Utility Worker Killed in New York Construction Site Accident

A 24-year-old utility worker was killed in a construction accident after he was crushed to death by a 1,700-pound pipe. The incident happened at a National Grid construction site on the corner of state Route 67 and East Line Road. According to The Saratogian, New York State police officials say they found the victim lying face down on the ground. Workers at the site had already removed the heavy, 12-inch by 40-foot pipe off the victim. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The worker was employed by a National Grid subcontractor. The investigation into this fatal construction site accident is ongoing.
Construction Accidents In NYC
Jobsite accidents in New York City have increased from 31 percent, from 119 to 157 from 2011 to 2012, according to the latest statistics available from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The number of injuries rose 46 percent from 128 to 187, city records show. In the New York metro area, including northern New Jersey and Long Island, construction fatalities jumped from 28 to 40 between 2010 and 2011.
Dangers Faced by Utility Workers
Utility workers have an ubiquitous role at most construction sites. However, they face significant hazards as well. Some of the common dangers that utility workers face in construction sites include electrocution, fall hazards as well as the danger of being hit by falling objects or getting crushed by heavy vehicles or equipment.
Following any construction accident, a number of issues must be carefully examined. Was the worker properly trained for the job? Were all safety procedures being followed at the time? Did the worker have safety equipment available for use? Was he being properly supervised at the time? Did the negligence of another employee or contractor on the site cause or contribute to the incident?
Compensation for Construction Workers
Families of deceased construction accident victims can seek workers’ compensation benefits from the employer. In addition, they may be able to file a third-party claim against a party other than the employer and seek compensation for damages. Examples of third parties include general contractors, subcontractors, building owners, manufacturers or defective products, etc.
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. Our law firm recovered $3,375,576 for a construction worker who was injured on the job – one of the highest construction case settlements in New York in 2010. Please contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 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 us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: The Saratogian