From falls from heights to malfunctioning equipment, construction workers in New York City face many hazards in their line of work. If you’ve been injured on the job, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the legal remedies that may be available to you. At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our New York construction accident attorneys are well-versed in the legal protections New York provides for certain workers. We’re dedicated to helping you get the full amount of benefits and compensation you deserve after a construction site injury in the greater NYC area.
Labor Law Protections for New York Construction Workers
The State of New York has specific labor laws that provide additional protections for construction workers. New York Labor Law Section 240, commonly known as the “Scaffold Law,” imposes strict liability on property owners and contractors for injuries caused by accidents such as falls from heights or being hit with a falling object.
This law holds property owners, contractors, and other parties responsible for ensuring safety measures are in place to protect workers from falls and other elevation-related hazards. To prevent accidents and workplace injuries, proper safety equipment and devices, such as scaffolds, hoists, ladders, and harnesses must be provided to workers.
N.Y. Labor Law Section 241 outlines specific safety requirements and standards for job sites involving construction, demolition, and excavation. Employers, property owners, contractors, and other parties must ensure their worksites and operations comply with these safety standards, including providing adequate safety equipment, training, and supervision of workers.
These laws are designed to protect workers from hazardous conditions and unsafe work practices by establishing clear safety guidelines and requirements. Additional OSHA rules and other federal, state, and local laws provide protections for workers as well.
Workers’ Compensation in New York
If you’re hurt on the job, you are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits that cover your medical bills and wage loss. In New York, employees who receive workers’ compensation benefits usually are prohibited from suing their employers, but rare exceptions to this rule do exist. That’s why it’s essential to consult a New York construction accident attorney to find out which legal remedies may be available to you.
Third-Party Work Injury Claims
A third-party work injury claim enables you to take legal action against someone other than your employer. If you suffer a workplace injury due to negligence or violations of the laws listed above, you may be able to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, wage loss, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Depending on the circumstances, potentially liable parties may include:
- Contractors and subcontractors
- Property owners
- Designers and manufacturers of defective equipment and tools
- Engineers and architects
Although these claims are separate from workers’ compensation claims, one claim may impact another. These cases are complex. An experienced construction accident lawyer can help maximize the total amount of benefits and compensation you receive. The personal injury attorneys and workers’ compensation lawyers at Nappa, Monterosso and Poznansky, LLP, offer free consultations, so finding out whether you have a valid claim against a third party won’t cost you anything.
How a New York Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you’re a construction worker who was injured on a job site, you want a workers’ compensation lawyer well-versed in the law so they can help you understand all your rights as an injured worker in New York. For decades, the construction accident attorneys at Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, have helped injured workers in the greater NYC area obtain the maximum amount of benefits and compensation they deserve to protect their health and financial security.
A construction accident lawyer can evaluate your case, advise you of your options, and work to help you achieve a successful outcome for your claim. Attorney and partner Rolando Cubela is devoted to providing our Spanish-speaking clients the quality legal representation they need.
Contact a Construction Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured on a construction site, our workers’ compensation lawyers at Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, can help. To schedule a free consultation with a New York construction accident lawyer today, call us at 718-273-9000 or contact us.
