Travelers sues State National over refused defense in Scaffold Law claim

According to court filings, on July 1, 2022, a worker employed by Perennial was injured when a steel door he was removing collapsed on him, allegedly causing injuries to his lumbar and cervical spine that required two spinal surgeries. The worker sued Gilbane and Highbridge, alleging negligence and violations of New York Labor Law sections 200, 240, and 241(6). Section 240, widely known as the Scaffold Law, imposes absolute liability on property owners and general contractors for gravity-related injuries at construction sites – making even a single incident a potentially high-exposure claim.