Construction workers have inherently dangerous jobs. They risk their lives on busy roads and in some cases, they work hundreds of feet above the ground with heavy equipment. Under these circumstances, safety precautions must be taken or a construction accident is likely. When these accidents do occur they often cause serious bodily harm. In some cases, construction accidents are even fatal.
Recently, a New York construction worker was killed in an accident at a construction site. The 35-year-old man was helping a crane operator maneuver a 40 foot long air conditioning unit from the back of a flat bed truck. According to witnesses, the air conditioner somehow came loose from the crane with a loud snap. It fell to the ground. First, it hit the truck, before rolling to the sidewalk. The man was crushed by the air conditioner as it hit the ground.
The man was taken to a local hospital, however he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
As with any fatal accident, there is nothing that can help this man’s family fully recover what they have lost. However, there are legal options to help cover some of the costs associated with construction accidents. In some cases workers’ compensation may be available. Workers’ compensation helps workers, or their families, recover certain costs associated with workplace accidents including lost wages and medical expenses.
In situations where workers are fatally injured in workplace accidents, a wrongful death suit may be an option if the negligence of another played a role in the accident. Wrongful death suits can help the families of those killed receive fair compensation for their loss. This can include lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of companionship and funeral costs.
In every situation, a person injured in a workplace accident, or the family of a worker killed, should consider their legal options. There may be multiple claims to bring against the responsible parties.
Source: New York Daily News, “Giant AC crushes, kills man outside Bronx-Lebanon Hospital” Rocco Parascandola, Denis Slattery and Stephen Rex Brown, Dec. 4, 2012