A man was killed in a construction accident in Harlem on July 10, officials said. According to a PIX11 news report, the 45-year-old man’s leg got caught on a rope that pulled him to the ground. It was not immediately clear where he was at the construction site when the accident occurred. The fatal incident occurred the afternoon of July 10 at 1505 Park Avenue, police said. There was no other information available about what caused the construction accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family members of the deceased worker.
Increase in Construction Activity and Accidents
A report in The Chief Leader states that with the increase in construction activity all over the city, there is also a rise in construction accident and injuries. The city’s Department of Buildings (DOB) 2024 Construction Safety Report indicated that the number of permits issued for new building projects shot up by 28% in 2023 in addition to a 28% increase in the total amount of new construction floor area permitted. That report also revealed that construction accident injuries rose for the third straight year.
The DOB recorded 692 injuries, which is a 25% increase from the previous year and the second highest number of injuries since the year 2015. Safety advocates and union representatives say the rise in injuries is also likely the result of inadequate training and skills programs that plague the non-union construction sector. Proper certifications for site safety training, scaffolding, rigging, flagging and site management are critical to safety in worksites. Each of these certification program includes a standard curriculum designed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Injured in a Construction Accident
Experiencing a construction accident injury can be an overwhelming experience. Here are essential steps to take immediately after such an incident:
- Seek medical attention:Â Your health is paramount. Get medical help promptly, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can worsen without treatment.
- Report the incident: Inform your supervisor or employer about the accident as soon as possible. This is crucial for initiating any necessary investigations and ensuring proper documentation of the incident.
- Document everything:Â Keep detailed records of the accident, including photographs of the scene, witness statements, and any relevant paperwork. This documentation can be invaluable later if there are legal or insurance issues.
- Follow medical advice: Adhere strictly to your doctor’s recommendations for recovery and rehabilitation. Attend follow-up appointments and therapy sessions as required.
- Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with workers’ compensation laws in your area. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, and disability if the injury prevents you from working.
Contact an experienced construction accident lawyer. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer specializing in workplace accidents can be the best possible step you can take to help maximize your compensation. Your attorney can also provide guidance on safeguarding your rights while helping you file a compensation claim for damages and losses.
Contacting an Experienced Construction Accident Lawyer
Construction workers who have been injured on the job may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits, which covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. In addition, workers may also be able to file a third-party claim against a negligent (careless) party other than the employer or co-employees for significant monetary damages and have two sources of compensation available for their losses.
Examples of third parties include, but are not limited to, general contractors, construction companies, sub-contractors, building owners, managing agents etc. In cases where a worker dies from injuries suffered on the job, surviving family members may seek death benefits through workers’ compensation and/or file a wrongful death claim against a third party who may be held liable for the fatal incident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. For over 53 years, our skilled accident attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses. Our law firm recovered $3,375,576 for a construction worker (an undocumented immigrant) who was injured on the job — one of the highest construction case settlements in New York that year.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury, lead poisoning and medical malpractice cases including, brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) and cerebral palsy cases in New York, 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 TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Sources: https://pix11.com/news/local-news/manhattan/construction-worker-dies-in-harlem-police/
https://thechiefleader.com/stories/as-nyc-construction-activity-climbs-so-do-worker-injuries,52710