Construction workers risk their lives to build the world around people here in New York. As these people work tirelessly to make others’ lives more comfortable and convenient, they put themselves at great risk. Construction workers often work at perilous heights, with dangerous materials and out in the elements. Under these conditions, accidents frequently occur.
Recently, a fatal construction accident killed one New York construction worker. The worker was part of a team working to build a new building when part of a concrete wall collapsed. According to witnesses, the worker was trapped under the large slab from the torso down. Firefighters responded to the scene, but were unable to rescue the worker.
At this point, it is unclear why the slab collapsed or what could have been done to keep the worker safe. Construction companies have a duty to provide construction workers with safety equipment to prevent injuries and to take all possible precautions to prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. An investigation will likely be necessary to determine how this accident could have been prevented.
Fatal construction accidents, like this one, are devastating to the victim’s family. They are left to deal with both the emotional and financial losses. While nothing can help bring back a loved one, or compensate a family for their loss, legal options might be available to families to lessen the financial strain of these serious accidents. In these cases, workers’ compensation may be able to help cover lost wages and other costs caused by the accident, so the victim’s family can focus on their emotional healing.
Source: NBC 4 New York, “Worker Killed in Manhattan Construction Accident: FDNY,” Roseanne Colletti, Sept. 24, 2014