What the Scaffold Law Means for New York Construction Workers in “Gravity-Related” Accidents
Construction workers in New York face some of the most dangerous working conditions in any industry, especially when working at heights. To protect workers from serious falls and other gravity-related accidents, New York has a unique law known as the Scaffold Law (Labor Law § 240). This law places strict liability on property owners and general contractors for providing proper safety equipment and ensuring a safe working environment. If you are a construction worker who has been injured in a fall or another gravity-related accident in Orange County or the Hudson Valley, the Goshen construction accident lawyers at Dupée & Monroe, P.C., can help you assert your rights under the Scaffold Law and recover compensation for your injuries and legal damages.
What Is the New York Scaffold Law?
The New York Scaffold Law (Labor Law § 240) is designed to hold property owners and general contractors responsible for ensuring the safety of workers who perform tasks at elevated heights. The law requires that workers be provided with adequate safety measures, such as scaffolding, ladders, hoists, and harnesses, to prevent falls and other injuries caused by gravity-related hazards.
Unlike other personal injury laws that rely on negligence, the Scaffold Law imposes absolute liability on owners and contractors. This means that if a worker is injured due to inadequate safety protections, the employer or property owner can be held liable without having to prove negligence and regardless of whether the worker was partially at fault.
What Constitutes a “Gravity-Related” Accident?
The Scaffold Law applies to gravity-related accidents, which are broadly interpreted to include any injury where elevation was a factor, such as:
- Falls from heights – Workers falling from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs due to inadequate safety measures.
- Falling objects – Injuries caused by unsecured materials, tools, or debris falling from above and striking a worker.
- Collapsing scaffolding or ladders – Defective or improperly secured equipment causing workers to fall.
For a claim under the Scaffold Law to be valid, the accident must involve a violation of the law’s safety requirements and a connection to gravity-related risks.
How Does the Scaffold Law Protect Injured Workers?
The Scaffold Law is unique in that it offers strong legal protections for injured construction workers. If you suffer a gravity-related injury due to inadequate safety measures, you may be entitled to compensation for the full range of legal damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and reduced earning capacity
Since liability under the Scaffold Law is strict, the responsible parties cannot use common defenses like claiming the worker was negligent or assumed the risk of the job. This makes it easier for injured workers to obtain the compensation they need.
What to Do If You Are Injured in a Gravity-Related Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall or other gravity-related accident on a construction site, it is critical to take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention – Your health should be the top priority. Get treatment immediately and keep records of your injuries.
- Report the accident – Notify your employer or site manager about the incident as soon as possible.
- Document the scene – If possible, take photos of the accident site, defective equipment, and any safety violations.
- Speak to witnesses – Collect statements from coworkers or others who saw the accident happen.
- Consult a construction accident attorney – An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights under the Scaffold Law and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact Dupée & Monroe, P.C. for Legal Help After a Construction Accident in Orange County or the Hudson Valley
At Dupée & Monroe, P.C., we are committed to protecting the rights of construction workers who have been injured in gravity-related accidents in Orange County or the Hudson Valley. If you have been hurt due to unsafe working conditions, our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice under the New York Scaffold Law.
