New York Law Blog

After a fatal construction accident in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, it was discovered that the contractor responsible for the site was running the job site with a fake license. The man took on the identity of another to utilize a special rigger’s license which gave him the ability to set up scaffolding. TGL senior partner Jeffrey Lichtman weighs in on the tragic event:

This is an extremely troubling situation that combines the negligence of a fraudulent contractor and a failure of the City to recognize a scheme before it resulted in the horrific death of an innocent worker. Numerous safety regulations were ignored and violated including the lack of a certified foreman to oversee the project. Following these discoveries, the Buildings Department suspended work at as many as 28 other construction sites in the City involving the same "contractor." Rose Gill Hearn, the commissioner of the investigation department, said that the case involved "brazen fraud, unsafe construction practices, and a worker’s tragic death. The individuals in this scheme put the lives of workers and the public in danger." My hope is that the City responds aggressively and actively so as to avoid future incidences of fraud and negligent disregard for safety regulations at construction sites.

Oneida county government has decided to spend roughly $21 million to eliminate asbestos from it’s office building. The building, built in 1970 at the height of asbestos use in construction, has already had the material removed from three of it’s ten floors. Senior partner Jeffrey Lichtman weighs in on the hazards of asbestos:

Asbestos in the environment is a clear hazard and danger. Owners of property have the option to take a proactive and protective step to remove asbestos from the premises or take the risk and gamble with peoples lives. We hope that the press continues to report on these issues, making the dangers associated with asbestos more well known to the public.

Obama’s sweeping victory brought a wave of Democrats into office across the country and in New York State, new leadership in the Senate. New York Democrats have long labored to protect the consumers of the State of New York and here in the City. Now, with the majority of Democrats in the Senate, we hope to see new legislation to expand access to justice in the courthouse.