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As New York continues to build upward, falls are almost inevitable. Construction workers in the Big Apple put their lives on the line every day, helping us create a better city. Although safety measures have improved considerably over the last few decades, workers continue to pass away each year in New York. How can this be avoided? How can we improve our safety protocols to avoid needless deaths? These are the same questions New Yorkers have been asking themselves for years, and yet workers continue to pass away.
If your loved one has passed away due to a construction accident in New York, you may be dealing with all kinds of issues. Aside from the obvious emotional impact of losing a family member, you might also be struggling with bill payments, funeral costs, and all kinds of other unforeseen consequences. If you need help, you should reach out to a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney at your earliest convenience. Seek out an expert who is specifically experienced with construction accidents, and you can gain meaningful compensation for your loss.
Worker Falls to His Death in Manhattan
In February of 2021, it was reported that a construction worker had fallen to his death while working on a hospital in Manhattan. He fell from the 16th floor in a shocking accident that reminded New Yorkers of how unsafe construction work remains. The victim was 52 years old, and he had taken a hoist elevator up to the 16th floor just prior to the fall. The strange thing about this is that the construction work was actually going on inside the building, and not on the outside.
That being said, the hoist elevator was located on the outside of the building. The DOB quickly announced that the fall was not related to any construction work going on at the building. It is not clear how this will impact his loved ones’ ability to gain compensation through legal means, although they will certainly receive death benefits through Workers’ Compensation.
Understanding New York’s Scaffold Law
Despite the fact that New York has serious safety concerns in regards to construction workers, it offers more legal protection to these workers than perhaps any other state. This is mostly due to the Scaffold Law. This law states that property owners and contractors have “unlimited liability” for elevation-related injuries, which of course includes deaths due to falls. Even if the worker failed to follow proper safety protocols and use the correct equipment, the “unlimited liability” aspect of this law means that plaintiffs can still hold contractors and property owners liable for damages.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you want to pursue justice in an efficient manner after losing a loved one in a New York construction accident, there is help available. Reach out to The Glassman Law Group, and we can help you seek justice. If your loved one passed away due to a fall, you can hold at-fault parties liable due to New York’s Scaffold Law. Contact us today, and we can help you receive meaningful compensation.