.png)
Every day, we trust officials and inspectors to ensure the safety of construction sites in New York. But what happens when these inspectors become corrupt and compromised? What happens when they accept bribes in exchange for “looking the other way” while contractors and property owners conduct operations in unsafe and improper ways? If this happens, then all of the city’s initiatives to improve worker safety are for nothing. If we cannot rely on our officials to act in a responsible, morally-upright manner, then new laws and regulations will do absolutely nothing to prevent workers from suffering injuries.
If you have suffered a workplace injury at one of New York’s construction sites, you should consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Although you are always entitled to workers’ compensation in New York, you might also have the chance to file a lawsuit against negligent parties if you were working in an environment that was completely ignorant of proper safety protocols. It is best to seek out a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in New York if you want to pursue justice in an efficient manner.
New York DOB Inspector Caught Taking Bribes
On February 10th of 2021, the United States Department of Justice reported that a DOB inspector had accepted a bribe from a construction company. The company reportedly paid him $1,200 in exchange for not issuing a $25,000 fine. This company had previously been issued a “stop work order” due to issues on their site. They continued work anyway, and the DOB inspector should have given them a fine. Instead, he was paid to look the other way. This inspector was promptly arrested and charged with solicitation and receipt of a bribe.
How Does this Impact Negligence?
One of the most important things about a personal injury lawsuit or claim is establishing negligence. If plaintiffs cannot establish that the defendant was acting in a negligent manner, they will not have the chance to receive a settlement. If a contractor or property owner was actively bribing officials to look the other way, this is a clear sign of negligence. It shows that they not only knew about potential issues at the job site, but they also tried to conceal these issues from public knowledge. Courts may even consider this to be “gross” or “reckless” negligence, which can result in larger settlement payouts.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified, Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in New York
If you have suffered an injury while working at one of New York’s many construction sites, it is important to enlist the help of a skilled attorney as soon as possible. Delays will only make it more difficult to pursue a favorable legal outcome. After receiving the medical attention you need, reach out to a personal injury attorney who has extensive experience with construction injuries. The Glassman Law Group has dealt with these matters many times in the past, and we can help you pursue justice in an efficient manner.