Your safety at work is not a suggestion — it is a requirement. On construction sites and workplaces across New York City, you have the right to expect that the tools and machinery you use are safe.
When that trust is broken by unsafe equipment, the results can be catastrophic. A single moment of malfunction can lead to life-altering injuries, overwhelming medical debt, and an uncertain future for you and your family.
You are not alone in this fight.
At Hach & Rose, LLP, we understand the devastating impact of a worksite accident. For nearly 25 years, our firm has been a powerful voice for injured workers throughout New York. We have seen firsthand how defective tools, malfunctioning machinery, and inadequate safety gear can shatter lives.
We help you pick up the pieces and hold the responsible parties accountable. If you were injured by unsafe or defective equipment, you have legal rights beyond a workers’ compensation claim.
Let us help you secure the full and fair compensation you need to rebuild your life. Contact the dedicated New York unsafe equipment lawyers at Hach & Rose, LLP today at (212) 779-0057 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Estamos Aquí Para Ayudar a Los Miembros de Nuestra Comunidad Hispanohablante
En Hach & Rose, LLP, el idioma no es una barrera para la justicia. Si usted o un ser querido ha resultado herido, nuestro equipo de habla hispana está aquí para ayudarle. Le explicaremos sus derechos legales en su propio idioma y lucharemos incansablemente para obtener la compensación que merece. Su consulta es gratuita, confidencial y su estatus migratorio no afecta su derecho a reclamar. Llame hoy al (212) 779-0057 para hablar con nosotros. Estamos de su lado.
Why Choose Hach & Rose, LLP for Your Unsafe Equipment Claim?
Choosing a law firm after a serious injury is one of your most important decisions. You need a team with the experience, resources, and unwavering commitment to see your case through to a successful conclusion.
Our unmatched record of success
Results matter. Our firm has recovered over one billion dollars in client verdicts and settlements. This track record is not just a number but a testament to our skill, dedication, and ability to win complex cases against powerful defendants and their insurance companies.
We have a history of securing multimillion-dollar outcomes that provide our clients with true financial security for the future.
We are a trial-ready law firm
Insurance companies often make lowball settlement offers, hoping you will accept less than your case is worth out of desperation. We do not let them get away with it. From day one, we prepare every case as if it is going to trial.
This meticulous preparation sends a clear message to the opposition: we are ready to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve in a courtroom. This approach frequently convinces them to offer a fair settlement, but if they refuse, our seasoned trial attorneys are more than ready to present your case to a jury.
We understand New York workers
Our firm was built on the principle of fighting for the hardworking men and women of New York. We have a deep and proud history of representing union members from every trade, including laborers, electricians, ironworkers, carpenters, plumbers, and more.
We also provide dedicated support to New York’s vital Spanish-speaking workforce, with bilingual staff ready to ensure you understand every step of the legal process. We know the challenges you face on the job because we have been your advocates for decades.
You pay nothing unless we win
We believe everyone deserves access to premier legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. Hach & Rose, LLP operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you will never pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs.
We only collect a fee if and when we successfully secure compensation for you through a settlement or a jury verdict. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.
Common Types of Unsafe Equipment Accidents
Unsafe equipment can be found on any worksite, from high-rise construction projects in Manhattan to industrial warehouses in the Bronx. Our attorneys have experience handling a vast range of cases involving equipment failure.
- Defective power tools – Saws, nail guns, drills, and grinders can cause severe lacerations, amputations, and eye injuries when they lack proper guards, have faulty wiring, or malfunction unexpectedly.
- Malfunctioning heavy machinery – Accidents involving cranes, forklifts, excavators, and bulldozers often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These can be caused by mechanical failure, improper maintenance, or a lack of safety features.
- Faulty scaffolding and ladders – Under New York’s Scaffold Law, property owners and contractors are held to a strict standard for providing safe equipment for working at heights. A wobbly ladder or a poorly constructed scaffold can lead to a devastating fall.
- Inadequate safety gear (PPE) – Employers are required to provide proper Personal Protective Equipment, such as hard hats, safety harnesses, goggles, and respirators. When this equipment is missing, defective, or inadequate for the task, workers are left vulnerable.
- Electrical equipment failures – Defective wiring, broken power lines, and faulty electrical equipment can cause severe burns, electrocution, and permanent nerve damage.
- Unsafe vehicles on worksites – Company trucks, loaders, and other vehicles with bad brakes, worn tires, or broken safety alarms pose a significant threat to everyone on a job site.
No matter what type of equipment caused your injury, you deserve to know your legal options. The cause could be a design flaw, a manufacturing defect, or a failure by your employer or a contractor to maintain the equipment properly. We investigate every possibility to build the strongest case for you.
Product Liability and Negligence Claims
Beyond the Labor Law, you may have other avenues for compensation.
