Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries in New York, particularly in New York City, where new developments, renovations, and infrastructure projects are ongoing year-round. Falls from ladders, scaffolds, and elevated work surfaces continue to be among the leading causes of serious construction injuries.
To help protect workers from these risks, New York has enacted one of the strongest worker protection laws in the country: Labor Law § 240, commonly known as the Scaffold Law.
If you have been injured in a fall or by a falling object on a construction site, understanding how the Scaffold Law works may help you better understand your legal rights.
What Is New York’s Scaffold Law?
New York Labor Law § 240 requires property owners and contractors to provide workers with proper safety equipment when performing work at elevated heights. The law is intended to protect workers from gravity-related accidents, including falls from heights and injuries caused by falling materials or equipment.
Unlike many other states, New York places significant responsibility on owners and contractors to ensure that proper safety measures are in place before work begins.
Who Is Protected by the Scaffold Law?
The law generally protects workers involved in:
- Building construction
- Demolition
- Renovation projects
- Repairs
- Alterations
- Painting and cleaning work performed at elevated heights
These protections often apply to construction workers, laborers, electricians, ironworkers, painters, carpenters, and other trades performing covered work.
What Types of Accidents Does the Scaffold Law Cover?
Labor Law § 240 applies to injuries resulting from elevation-related hazards, including:
- Falls from scaffolds
- Falls from ladders
- Falls from roofs
- Falls through openings
- Injuries caused by falling tools or construction materials
- Collapsing or improperly secured scaffolding
Not every construction accident falls under the Scaffold Law, but many serious height-related injuries do.
Common Injuries in Scaffold Law Cases
Falls from elevated work areas can result in life-changing injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal injuries
- Permanent disability
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work.
Why the Scaffold Law Is Different
One of the most unique aspects of New York’s Scaffold Law is that owners and contractors have a legal duty to provide adequate safety devices, such as:
- Properly secured scaffolds
- Safety harnesses
- Guardrails
- Lifelines
- Hoists and other protective equipment
When required safety equipment is missing or fails to provide adequate protection, injured workers may have the right to pursue compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
Because these cases involve complex legal standards, determining liability often requires a careful investigation of the accident and the worksite conditions.
What Should You Do After a Construction Site Injury?
If you are injured on a construction site:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
- Document the accident scene, if you are able.
- Preserve any photographs, witness information, and incident reports.
- Speak with an experienced New York construction accident attorney before discussing your case with insurance representatives.
Taking these steps can help preserve important evidence that may be needed later.
Contact Sullivan Papain After a New York Construction Accident
Construction workers deserve safe working conditions. When owners or contractors fail to provide the protections required under New York law, serious injuries can occur.
The attorneys at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. have extensive experience representing injured construction workers throughout New York. If you have been hurt in a fall from a scaffold, ladder, or other elevated work area, our team can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
Understanding your rights under New York’s Scaffold Law is an important first step toward protecting your future after a serious construction accident.