New York Labor Law §240 Scaffold Law Explained
New York Labor Law §240, commonly known as the Scaffold Law, protects construction workers in New York who are injured in falls from heights or falling object accidents. Because NYC construction sites involve scaffolds, ladders, roofs, and high rise buildings, Scaffold Law claims are a major source of serious injury litigation in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
If you were injured on a NYC construction site, Labor Law §240 may allow you to recover full compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits. You may also wish to speak with an experienced construction accident lawyer in NYC to understand your legal rights.
What Is New York’s Scaffold Law §240
Labor Law §240 requires property owners and general contractors to provide proper safety devices to protect workers from elevation related hazards.
These devices include:
Scaffolding
Ladders
Harnesses and lifelines
Hoists and pulleys
Safety nets
The statute also creates strict safety standards for scaffolding or staging that is elevated above 20 feet. These standards include certain required safety devices. When these safety devices are missing, defective, or improperly installed, and a worker is injured as a result, the responsible parties can be held strictly liable.
If you were harmed due to unsafe elevated equipment, consulting an experienced NYC scaffold attorney may help clarify your next steps.
NY Scaffold Law and Strict Liability
New York Scaffold Law imposes what is called Strict Liability. This term means that injured workers do not need to prove negligence in elevated scaffolding incidents.
Instead, negligence is presumed when proper safety equipment is not provided or fails.
An elevated scaffolding accident victim only needs to show:
The injury was caused by a gravity related risk such as a fall or falling object
Proper safety equipment was not provided or failed
This liability standard makes New York’s Scaffold Law one of the strongest worker protection laws in the country.
Workers injured in gravity related accidents may benefit from speaking with a knowledgeable construction injury attorney in New York City for guidance.
Who Is Covered Under Labor Law §240 in NYC
Labor Law §240 protects many New York City workers, including:
Construction workers
Demolition workers
Renovation and alteration workers
Roofers
Painters and window washers
Note: Routine maintenance work is generally not covered.
If you are unsure whether your job qualifies, a NYC construction accident attorney can review your situation.
Common NY Scaffold Law Accidents
Scaffold Law accidents are frequent in New York City due to the near constant construction throughout the five boroughs.
These incidents can include:
Falls from scaffolds on Manhattan high rises
Ladder falls at Brooklyn construction sites
Roof falls in Queens and the Bronx
Being struck by falling tools or debris
Collapsing or unsecured scaffolding
Improper hoist or pulley failures
These accidents often cause catastrophic injuries such as brain injuries, spinal damage, fractures, or wrongful death.
Victims of serious construction site injuries may need the assistance of an experienced construction accident lawyer in NYC to pursue full compensation.
Who Can Be Sued in a NY Scaffold Law Case
Potentially liable parties include:
Property owners with limited exceptions for one to two family homes
General contractors
Construction managers with site safety authority
Employers are typically protected by workers’ compensation laws, but third party lawsuits are common in NYC Scaffold Law cases.
An experienced NYC scaffold accident attorney can determine which parties may be legally responsible.
Compensation in NY Labor Law §240 Claims
An injured party may recover compensation for:
Medical expenses
Lost wages and future earnings
Pain and suffering
Permanent disability
Wrongful death damages
These damages often exceed what workers’ compensation alone provides.
To understand the value of your case, consider speaking with a trusted construction accident lawyer in NYC.
Speak With a NYC Scaffold Law Attorney
Labor Law §240 cases are complex and aggressively defended. If you were injured in a New York City construction accident, contact an experienced construction accident lawyer in NYC as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve evidence. Our skilled attorneys can investigate, determine liability, and communicate with insurance companies.
Do not let language barriers prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose the Law Office of Steven Louros for Your Construction Injury Case
Multilingual Excellence:
Native speaking legal assistants from China and Korea
Complete translation and interpretation services
Cultural understanding that goes beyond language
Community connections throughout NYC’s diverse neighborhoods
Comprehensive Legal Strategy:
Immediate investigation and evidence preservation
Relationships with medical specialists who understand cultural approaches to pain
Expert witnesses who can counter insurance company arguments
Aggressive negotiation backed by trial readiness
If you need guidance from a dedicated NYC construction accident attorney, the firm is available to assist.
Available Languages:
English
中文 Mandarin Chinese
廣東話 Cantonese
한국어 Korean
Contact Information:
Phone: 212 481 5275
Address: 1261 Broadway, Suite 507
New York, NY 10001
Free consultations available.
Call now to speak with an experienced NYC scaffold attorney.
