Construction sites are inherently dangerous places. At Buttafuoco & Associates, our construction accident lawyers serving New York have represented many loyal construction industry workers who’ve suffered serious accidents through no fault of their own. Just because accidents happen frequently, that doesn’t mean construction workers are left without legal recourse. In New York, construction workers are lucky to be protected by a special set of laws that go beyond standard Workers’ Compensation if you’re injured on the job.
Here’s what you need to know about New York’s “Labor Law” and how to choose the right attorney for your case!
The New York Labor Law: A Lifeline for Construction Workers
New York’s Labor Law, often referred to as “Construction Accident Law,” is a comprehensive set of protections for workers in “the trades,” including:
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Operating engineers
- Carpenters
- Laborers
- Masons
- Painters
These laws provide a legal remedy for construction workers injured due to safety violations on a job site. These protections are in addition to Workers’ Compensation benefits; they allow injured workers to recover additional compensation.
Common Sections of the Labor Law
According to our construction accident attorneys in New York, there are three key sections of New York’s Labor Law that frequently apply to construction accident cases:
Section 240, Falls from Heights
This law applies whenever a worker falls from an elevation or any significant height and is injured in that fall. These are often strong cases because the owner and General Contractor are both strictly liable when this occurs. This includes:
- Falls from ladders
- Falls from scaffolds
- Falls into trenches
Section 241(6), Violation of New York State Industrial Code
This section covers a variety of regulations that ensure a safe environment for workers. For example, these can include:
- Trips and falls on obstructions (or debris)
- Insufficient lighting
- Unlicensed equipment operators
- Falling objects
Section 200, General Negligence
This “catch all” provision covers all other types of claims for injuries where general negligence has occurred. While sections 240 and 241(6) may seem comprehensive, this “catch all” provision further ensures accountability for unsafe conditions on the job site.
Beware of Union-Recommended Lawyers
If you are injured on a job site, it’s common for union representatives to recommend lawyers. However, this arrangement may not be your best option. Many union-referred lawyers have financial ties to the union or its representatives, creating potential conflicts of interest.
For example, a union-appointed attorney may prioritize the welfare of the union over the individual worker and be less aggressive in pursuing claims against owners or contractors. Why take the chance when you have the right to choose an independent civil trial lawyer.
At Buttafuoco & Associates, our New York construction accident lawyers have decades of experience handling complex construction accident cases under New York’s Labor Law. Don’t risk your future by working with a union-recommended lawyer.
Call 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation and see how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