- Product liability: If your injury was caused by a flaw in the equipment’s design or a defect from the manufacturing process, you could file a lawsuit directly against the company that made or sold the tool or machine.
- Third-party negligence: If a party other than your direct employer — such as another subcontractor on the site — acted negligently and caused your accident, you could file a personal injury claim against them.
An experienced attorney at Hach & Rose, LLP can analyze the facts of your case to determine which laws apply and which parties can be held financially responsible.
Who Can Be Liable for Your Injuries?
In an unsafe equipment case, liability is often complex. Multiple parties could share responsibility for the accident that caused your harm. Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation to identify every liable party, which may include:
- Property owners
- General contractors
- Subcontractors
- Equipment manufacturers
- Maintenance companies
- Engineers or architects
Holding every responsible party accountable is critical to maximizing the compensation you can recover.
Compensation You Can Recover in an Unsafe Equipment Claim
A personal injury lawsuit allows you to pursue compensation that covers the full scope of your losses, something a workers’ compensation claim simply cannot do.
We fight for our clients to receive damages for:
- Economic damages – These are the tangible financial losses you have suffered.
- All past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and income from being unable to work
- Loss of future earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job
- Vocational rehabilitation costs
- Non-economic damages – These compensate you for the profound personal impact of the injury.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Wrongful death damages – If you have tragically lost a family member in an equipment accident, we can help you file a wrongful death claim to seek justice and financial stability for your family’s loss of support and companionship.
Protecting Your Rights in the Weeks After an Accident
The initial shock of a worksite accident may have passed, but the weeks that follow are often filled with new challenges. You may be dealing with significant pain, mounting medical bills, and calls from insurance adjusters.
The steps you take during this critical period can protect your health and your legal right to fair compensation.
Here is what you should focus on.
- Follow all medical advice. Your recovery is the most important thing. It is vital that you attend every follow-up appointment with doctors, specialists, and physical therapists. Following your prescribed treatment plan not only helps you heal but also creates a clear medical record that documents the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
- Keep detailed records. Organization is your ally. Start a file and keep everything related to your accident and injuries. This includes copies of medical bills, receipts for prescriptions, pay stubs showing lost income, and any correspondence from your employer or their insurance company. It is also helpful to keep a simple journal detailing your daily pain levels and how the injuries affect your ability to perform everyday tasks.
- Confirm your accident report. You likely reported your accident to a supervisor right after it happened. In New York, you must also provide your employer with a written notice of the injury within 30 days to protect your workers’ compensation rights. Make sure this has been done and request a copy of the official accident report for your records.
- Do not give a recorded statement. Insurance adjusters will likely contact you during this time, and they may be very persistent. They are trained to ask questions in a way that can get you to minimize your injuries or unintentionally accept some fault. You are not required to give them a recorded statement. Simply and politely decline, and tell them your attorney will handle all communications.
- Partner With an Experienced Attorney. If you have not already done so, now is the time to seek legal counsel. As the weeks go on, the legal and financial complexities of your situation will grow.
An experienced attorney from Hach & Rose, LLP can immediately take over communications with the insurance companies, ensure all legal deadlines are met, and begin building a powerful case to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unsafe Equipment Claims
How much does it cost to hire an attorney from Hach & Rose, LLP?
It costs you nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis. This means our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we do not win your case, you do not pay us a single dollar.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the accident date. However, some exceptions can shorten or lengthen this deadline. It is mandatory to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
Can I sue my employer if I am already getting workers’ compensation?
Generally, you cannot sue your direct employer. Workers’ compensation is typically the exclusive remedy against them. However, you absolutely can file a third-party lawsuit against other responsible parties, such as the property owner, general contractor, or the equipment manufacturer. These lawsuits often result in compensation that is far greater than what workers’ compensation provides.
What if the equipment was just old, not technically broken?
You may still have a valid claim. A property owner or contractor has a duty to provide equipment that is safe and appropriate for the job. Using old, outdated, or inadequate equipment — even if it has not completely broken down — can be a form of negligence that makes them liable for your injuries.
Take Control of Your Future Today
You went to work to provide for your family. You should not have to pay the price for someone else’s negligence. An injury from unsafe equipment can leave you feeling powerless, but you have the power to seek justice. The law is on your side, and the attorneys at Hach & Rose, LLP are ready to stand with you. We will handle every aspect of your legal claim so you can focus on what is most important — your recovery. We will investigate the accident, gather evidence, consult with experts, and fight tirelessly to secure the financial resources you and your family need to move forward with confidence.
Do not let an insurance company decide your future. Let us fight for you. Contact Hach & Rose, LLP today at (212) 779-0057 for a free and confidential consultation with an experienced New York unsafe equipment attorney. We are here to listen, to advise, and to win.