The construction industry is still one of the most inherently dangerous types of jobs in America. New York construction workers are no exception to the dangers of construction sites. From 2009 to 2011, there were more than 101 fatalities at New York construction sites. Moreover, 74 percent of the victims of fatal construction falls in New York City were Latino and/or immigrant workers.
Despite the real dangers posed at construction sites, New York workers can be confident that in the event of an accident, the Scaffold Law will help them obtain the legal protection they deserve for the injuries they have sustained. Nevertheless, the Scaffold Law continues to be topic of heated debate.
The Scaffold Law Gets Labor Union Support
For years, insurance companies and property owners have tried to get rid of the Scaffold Law, which protects construction workers by placing all liability for an accident on the employer. One of the main reasons for the push for reform is that data clearly shows that New York’s insurance costs are the highest in the nation, and the reason is the Scaffold Law.
However, while advocates continue to push for saving the law, they have made it clear that if insurance companies want to talk about reform they need to provide actual data and facts to support their allegations.
The Sunshine Bill
Advocates of the Scaffold Law joined forces last week at the Legislative Office Building in Albany to support this law and the proposed “Sunshine Bill.” If passed, the Sunshine Bill would require liability insurance companies to file financial statements and claims data with the state’s superintendent of financial services. The goal of this bill is to challenge the long standing argument that the Scaffold Law increases insurance rates by forcing insurance companies to release claims data.
We Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction site accident, you need to hire an attorney who knows the law and can aggressively fight to get you the full extent of the compensation that you deserve. The New York construction accident attorneys at Gersowitz, Libo & Korek, P.C. understand the ramifications that construction accidents have on victims. Senior partner and lead trial attorney Jeff S. Korek grew up in the construction industry and has first hand knowledge of the inherent dangers in this occupation. Our team is ready to fight for you and your family during this difficult time.
For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our New York construction accident attorneys, please call 1-800-529-9997.
