Construction sites can be dangerous places, and unfortunately accidents often occur, severely injuring or killing construction workers through no fault of their own. Thankfully, New York Labor Law provides protection to workers under sections 200, 240 and 241. New York Labor Law 240; also known as the “Scaffold Law”, places the responsibility for worker safety on property owners and contractors at construction sites. Adept construction accident attorneys can help when hold negligent owners liable.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall while on the job, call the Buffalo Labor Law 240 lawyers at Richmond Vona, LLC. We offer free initial consultations and will fight to ensure your rights are protected.
How Does NY Labor Law 240 Protect Workers?
For Labor Law 240 to apply, the accident must occur through the force or application of gravity on an object that causes an injury to the worker. Generally, this is from a worker falling from a height or a falling object striking and injuring the worker. However, there are many variations which have been established through numerous legal cases over the decades the law has existed.
In addition, the injured worker must be performing one of the “covered activities” listed below on a building or structure, and the owner or contractor failed to provide one or more of the “legally required safety devices” listed below to the worker prior to his or her injury.
Covered Activities:
- Erection
- Demolition
- Repairing
- Altering
- Painting
- Cleaning
- Pointing
Legally Required Safety Devices:
- Scaffolding
- Hoists
- Stays
- Ladders
- Slings
- Hangers
- Blocks
- Pulleys
- Braces
- Irons
- Ropes
- Other Devices
A Buffalo Labor Law 240 attorney could help prove these elements.
Call to Find Out How a Buffalo Labor Law 240 Attorney Could Help
Just as there are many considerations under the law concerning what constitutes a fall from a height or what a falling object is, there are even more variations on what type of work being performed satisfies the law as one of the “Covered Activities” above. If the injured worker meets the legal criteria under Labor Law 240, their claim is nearly indefensible by the owner(s) and/or contractor(s). This means, outside of a few defenses, the owner(s) and/or contractor(s) may be absolutely liable for the workers injuries, which can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, loss of household services and medical expenses.
This is why it is imperative to call an experienced Buffalo Labor Law 240 lawyer as soon as possible following your construction site injury, so a prompt and thorough investigation can be conducted. At Richmond Vona, LLC, our New York Labor Law attorneys work tirelessly to properly investigate your construction site injury claim and work hard to get you and your family the financial compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed on a construction site, contact us today for a free consultation.
