What the Scaffold Law Covers
Labor Law §240(1) — the 'Scaffold Law' — protects workers from elevation-related hazards on construction, demolition, and repair projects. It applies to falls from heights and to injuries caused by falling objects that weren't properly secured.
Absolute Liability
When a violation of §240 causes injury, owners and general contractors can be held strictly (absolutely) liable. Unlike ordinary negligence claims, the worker's own carelessness is generally not a defense, because the statute places responsibility for safety squarely on those who control the worksite.
Related Statutes
Labor Law §241(6) imposes duties tied to specific Industrial Code regulations, and §200 codifies the general common-law duty to provide a safe workplace. Many construction cases involve all three.
Why It Matters
These statutes can provide a path to compensation beyond workers' compensation, including for pain and suffering. A lawyer who handles New York construction cases can identify which protections apply to your accident.
Injured in New York? Injury Claim Team connects you with an experienced New York personal injury attorney at no cost. Call 973-566-5599 or request your free case review — a specialist will reach out within the hour.