New York City Plumbing Accident Lawyers

The experienced attorneys at Block O’Toole and Murphy know all too well the risks plumbers face each and every day. That’s why for over 30 years, we have represented plumbers and other construction site workers who have suffered serious injuries on the job. We proudly represent both non-union and union workers across New York State, including members of:

• UA Local 1 Union Plumbers of New York City
• UA Local 13
• UA Local 112
• 773 Union Plumbers and Pipefitters
• UA Local 7
• UA Local 21
• UA Local 267
• 373 Union Plumbers and Steamfitters

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident that resulted from another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Don’t hesitate to call our plumbing accident lawyers at 212-736-5300 or fill out our Contact Form for a free legal consultation. Our attorneys have recovered top amounts for injured plumbers, including $3.5 million and $3.075 million settlements.

Types of Plumbing Accidents

Plumbing accidents are not uncommon. In fact, according to Plumber Magazine, plumbers, along with pipefitters and steamfitters, have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Some of the injuries they sustain from accidents while on the job can even be life-threatening. These include:

• Falls from heights such as ladders and scaffolding
• Falling objects on the work site
• Sewer trench collapses which can cause asphyxiation or death
• Hand tool injuries which can lead to broken bones and other complications down the road
• Exposure to toxic chemicals such as mold, asbestos, and lead, which can cause hearing and vision loss
• Exposure to sewage and biohazards, which can lead to contraction of parasites, fungi, and viruses
• Slip and falls from ladders and trenches
• Extreme temperature conditions
• Exposure to flammable or combustible materials, such as steam pipes, boilers, and gas lines

The plumbing profession can be very stressful and demanding at times. Plumbers not only risk exposure to hazardous substances, they also risk fatal injuries by often working in tight, confined spaces.

Work Responsibilities

From underground installations to final connections of fixtures and equipment, a plumber is required to have both the physical and mental skills needed to complete the job. It is a profession that not only requires great skill and practice, but years of experience. Even the most experienced plumbers are at risk of accidents.

Plumbers install, repair, and maintain fixtures to water supply, pipes, and heating systems, but not all specialize in the same fields. While a plumber works with basic piping often found in the home, a pipefitter installs pipes that often contain hazardous materials. Both work alongside general contractors, electricians, and other construction workers in various settings. Some of their main duties include:

• Hauling heavy supplies
• Assessing and fixing malfunctioning systems
• Measuring and assembling various materials
• Reading and preparing blueprints and building specifications
• Preparing cost estimates and documentation for clients
• Supervising apprentices and other workers

Because plumbers have many responsibilities and often have to work in dangerous spaces or with hazardous materials, they are at risk of serious accidents if proper safety measures are not put into place. If you are injured on the job, you need to know your rights. Depending on the nature of the accident you may be entitled to compensation. If possible, at the time of the accident you should follow these steps:

• Report your injury and notify your supervisor
• Take pictures, if possible, of the construction site where the injury occurred
• Seek medical attention for your injuries right away
• Contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options

Workers can file a complaint through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) if they believe the accident occurred because of unsafe working conditions. To discuss your case with a qualified attorney, please call 212-736-5300.

Who Is at Fault in a Work-Related Accident?

There are many factors that determine who is at fault in an accident, such as time and location of the accident, the conditions of the work site, and whether the proper tools and equipment were used, to name a few. But it is not always easy to determine who is liable in these cases; in fact, multiple parties may be held liable in a construction site accident. For instance, if an accident was caused by a defective tool, the fault might lie with the equipment manufacturer. Or, the owner or the contractor of the work site may not have ensured that proper safety conditions and training were put in place for the employees.

Unsafe working conditions are one of the most common causes of construction accidents and injuries. In one case, we obtained a $3,500,000 settlement for a plumber’s assistant who sustained a traumatic brain injury after falling from a 12-foot ladder at a Manhattan work site. The plaintiff was instructed by his foreman to use a ladder that was not secured. In this case, the plaintiff did not feel the ladder was properly secured nor was he given any additional safety equipment.

Plumbing Accident Attorneys Fighting for Your Rights

The attorneys at Block O’Toole & Murphy have represented plumbers and other construction site workers who have suffered serious injuries on the job. We have an excellent history of success, including the best record in construction accident lawsuits in New York State; since 2012, no other law firm has achieved more results exceeding $1,000,000 than Block O’Toole & Murphy.

Select plumbing accident results include:

• $4,500,000 settlement for a Local 1 union plumber who sustained serious knee injuries after he tripped and fell at a job site
• $3,500,000 settlement for a plumber’s assistant who sustained a traumatic brain injury after falling from a ladder
• $3,250,000 settlement for a plumber who fell from a 6-foot ladder that was unsecured, resulting in permanent spine and wrist injuries
• $3,075,000 settlement for a union plumber who was injured by falling gravel while working in a trench, sustaining neck and back injuries
• $2,200,000 settlement for a non-union plumber who fell from a ladder and injured his back, requiring surgery
• $2,200,000 settlement for a plumber’s assistant who sustained chronic pain syndrome after falling seven feet from a ladder
• $1,204,087 settlement for a worker who was injured while doing sewer pipe work after a co-worker lowered a blade on his foot, causing the worker to lose parts of his toes
• $1,000,000 settlement for a plumber who suffered hand injuries after falling from an extension ladder

Block O’Toole & Murphy offers free, no-obligation legal consultations. Call us at 212-736-5300 or fill out our online contact form to speak with a qualified plumbing accident attorney today. We serve the entire state of New York, including the NYC boroughs of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island, as well as Long Island and upstate New York.