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Falls from heights · Established 1960
Connecticut Elevated Structure Accident Lawyer
A fall from a scaffold, ladder, roof or platform can change your life in an instant. We help injured workers and their families understand the options that may exist beyond workers’ compensation.
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TRUSTED LEGAL HELP FOR INJURED VICTIMS
Injuries Caused by Falls From Heights
You have options beyond workers’ compensation if you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a construction accident of nearly any type. Workers’ comp may cover initial medical costs, but it alone usually cannot cover all the expenses of medical care, hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, lost wages, lost income-earning capacity, and other long-term hardships. Consulting an experienced personal injury attorney may be vital in your case. A fall from an elevated structure can have life-altering and potentially fatal consequences. If a contractor or property owner was negligent, including in an OSHA safety violation, you may have a case for personal injury compensation. At McCoy & McCoy, we represent injured workers and personal injury victims throughout Connecticut. Since 1960, we have been ardent advocates for workers’ rights, consistently securing full and fair compensation for our clients.
Our principal attorney, Frank McCoy Jr., is certified in civil trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy – a distinction that fewer than 0.5 percent of all Connecticut attorneys have earned. We will handle all legal aspects of your case and fight to maximize the compensation you deserve, either through a negotiated settlement or a jury trial.
Over 90 percent of our cases settle before court litigation is necessary. We take pride in securing the full and fair compensation our clients deserve.
We handle everything at no cost to you unless we win. No fees, no pressure, no surprises.
Can I Sue After Falling From an Elevated Structure?
If your fall happened because a property owner, landlord, business, contractor, or another responsible party failed to maintain a safe environment, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Property owners and those responsible for maintaining buildings have a legal duty to inspect their premises, identify dangerous conditions, and either repair known hazards or provide adequate warning until repairs can be made. When they fail to meet this responsibility, and someone is injured as a result, they may be held legally liable.
You may have a claim if your fall occurred because of conditions such as:
- A balcony or deck that collapsed due to structural deterioration
- Rotten wood, rusted supports, or weakened framing
- Loose or broken stairs
- Missing, defective, or unstable handrails and guardrails
- Building code or safety regulation violations
- Improper construction or defective repairs
- Elevated walkways or platforms that gave way
- Unsafe rooftop access areas
- Poor lighting that concealed dangerous elevation changes
- Negligent maintenance of apartment complexes, hotels, businesses, or commercial properties
Construction workers may also have legal options beyond workers’ compensation. If a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, property owner, or another third party contributed to the accident, an injured worker may be able to pursue both workers’ compensation benefits and a separate personal injury claim.
Every case is different, which is why a thorough investigation is essential. At McCoy & McCoy, we review maintenance records, inspection reports, photographs, surveillance footage, witness statements, and applicable building codes to determine whether negligence contributed to your accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Elevated Structure Accident?
Liability depends on why the accident occurred and who was responsible for the elevated structure. Potentially liable parties include:
- Property owners
- Landlords
- Property management companies
- Businesses
- General contractors
- Subcontractors
- Construction companies
- Architects and engineers
- Manufacturers of defective building materials
- Government entities responsible for public property
Our attorneys investigate maintenance records, inspection reports, building code violations, surveillance footage, and witness statements to identify all responsible parties and pursue the maximum available compensation.
What Compensation Can I Recover From a Fall?
The financial impact of an elevated structure accident often extends far beyond the initial emergency room visit. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for both your economic and non-economic losses.
You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Home or vehicle modifications
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Every case is unique. Our attorneys work with medical professionals and other experts to fully evaluate your injuries and pursue the maximum compensation available.
How Do You Prove a Fall from Height Claim?
Successfully recovering compensation requires more than showing that you were injured. You must also prove that another party’s negligence caused the accident.
Our attorneys investigate every case by gathering evidence such as:
- Photographs and videos of the accident scene
- Surveillance footage
- Maintenance and repair records
- Inspection reports
- Building code violations
- Incident reports
- Witness statements
- Construction records
- Engineering evaluations
- Medical records documenting your injuries
In many cases, evidence can disappear quickly after an accident. Property owners may repair or replace the structure, making it important to begin an investigation as soon as possible.
What Should I Do Immediately After an Elevated Structure Accident?
The steps you take after an accident can affect both your health and your legal claim.
If possible:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident to the property owner, landlord, manager, or employer.
- Take photographs of the hazardous condition and the surrounding area.
- Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Keep copies of medical records, bills, and receipts.
- Avoid discussing the accident with the insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Prompt action can help preserve important evidence and protect your right to pursue compensation.
How McCoy & McCoy Can Help
Choosing the right attorney after a serious fall can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Elevated structure accidents often involve multiple parties, complex liability issues, and insurance companies focused on minimizing payouts.
For more than 60 years, McCoy & McCoy has represented injury victims throughout Connecticut. We thoroughly investigate every claim, identify all potentially responsible parties, and pursue the full compensation our clients deserve.
