Construction accidents
Faraci Lange has obtained recoveries for severely injured workers and their families for over 40 years. We continue to represent trade workers of all types whether they be steel workers, carpenters, pipefitters, plumbers, iron workers, sheetmetal workers or laborers who risk their lives daily on dangerous construction sites.
The New York Labor Law
During the early part of the 20th century when many of the large skyscrapers in New York City were constructed there was an unspeakable rate of injury and death among the construction workers who built those structures. Because of the indifference of owners and general contractors and the lack of safety equipment and procedures on the part of the subcontractors who supplied most of the workers for this type of construction, the legislature passed a series of laws codified in the New York Labor Law. These laws were passed to impose liability upon owners and general contractors when workers are injured at these commercial construction sites.Â
The intent of these laws was to force owners and general contractors to supervise their subcontractors and insist on adequate safety for workers rather than turning a blind eye to the hazards these workers faced daily. The courts have narrowed the scope of these laws over time and each year there is legislation introduced to try to reduce the protections these laws provide. However, the labor law provisions remain a major deterrent to dangerous construction practices and continue to encourage the use of safety equipment that can prevent serious injuries and death.Â
Our Experience with These Cases
Over the years, Faraci Lange has represented hundreds of severely injured construction workers after falls from I-beams, scaffolding, roofs and other elevated work surfaces that have triggered claims under the labor law. Others have been injured by falling debris. Many of these construction accidents have resulted in serious permanent injuries including brain injuries, spinal injuries, paraplegia, quadriplegia and death and each had in common the failure to provide the worker with appropriate safety equipment. If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, contact Faraci Lange to set up a free consultation.
Are Labor Law Claims Available for All Construction Accidents?
Not all construction accidents fall within the protection of the labor law provisions discussed above. Where injuries on construction sites occur for reasons other than falls from elevated work surfaces or falling objects, the typical negligence standards apply. Faraci Lange has also represented scores of other injured construction workers pursuing such claims against individuals and companies who did not provide a safe workplace.Â
It also must be understood that the sole remedy under New York State law for recovery from a worker's own employer due to job related injury or illness is the Workers' Compensation system. Faraci Lange has an established relationship with a local law firm that specializes in Workers' Compensation claims, and a description of this area of practice can be accessed by clicking here.
