New York is supposed to be the beating heart of our country. But thanks to a recent building collapse, questions are now being raised about just how advanced this city really is. One worker lost their life when a parking garage essentially fell apart, causing serious mayhem and horrific scenes. Five other people were injured. Unfortunately, this is a common story – and workers often pay the price for shoddy construction. But what can you do if you were injured in a New York building collapse?
Structural Collapse Occurred Just Blocks Away from World Trade Center
No foul play is suspected, but this collapse certainly conjures up unwelcome memories for countless New Yorkers. The building that collapsed is located in Manhattan's financial district, blocks away from the World Trade Center and the New York Stock Exchange. Firefighters and authorities insist that this was simply a structural collapse. But what caused it? Why did this building suddenly come crumbling down?
These are just a few questions survivors and family members are undoubtedly asking themselves in the aftermath of this accident. All six victims were workers, although the nature of their work has not yet been reported. One of these workers lost their life, while four others were hospitalized. One suffered presumably minor injuries and refused medical treatment.
After the accident, the fire department sent in robotic dogs to sweep the area for any additional survivors. They later reported that everyone was accounted for. Despite the fact that this was apparently an accidental collapse, witnesses say that they heard extremely loud noises. One witness explained:
"I heard this incredible noise around 4 o'clock this afternoon, and I was wondering what that was, so I went to the window, and I just saw the top floor of this garage...just beginning to cave in and cars just following into this pit. I was just in shock. I heard people on the street just screaming and yelling for other people to get out."
What Caused the Collapse?
It is unclear what caused this collapse. One thing is for sure: Buildings are not supposed to simply crumble apart without warning. One is reminded of the infamous Miami condo collapse, which also occurred fairly recently. You might argue that when our cities are literally falling apart, it is a symptom of a society in serious trouble. And as always, it is the average person – the common worker – who suffers the most from this negligence.
Where Can I Find a Qualified Workers' Comp Attorney in New York?
If you were recently injured in a New York construction accident or building collapse, you have every right to explore your legal options. If your injury occurred on the job, you can file a workers' compensation claim. This can provide financial support as you recover from your injuries, cover medical expenses, and much more. Even if your claim has been denied, a workers' comp attorney can help you push back and fight for the compensation you deserve. Book a consultation with the Glassman Law Group today to get started with an effective action plan.
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