Brooklyn Construction Accident Proves Fatal

A man died in a New York construction accident after a five-story Brooklyn apartment building collapsed and trapped five workers. According to a news report in the New York Times, workers had just poured concrete at the building in Brighton Beach when the metal frame collapsed under its weight. Firefighters sifted through debris to rescue the workers. Three were taken to Lutheran Medical Center and one worker declined any medical help. Witnesses said the rumble of the building’s collapse could be heard for blocks. The Commissioner of the Buildings Department said the workers were not following proper procedures while laying the concrete. Concrete should be poured from the bottom up, not the top down, officials said. The owner of the property said construction had been going on for months and that he was unaware of any complaints. Officials continue to investigate the building collapse.
The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) reports that there were 157 construction-related accidents in 2010, four of those being fatalities. So far in 2011, there have been three construction accident deaths. Falls are generally the most common types of accidents, but electrocution, building collapses, scaffolding collapses, and machinery malfunctions can also contribute to injuries and fatalities at the worksite.
Employers are expected to ensure their employees are properly trained and know how to properly use materials and machinery. This includes making sure each construction worker adheres to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Employers are also required to provide all necessary safety equipment such as goggles, vests, and hard hats. The construction company must verify the building meets all OSHA standards as it is being constructed.
Workers injured in construction accidents or families of deceased victims can seek compensation for damages by filing for workers compensation benefits. In some cases, a third party claim may be filed against parties other than the employer, and whose negligence may have caused or contributed to the accident. Examples of third parties include, but are not limited to, general contractors, sub-contractors, property owners, and manufacturers of defective products.
The experienced New York personal injury attorneys of the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm have extensive experience fighting for the rights of construction workers. Our law firm recovered $3,375,576 for a construction worker who was injured on the job. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York construction accident, please call our offices at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit our website: www.work4youlaw.com
Source: New York Times