Abogados de Accidentes de
Construcción en SoHo

SoHo construction occurs within one of the nation's strictest historic preservation zones. Workers must preserve or replicate historic elements exactly, work around irreplaceable structural systems, and use specialized techniques for cast-iron restoration. The Landmarks Preservation Commission scrutinizes all exterior work. These constraints often require more dangerous hand work rather than modern equipment, increasing injury risk. Additionally, the buildings' age means workers routinely encounter asbestos, lead paint, and structural deterioration not visible until work begins.

No. Courts have consistently rejected arguments that Landmarks Preservation Commission requirements limited property owners' ability to provide safety equipment. Historic preservation creates construction challenges but does not excuse failure to protect workers. Property owners must find ways to meet both preservation and safety requirements. If they cannot do so, they must not proceed with the work. The difficulty of complying with preservation requirements while maintaining safety may actually demonstrate the heightened hazards workers faced.

Cast-iron buildings present unique hazards: facades may have hidden deterioration that causes sections to fail when workers access them, cast-iron elements are extremely heavy and can fall unexpectedly during removal or repair, the buildings' age means structural conditions may be compromised in ways not visible externally, and specialized scaffold systems required for facade access may create unusual fall risks. Workers must also contend with historic materials that can be brittle and unpredictable after 150 years of weathering.

Property owners of landmarked buildings face the same Labor Law 240 strict liability as any other owner. The buildings' historic status does not reduce liability. General contractors and subcontractors also face liability. The Landmarks Preservation Commission's requirements do not transfer liability to the city—property owners remain fully responsible for worker safety. In some cases, architects or engineers whose plans failed to account for safety requirements may also face claims.

SoHo property owners are typically wealthy (lofts regularly sell for $5-10+ million), which means substantial assets and insurance coverage. Serious injury settlements commonly range from $500,000 to $6+ million. The historic nature of many projects means higher-paid specialty workers—ironworkers, restoration specialists, skilled carpenters—increasing lost wage claims. Courts regularly award significant damages in SoHo construction cases, recognizing the hazardous nature of historic renovation work.