How to Find a Lawyer for Scaffold Collapse Injuries in NY

New York Labor Law §240, known as the Scaffold Law, provides the strongest worker protection in the country by imposing absolute liability on property owners and general contractors when a scaffold or elevated-work hazard causes injury. You do not need to prove the owner was negligent—only that the safety violation caused your fall or injury. Sections 241(6) and 200 provide additional protections covering unsafe site conditions and general negligence.

Yes. Under Labor Law §240, workers injured in scaffold collapses, falls from scaffolding, or being struck by falling objects can sue the property owner and general contractor regardless of fault. This absolute-liability standard applies whether the scaffold failed due to improper assembly, defective equipment, or inadequate supervision. Your immigration status does not affect your right to sue under New York law.

Look for a New York personal injury attorney with specific Labor Law §240 litigation experience, including scaffold cases taken to trial—not just settled. Ask whether they handle the case in-house or refer it out, review past results in construction injury cases, and confirm they work on contingency so you owe nothing unless you recover. Scaffold cases require prompt investigation to preserve evidence like scaffold photos, OSHA reports, and witness statements.

In most scaffold collapse cases against private owners or contractors, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of injury under New York CPLR §214. However, if the property owner is a municipality or government entity, you may have as little as 90 days to file a Notice of Claim. Because deadlines can vary based on who is liable, contact a New York construction accident attorney as soon as possible after your injury.