Construction sites in New York are bustling with activity, and working at heights is a standard part of the job. Unfortunately, this also means that scaffold accidents are a significant risk. Understanding how New York’s Scaffold Law impacts these cases is crucial if you or a loved one receives an injury from such an accident.
New York’s Scaffold Law
New York’s Scaffold Law provides special protections for construction workers in height-related accidents. This law holds property owners and contractors strictly liable for ensuring the safety of workers using scaffolding, ladders and other elevated platforms. If you fall or a falling object injures you due to inadequate safety measures, the property owner or contractor bears responsibility for your injuries.
Strict liability and its implications
One of the most critical aspects of the Scaffold Law is the concept of strict liability. Property owners and contractors are liable for workers’ injuries regardless of whether they were at fault. The focus is on whether safety precautions were in place, not the worker’s actions. This simplifies pursuing compensation, as you do not need to prove negligence.
Types of accidents covered
The Scaffold Law specifically addresses gravity-related hazards, which include:
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders or elevated platforms.
- Collapsing scaffolds or other work surfaces.
- Falling tools, materials or debris striking workers.
If you get a scaffolding-related injury, seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to your employer. Document everything and consider consulting a lawyer to help you recover compensation. If you have any questions or need assistance with your claim, do not hesitate to reach out for a consultation.