Working in construction is one of the most dangerous jobs in the US. From heights to heavy machinery, numerous physical hazards can cause serious injuries. Construction injuries are covered by workers’ compensation and may also result in claims against property owners and general contractors. Certain sections of the New York State Labor Law offer extra protection and remedies for workers injured on construction sites.
What to Do If You Are Injured on a Construction Site
If you are injured doing construction work, you should take the same actions we recommend for any injured worker:
1) Report the accident and injuries to your employer
2) Seek medical treatment
3) Contact an attorney to help you file a claim and meet all important deadlines
The attorneys at Lewis & Lewis can help you figure out whether to pursue a lawsuit related to your construction injury. Construction worker accidents include falls from ladders, scaffolds, cranes, explosions, faulty equipment, improper use of tools, and defective machinery. Workers’ compensation can help cover medical treatments and compensation for lost time. However, you might have other legal options to consider in addition to a workers’ compensation claim. If you were injured on a construction job, you will want to find out if there were violations of Labor Laws 200, 240, and 241.
What Is Labor Law Section 200?
Labor Law Section 200 says that property owners and contractors must take reasonable steps to provide construction workers with a safe job site. A construction site must be constructed, equipped, arranged, operated, and conducted to provide reasonable and adequate protection for the lives, health, and safety of all persons employed or lawfully frequenting the site. The law says that all machinery, equipment, and devices must be operated, guarded, and lighted to provide reasonable and adequate protection to workers. If Labor Law Section 200 has been violated, you may have a claim for damages beyond what is covered by workers’ compensation.
What Are Labor Law Sections 240 and 241?
Labor Law Section 240 is commonly known as the “scaffold law.” This law is intended to protect workers who may fall from heights, like cranes, ladders, and scaffolds. It also protects workers on the ground, who may be injured by tools and debris falling from above. Labor Law 241 provides specific safety rules for construction sites, including the conditions of surfaces and walkways, and the proper use of tools and equipment.
Pursuing Damages for Labor Law Violations
If these sections of New York’s Labor Law were violated, you may be entitled to damages beyond the medical treatment and lost wages covered by workers’ compensation. You may be able to recover for your pain and suffering, loss of pension and other benefits, inability to return to work, and loss of enjoyment of life, among other considerations. Proving Labor Law violations may require a prompt inspection of the work site, so it is important to discuss your accident and injuries with an experienced lawyer as early as possible. The attorneys at Lewis & Lewis have decades of experience handling workers’ compensation claims and construction site accidents.
