Many injured construction workers are told the same thing: “it’s just a workers’ comp case.” Often, that is wrong — and it can cost a worker hundreds of thousands of dollars. New York Labor Law §§ 200, 240, and 241 give construction workers rights against owners and general contractors that go far beyond workers’ compensation.
Section 240 — the famous “Scaffold Law” — applies to gravity-related accidents: falls from ladders, scaffolds, and roofs, and injuries from falling objects. It imposes absolute liability on owners and contractors who fail to provide proper safety devices. Unlike ordinary negligence cases, comparative fault is generally not a defense.
Section 241(6) covers violations of specific Industrial Code safety rules, and § 200 codifies the general duty to provide a safe workplace. Together they mean an injured worker can often pursue a third-party lawsuit — for full lost wages, pain and suffering, and future damages — on top of a comp claim.
These cases are technical, deadline-driven, and vigorously defended. If you were hurt on a job site, get a free consultation before accepting that “it’s just comp.” We know these statutes inside and out.
Injured? Get answers about your own case.
Free consultation · Hablamos Español · No fee unless we win.