30 THE COURIER SUN • OCTOBER 15, 2015 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com THE HELPFUL HOMEOWNER Q: I am a handyman, skilled in installing siding. A homeowner had recruited me to assist the general contractor and instructed me to follow his directions. I was supposed to use a makeshift scaffolding-ladder contraption. He had already erected it, with components supplied in part by the owner. All in all, for my job, she had supplied much of the materials and essential equipment. I understand that, when the owner first saw the scaffolding, she objected that it looked unsafe. The owner then offered to rent scaffolding that was more suitable, but the general contractor assured her that the contraption was safe. As I worked, it collapsed. A: In a scaffolding case, Labor Law § 240 provides for liability against all contractors and owners and their agents, except owners of one and two-family dwellings who contract for but do not direct or control the work. This exception does not seem to apply here, because it appears that this owner directed and controlled the work. She provided the equipment. She was involved. Implicitly, the owner acknowledged her responsibility for worker safety. The general contractor, too, is on the hook. Under the Labor Law, the contractor is deemed authorized to exercise direction or control over you and the injury-producing work, irrespective of whether he actually did so. He should be sued, as well. The law responds to changed conditions; exceptions and variations abound. Here, the information is general; always seek out competent counsel. This article shall not be construed as legal advice. Copyright © 2015 Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. All rights reserved. 159-49 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, New York 11414 • 718-738-9800 1750 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10710 • 914-337-9800 Advertorial Legally Speaking By: Scott Baron, Attorney at Law 1-866-927-4878 Free Screening for Head and Neck Cancers Date: Thursday, October 22 Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm Location: Hearing and Speech Center Long Island Jewish Medical Center 430 Lakeville Road New Hyde Park (T) 877-TAX-1040 (F) 718-894-4476 When It Comes to Cancer Screening, It’s Time to Start Using Your Head (and Neck) Head and neck cancers affect the tongue, mouth, lips, throat, voice box, nose, salivary glands and thyroid. This year, more than 55,000 people will develop new cases of head and neck cancers. Are you at risk? You might discover early indications of head and neck cancer, such as sores, pain, lumps or red/dark patches in your mouth, but the best way to determine your risk is to be screened by a doctor. Come to the screening at the Hearing and Speech Center at Long Island Jewish Medical Center on October 22. It’s free and the actual screening takes just 10 minutes. Plus, it can save your life. Now that’s using your head. To schedule an appointment, call 1-855-858-8550. Space is limited. Call Now & End Your Tax Nightmare! • Owe the IRS more than $10,000? • Being Audited? • Unfi led Tax Returns? • Wage & Bank Levies? Co-Author of the best selling book “Breaking the Tax Code” Salvatore P. Candela, EA, ATA, ABA Enrolled Agent - Tax Advisor [email protected] www.thetaxadvocategroup.com
SC10152015
To see the actual publication please follow the link above