Construction Accident Kills One, Injures Three

Construction workers know the dangers they face on the job each day. Companies strive to complete a project as soon and as inexpensively as possible in order to move along to the next job site. With so many different types of work being performed, it is not uncommon for serious injuries or death to result. A recent accident in New York is just one example of the challenges to those on the job.

Four construction workers were building a cinderblock wall at a jobsite in Queens when scaffolding fell. The materials landed on the wall, causing it to collapse on the workers. One worker was killed, and the other three suffered serious injuries.

Falling objects are one common type of accident that happens on job sites, but it is not the only way workers are injured. Electrocution and burns are possible, as well as injuries sustained from malfunctioning equipment.

Much of the work that occurs on sites is done above ground, on ladders or scaffolding. If workers fall on a construction site, it can lead to broken bones, paralysis or even death.

In New York, there are protections in place for construction workers. Property owners and construction companies are under an obligation to ensure that proper safety precautions are in place. If they do not meet these obligations, they may be held responsible for any injuries that arise.

For construction workers, any missed time due to injury can have a devastating impact on their livelihoods. However, because many of these injuries are quite serious, workers will need time to recover. Obtaining compensation for medical bills and time away from work can be a challenge in these cases.

Many of these injuries will be covered by the workers’ compensation system, which proscribes a specific amount of recovery for injured workers. Any injuries caused by coworkers or your employer generally will fall into the workers’ compensation category.

An experienced construction accidents attorney will need to examine exactly how the injury occurred to determine if additional compensation may be available. Accidents that result due to actions of independent contractors or the actions of the property owner may allow the injured worker to recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit.

Source: 1 killed, 3 injured in NYC construction accident