#USA #New York #WRSMH #Union Bridge Painter #Carmine Goncalves

Legal Triumph: A $4.9 Million Settlement for a Union Bridge Painter in New York

In an impressive legal victory, attorney Carmine Goncalves from Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP (WRSMH) accomplished a remarkable feat by securing a $4.9 million settlement for a 36-year-old union bridge painter from Brazil, who faced life-altering injuries during a construction job in upstate New York.

The incident occurred while the plaintiff was engaged in a challenging project that involved sandblasting and repainting the underside of an overpass. This dangerous work required the painter to operate from a precarious height of approximately 20 feet. The conditions were challenging, characterized by low visibility and the need for extensive protective gear, including breathing masks to mitigate the effects of hazardous materials. Unfortunately, while fulfilling his duties, the worker fell through an opening that had not been properly secured, leading to an impactful fall that resulted in severe physical injuries.

Initially, the defendants denied any responsibility for the accident, attempting to undermine the severity of the injuries by asserting that the worker had walked away from the scene without seeking medical assistance. They also produced an accident report that contradicted the plaintiff's account. However, this narrative crumbled in the face of compelling evidence provided by the plaintiff, which included photographs of the hazardous opening, captured the day after the incident. Furthermore, consistent testimonies from his fellow workers conclusively corroborated his version of events, solidifying the case against the defendants.

Carmine Goncalves executed a meticulous legal strategy, successfully highlighting the lack of safety measures that contributed to the accident. His compelling arguments made it evident that the unprotected opening in the scaffolding posed an extreme risk to worker safety. The court ultimately found the defendants completely liable for the injuries sustained by the plaintiff, which included significant trauma to his shoulders, knees, neck, and lower back, necessitating three extensive surgeries, including a complex neck fusion that involved the insertion of hardware.

In a statement expressing relief and satisfaction, attorney Goncalves remarked, "We are pleased to have secured this significant settlement for our client, who endured painful injuries and a long recovery. The outcome of this case reflects the importance of maintaining proper safety protocols on construction sites, and we are proud to have advocated for our client to ensure he received the compensation he deserves."

This substantial settlement serves not only as a crucial support for the injured worker but also as a stark reminder to construction firms about the need for diligence regarding worker safety. The consequences of neglecting safety protocols can lead to devastating outcomes, as exemplified by this case.

WRSMH remains dedicated to championing the rights of injured workers and continues to advocate passionately for those affected by negligence, particularly in the complex context of construction site accidents. Their commitment to ensuring justice for workers is admirable, and this case stands as a testament to their relentless dedication.

For more information on this significant case or to gain insights into the firm’s approach to similar legal matters, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP at their New York office located at 420 Lexington Ave, Suite 2700, New York, NY 10170. They can be contacted via phone at (212) 986-7353 or through their website at www.wrshlaw.com.