident. Remember, members of the public can be injured by scaffolds just as easily as construction workers themselves.

And that's why lawmakers years ago put into place the New York Scaffold Law. It is designed to ensure that contractors and developers who ignore safety rules are held accountable in an accident.

But the construction and real estate development lobby has pushed hard in recent months to try to get this law repealed. That's because, they say, it costs taxpayers money. But there's nothing to back that up.

In fact, this law is designed to protect workers and the public from scaffold accidents throughout New York. Rather than spend their time trying to repeal a good law, construction companies, contractors and developers should spend time properly training their employees and ensuring that safety mandates are met on their sites.

This isn't an issue that's likely to go away any time soon, but our New York construction accident attorneys hope that lawmakers and courts don't repeal this useful law. Without laws that protect innocent workers and the public from injury, companies can attempt to skirt the law, which is dangerous.

Scaffold accidents in New York can happen to anyone and that's why laws are written to protect people from harm. Scaffolding is needed in many construction sites, but it's also dangerous. Therefore, laws and safety protocols must be followed at all times.

The Manhattan injury lawyers at Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein can be reached toll free at 888-563-4213.