Our goal is simple: handle the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
Why Choose McCoy & McCoy?
Over 50 Years of Serving Connecticut Injury Victims
Our firm has been helping injured individuals and families throughout Connecticut since 1960. We have decades of experience handling injury claims and understand the challenges accident victims face.
Recognized and Respected in the Legal Community
Our attorneys have earned recognition from some of the most respected organizations in the legal profession for their dedication to personal injury law and commitment to achieving results for clients.
Our accolades include:
Recognition in Best Lawyers in America
Included in Best Law Firms rankings
Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer (Attorney Frank McCoy)
Super Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising Stars selections
Members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
AVVO Highly Rated Attorney Profiles
Decades of recognition for excellence in personal injury litigation
Trial-Ready Advocacy
Attorney Frank McCoy is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the NBTA. This rigorous credential is held by less than 0.5% of all Connecticut lawyers, signaling the highest level of courtroom expertise. Insurance companies know which law firms settle for the first offer and which law firms – like ours – have the credentials to take a case to trial. Our courtroom reputation gives our clients a level of leverage that most firms simply cannot provide.
The “Insurance Insider” Edge
We know their playbook. Attorney Brian Parrott previously worked as an insurance adjuster, so he knows exactly how they evaluate claims and minimize payouts, giving our firm a unique advantage
Proven Results
Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients throughout Connecticut. We know how to build strong cases, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation when litigation becomes necessary. Because the insurance companies know our record, they are forced to take your case seriously from day one.
Limited Caseload & Direct Attorney Access
When you hire McCoy & McCoy, you will have direct access to the attorney handling your case. Unlike high-volume firms that handle hundreds of cases at a time, we intentionally limit the number of cases we accept. This allows us to devote more time, attention, and resources to every client we represent.
After an accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is how you are going to afford an attorney. Focus should be on recovering from your injuries and taking care of yourself and your family – not paying legal fees.
At McCoy & McCoy, we offer free legal consultations to discuss your case and answer your questions. If we agree to represent you, you do not pay any upfront costs, retainers, or hourly fees. We handle your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning our fee is paid only if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Under Connecticut law, contingency fees in personal injury cases are regulated by statute and are based on a percentage of the recovery obtained. If there is no recovery, you do not owe us an attorney’s fee.
We believe every injury victim should have access to experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation. Our goal is to make the legal process as stress-free as possible so you can focus on your recovery while we focus on your case.
Learn All About The Fall From Heights Attorneys
Frank McCoy
Attorney
Brian Parrott
Attorney
Angela Edwards
Attorney
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for an elevated-structure accident in Connecticut?
In most cases, Connecticut law gives injured victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain claims—including those involving government entities or other special circumstances—may have different deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue if I fell from a balcony or deck?
Yes. If your fall was caused by a dangerous condition such as a collapsed balcony, rotten decking, broken railing, or another hazard that a property owner or responsible party failed to repair or warn about, you may have a personal injury claim.
A handrail broke, causing my fall. Do I have a case?
You might be entitled to seek compensation if a failed handrail caused your injuries. A broken or unstable handrail may be evidence of negligent maintenance or defective construction. Property owners have a duty to maintain stairways, balconies, decks, and other elevated structures in a reasonably safe condition.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for an elevated-structure accident in Connecticut?
In most cases, Connecticut law gives injured victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain claims—including those involving government entities or other special circumstances—may have different deadlines.
Our Clients’ Success Is Our Success
See what past clients have to say about working with McCoy & McCoy – real stories from people we’ve helped through some of life’s toughest moments. We have a 4.9 ranking on google with over 200+ reviews. Check us out – our clients say it better than we ever could.
“They have been a blessing from day one.”
I highly recommend McCoy & McCoy for anyone who had to unfortunately experience any sort of accident. After my car accident, I was so lost and confused on what to do next. After some research, I stumbled on McCoy & McCoy, and immediately called them. They have been a blessing from day one! They have been nothing but helpful. I cannot thank McCoy & McCoy enough for helping me during such a tough time in my life!
— Valerie, Previous Client
“I’m beyond happy with the outcome.”
I can’t thank Attorney Parrott and Jessica enough for their outstanding service after my car accident while I was 8 months pregnant. They were incredibly kind, patient, and knowledgeable, guiding me through every step of the process with clear explanations. Their professionalism and dedication made a stressful situation much easier, and I’m beyond happy with the outcome. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone in need of a reliable and compassionate attorney!
— Y Colon, Previous Client
“I can’t imagine a better team to have on your side.”
Although no one wants to be in the situation of having to hire a personal injury attorney, working with McCoy & McCoy on my car accident case has been absolute pleasure. Their staff exhibited unparalleled kindness and professionalism. They guided me through the whole process, helped me through every step of the medical care I needed, and kept me informed along the way. They seem to really care about their clients, and I can’t imagine a better team to have on your side. Highly recommended!
— Mike P, Previous Client
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