New York’s Labor Law § 240, known as the “Scaffold Law,” provides some of the strongest worker protections in the country for construction workers injured in falls or by falling objects.
What Does Labor Law 240 Cover?
Labor Law 240(1) imposes strict (absolute) liability on property owners and general contractors for gravity-related accidents on construction sites. This means that if a worker falls from a scaffold, ladder, or elevated surface – or is struck by a falling object – the owner and contractor can be held fully liable regardless of any comparative negligence.
Who Is Protected?
Any worker engaged in construction, demolition, or repair work at a building or structure in New York is protected under Labor Law 240. Homeowners performing work on their own one or two-family homes may be exempt.
What Kinds of Accidents Are Covered?
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms
- Being struck by falling tools, materials, or equipment
- Scaffold collapses
- Crane accidents involving falling objects
- Trench or wall collapses
Labor Law 241(6) – Additional Protections
Labor Law 241(6) provides additional protections requiring that construction work be performed in a reasonably safe manner in accordance with specific Industrial Code provisions.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney
Construction accident cases in New York are complex, involving multiple parties (property owners, general contractors, subcontractors) and significant insurance coverage. Jason Linden has extensive experience navigating these claims and maximizing recovery for injured workers.
Call us at (212) 804-8440 for a free consultation. We take construction accident cases on contingency – no fee unless we win.
