A 44-year-old roofer was replacing a church roof in Poughkeepsie when he lost his balance and fell 18 feet. The general contractor had failed to provide a scissor lift, in violation of New York Labor Law Section 240. He shattered his heel bone and needed five surgeries, ending with a fusion of his heel and ankle. The insurance company offered just $2.5 million, but after a full trial, a Dutchess County jury unanimously awarded him $28.3 million.
This result was obtained by our sister firm, Finkelstein & Partners.