In many types of injury accident cases, small details can matter a great deal. That can be true in construction accidents, as well. Due to the details contained in the New York statutes that allow you to recover compensation for your construction injuries, the nuances between a temporary staircase and a permanent staircase can be the difference between a successful outcome and a defeat in your case. To make sure that all your details, both great and small, are properly addressed, be sure you have knowledgeable New York City construction injury counsel in your corner.
One recent case from Niagara County is an example of the importance of details. G. was a construction worker who was hurt going down a set of stairs leading to the basement of a house that was under construction. The staircase collapsed beneath him, causing his injuries. The worker sued several entities for the harm he suffered, alleging that the entities he sued did not provide him with properly safe working conditions and, in the process, violated Sections 240(1) and 241(6) of the New York Labor Law.
In a case like Gary’s, details matter. Gary was hurt descending a staircase. Specifically, it matters whether or not the staircase was a temporary or permanent feature of the house. A temporary staircase, under New York law, is the functional equivalent of a ladder. So, if you fall and suffer injuries while using a temporary staircase, you may be entitled to receive compensation under a Section 240(1) claim, just the same as a worker who falls and suffers injuries while using a ladder.