A recent report by the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) states that while there were fewer construction accident deaths in 2023, there was a substantial increase in the number of injuries in worksites. According to a DOB news release, the city recorded the lowest number of construction-related fatalities in almost a decade. Seven construction workers died on the job in 2023, four fewer than the year before.
What the Report Shows
However, construction accident injuries increased for the third consecutive year. The DOB recorded 692 injuries — a 25% increase from 2022 and the second highest number of injuries since 2015. The report showed that falls remained the leading cause of injury and death at construction sites in New York City, a trend that is reflected nationwide. The number of workers who died from falls decreased significantly compared to previous years, the report shows.
DOB officials said they are taking a closer look at construction-related injuries to get a better understanding of what is causing them. The report also said that construction activity in New York City has remained consistent with previous years and that initial permits for new building projects increased 28%. DOB issued the recent report in conjunction with Construction Safety Week, which was from May 6-10. In addition to highlighting 2023 safety data, the report lists the locations where workers died and includes information on near misses such as the crane fire in Manhattan in July that left 12 people injured.
Serious Injury Construction Accidents
Construction accidents can occur due to various factors, often resulting in severe injuries. One common cause is falls from heights, which can happen when workers are not provided with proper fall protection or when working on unstable surfaces. Another frequent cause is being struck by objects, such as tools or debris, which can occur due to inadequate storage or failure to secure materials properly.
Additionally, accidents involving heavy machinery or equipment malfunction can lead to serious injuries if safety protocols are not followed or if machinery is not properly maintained. Electrical hazards, including contact with live wires or faulty wiring, also pose a significant risk on construction sites. Finally, accidents related to scaffolding collapse or structural failures can occur due to improper assembly or inadequate inspection. Overall, ensuring proper training, adherence to safety regulations, and regular maintenance of equipment and structures are essential to preventing construction accident injuries.
Compensation for Injured Workers
Injured workers in New York City may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of who was at fault for the incident. Workers’ compensation provides medical treatment, wage replacement, and other benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.
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.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
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, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you. 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. Our law firm also recovered $3,000,000 for a man who fell and suffered two broken legs when he walked into an open elevator shaft. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
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
Source: https://www.citylandnyc.org/dept-of-buildings-releases-2023-new-york-city-construction-safety-report/