Falls from ladders, scaffolds, and elevated work platforms are some of the most common causes of life-changing injuries on New York job sites. When the fall happens because the “protection” did not actually protect you, New York law can shift accountability to the people who controlled the worksite. A new appellate decision, Rojas v. 616 First Ave., LLC , 2026 NY Slip Op 00164 .  (2d Dept. Jan. 14, 2026) , is a strong example of how courts look past the label on a safety devi