Update – Scaffold Law Reform Day at the NYS Capitol

scaffold-law-graphicVertical Access was a proud sponsor and participant in Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York Day at the Capitol in Albany, NY on February 10.  Teams composed of general and trade contractors, insurance brokers and underwriters, lawyers, material suppliers and consultants met with State Senators and Assembly Members to discuss the inequities of Labor Law 240.

This law, first enacted in the 19th century and sometimes referred to as the Scaffold Law, is the only law of its kind in the country that imposes absolute liability on owners and contractors, without regard to cause and with virtually no opportunity for defense as part of a due process procedure. This has had a huge economic impact on construction costs, ultimately costing New York taxpayers an estimated $785 million annually.

Overall, the feeling at the end of the Day at the Capitol is that there was a much more positive reception from the New York legislatures we met with this year than there has been in the past and this may finally be the year of Reform.

Learn more at Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York and www.ScaffoldLaw.org.