A scaffolding collapse in Manhattan the morning of Nov. 18 left three people with serious injuries, according to police and fire officials. Gothamist reports that the collapse occurred at a building on West 29th Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues in Chelsea. Officials said a 40-foot section of the scaffolding had crashed onto three people who were on the sidewalk. All three were transported to a local hospital where one man was listed in critical condition. Two other victims were said to be in stable condition.
Ongoing Investigation
Based on their preliminary review, FDNY officials said that a box truck pulling out of a street parking spot on 29th Street likely struck the scaffolding causing it to collapse. New York City Department of Buildings officials said inspectors made the same determination after evaluating the scene. Surveillance video reviewed by the Gothamist showed the structure falling as a box truck started to move. Wood panels and metal rods struck at least two people, the video showed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured victims. We wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
The truck driver remained at the scene. Buildings department officials told Gothamist that inspectors found no damage to the adjacent building and issued a violation to the owner for a “non-compliant shed.” The scaffolding that came down was flagged for unsafe conditions in August 2023 although the situation was reportedly resolved, according to DOB records, Gothamist reports.
This incident comes at a time when city officials are working to pass a series of bills to shorten the legal time window in which scaffolding is allowed to stay up. Mayor Eric Adams has also said he will crack down on the prevalence of these structures citywide. Officials also say such legislation will permit other methods such as drones and installing netting to keep pedestrians safe during construction and facade work.
Injury Risk to Bystanders from Scaffolding
Scaffolding collapses pose significant risks to bystanders often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. When scaffolding fails, the falling materials, tools or structures can strike individuals nearby, causing traumatic injuries such as fractures, lacerations, head injuries, and even spinal cord damage. These incidents can occur in populated areas, construction zones or any location where scaffolding is improperly erected or maintained.
The primary causes of scaffolding collapses include inadequate design, overloaded scaffolds, poor anchoring, and failure to follow safety standards. Weather conditions, such as high winds or heavy rain, can exacerbate these risks. In many cases, bystanders are unaware of the hazards, making them particularly vulnerable.
The impact on victims can be life-altering, leading to costly medical bills, loss of income, and long-term physical or emotional trauma. Construction companies, contractors, site managers, property owners, managers and other parties may bear the responsibility to ensure scaffolding safety by adhering to regulations, conducting regular inspections, and implementing protective measures such as barriers or warning signs.
Liability Issues
General construction companies, managing agents, building owners and managers, some contractors and sub-contractors have a responsibility to ensure that facades, scaffolds and other structures at a construction site are properly secured so they don’t pose a danger to workers, visitors or pedestrians at or near the worksite. If you have been injured as the result of poorly maintained or poorly secured facades, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your losses. In cases where a negligent (careless) driver strikes a scaffold and causes it to collapse, the driver and his or her employer can also be held liable.
In such cases, injured bystanders or passersby can seek compensation for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injury, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. Families of deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as lost future income, funeral costs, medical expenses, pain and suffering, etc. Liable parties may include construction companies, general contractors, sub-contractors, property or building owners/managers, manufacturers of defective products, etc.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a facade collapse or building collapse, 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. We recently recovered $5,600,000 for a bicyclist who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident, and $3,000,000 for a pedestrian who was hit by a car, and $2,000,000 in a hit-and-run accident, and the full $1,000,000 insurance policy for a pedestrian who was hit by a truck, and $4,625,000 for a driver who was in a car and was hit by a van, and $2,500,000 for a man who fell through an improperly secured hole. 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.
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Source: https://gothamist.com/news/3-injured-in-manhattan-scaffolding-collapse-after-truck-driver-hits-structure-officials-say