Each year, fire incidents in the United States increase during the Thanksgiving and holiday season, particularly from cooking and heating sources. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), Thanksgiving Day has more than twice the number of reported home fires compared to an average day.
Continue reading “Analyzing Thanksgiving-Season Fire Claims in New York and Florida”
Employers who learn about a dangerous condition or a defective product and fail to take reasonable steps to fix or warn about it raise sharply practical — and legal — questions. In New York the answers depend on (1) who was injured (an employee or a non-employee), (2) what statutory regimes apply (notably the workers’ compensation statutes and the Labor Law), and (3) what evidence exists showing the employer had actual or constructive notice of the hazard. Below I explain how notice figures into negligence and Labor Law claims in New York, how post-accident conduct (including failure to fix) is treated in evidence, and then walk through a representative case study so you can see those rules in action.
Continue reading “Notice, Negligence, and Workplace Injury Liability in New York State”
When construction projects face legal challenges, experience matters. John Caravella, Esq., of The Law Offices of John Caravella, P.C., brings a rare combination of architectural knowledge and legal expertise to clients throughout New York and Florida. His practice focuses exclusively on construction law, helping contractors, property owners, and design professionals protect their rights, resolve disputes, and achieve successful project outcomes.
Continue reading “Your Trusted Construction Law Attorney in New York and Florida”
Though the holiday season represents happiness and channeling positive energy for the New Year, unfortunate events can happen without expecting they will. Did it ever occur to you that your favorite decorations such as twinkling lights and evergreen scented candles could become dangerous? Below are five important steps to ensure your decorations are a success and not a mess. For more information about the United States Fire Administration, please click here.
When you hire a contractor for a residential renovation — or when you work as one — whether the contractor holds the correct local license matters a great deal.
Deck Inspection Resources (2020) by Frank Woeste, P. E., Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech. Spring is a great time to inspect your deck to make sure it is safe for continued use by your family and friends. The inspection resources listed herein should be useful for accomplishing a meaningful inspection of an existing deck for occupant safety.
Last quarter, John Caravella was invited to speak at the AIA Contract Documents Workshop where he was able to share his knowledge about Construction Contract Interpretation and Fundamentals. In this specific article, we discuss the document types between different parties, to ensure the correct contract is being utilized for your specific type of work.
The construction industry in New York is entering a new era—one that blends innovation, public well-being, and environmental responsibility. Recent developments across the state highlight how the field is expanding beyond traditional building projects to address worker wellness, sustainability, and community impact.
In 2023, New York construction sites saw the highest number of worker deaths in a decade. A report by the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) revealed that 74 construction workers died statewide in 2023. Of those, 30 deaths occurred in New York City alone. Both the raw number and the fatality rates in NYC and the state marked troubling new highs. (Construction Dive)
Continue reading “New York Construction Deaths: A Rising Toll and What the Law Says”
Construction has long been one of the most male-dominated industries in the United States. Over the last decade the sector has made measurable progress: more women are entering trades, taking leadership roles, and founding construction firms—but the pace of change is slow, and structural barriers remain. This article looks at where women are today in the construction industry, what’s driving growth, real-world examples (including Barbara Kavovit), and what employers and policy makers can do to accelerate meaningful, sustainable inclusion.
Continue reading “The Rise (and Remaining Gap) of Women in Construction”
The Law Offices of John Caravella, P.C. offers a free initial consultation with a Long Island construction attorney to discuss your legal concerns with no obligation. To schedule an appointment, call our office today or fill out the form below.
