New York Labor Law § 240 — The Scaffolding Law
New York Labor Law Section 240, known as the "Scaffolding Law," holds property owners and general contractors strictly liable for elevation-related injuries at construction sites. If you were injured in a fall from scaffolding, a ladder, or any elevated surface, this law may entitle you to significant compensation.
Types of Construction Accidents We Handle
Construction sites are among the most dangerous work environments. Our attorneys represent workers injured in a wide range of incidents, including:
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and elevated platforms
- Being struck by falling objects or heavy equipment
- Electrical accidents and electrocution
- Trench and excavation collapses
- Faulty or defective equipment failures
- Burn injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries
Who Can Be Held Liable
Construction accident claims are complicated because multiple parties may share responsibility. Potentially liable parties include:
- Property owners
- General contractors and subcontractors
- Equipment manufacturers (defective product claims)
- Site managers and supervisors
Our attorneys investigate every angle to identify all negligent parties and maximize your recovery.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims
Injured construction workers may have two avenues for compensation:
- Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault, but is limited in what it pays and does not cover pain and suffering.
- Third-party personal injury claims allow you to sue negligent parties other than your direct employer for full compensation, including pain and suffering.
In many construction accident cases, both avenues are available simultaneously — and pursuing both can significantly increase your total recovery.
Compensation Available
Depending on the circumstances, injured construction workers may recover:
- Full medical expenses — past and future
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages for fatal accidents
Filing Deadlines
Construction accident claims have strict time limits in New York:
- Workers’ compensation claims: Two years from the date of injury
- Third-party personal injury claims: Three years from the date of injury
Do not wait — evidence disappears quickly on construction sites. Contact our attorneys as soon as possible after an accident.