In New York State, a certain classification of workers are protected from
elevation related and other risks during the construction, renovation,
alteration, repair, painting and pointing of a building or structure. Sections
240(1) and Section 241(6) of the Labor Law of the State of New York provided
extraordinary protection to such workers. As such owners, general contractors
and their agents, even those who do not direct or control the work being
performed, may be found vicariously responsible for injuries which occur on job
sites.
At Connors & Connors, P.C. our attorneys have defended hundreds of such claims
on behalf of owners, general contractors, architects and their agents. The
defense of such claims requires both a familiarity with construction practices
as well as a thorough understanding of indemnity agreements, hold harmless
agreements, additional insured endorsements and issues of insurance coverage. We
endeavor to keep current with the plethora of decisions interpreting the
application of Sections 240(1) and Section 241(6) so as to distinguish those
cases which do not afford plaintiffs the extraordinary protection of the Labor
Law.
In addition, we assist our clients in identifying the first opportunity to
tender the defense of claims being asserted against them to the responsible
party pursuant to either contractual or insurance policy provisions. When the
tender of defense is appropriate, and the party to whom the tender has been made
refuses to voluntarily acknowledge their contractual responsibilities,
declaratory judgment actions are recommended and commenced as soon as our
clients desire.
At Connors & Connors, P.C. our goal is to promptly investigate and evaluate our
client's potential exposure. We then craft a defense designed to protect our
client and minimize plaintiff's potential award.