Construction Worker Seriously Injured In Midtown, Manhattan After Falling From Poorly Maintained Scaffolding
MIDTOWN, NEW YORK (July 21, 2023) – A construction worker was seriously injured after falling from poorly maintained scaffolding in Midtown on Fifth Avenue.
New York City Police officials are saying that the accident took place around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday. A mason worker fell after walking on a supported scaffold.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. He was brought to Bellevue Hospital with a serious back injury.
The Department of Buildings issued a violation after the accident. There were allegedly missing scaffold guardrails, a loose wood plan and other issues.
Liability For Midtown Scaffold Accidents
According to one report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly 60 people are killed and 4,500 are sent to emergency rooms every year in scaffold related accidents. Many of these accidents are due to falls, but a large number involve scaffolds that suddenly collapse. There are a number of common reasons that scaffold accidents take place.
- Scaffold equipment could give way due to improper assembly.
- Construction workers could slip on scaffolds that are covered with a slick substance.
- Scaffold equipment may lack proper guardrails.
When a worker is injured in a scaffold accident, a building owner, construction company or general contractor can be held liable under New York State Labor Law § 240. Commonly referred to as the “Scaffold Law” New York State Labor Law § 240 imposes strict liability on construction companies, contractors and building owners when a worker falls or is hit by a falling object. Victims of scaffold accidents tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
Construction workers largely depend on their mobility to perform their jobs competently. A serious injury can put their livelihood in jeopardy and leave them with permanent disabilities. Any worker that is injured in a scaffold accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. A construction accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating New York City Scaffold Accidents
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to the worker injured in this Midtown scaffold accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other accidents like this.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Midtown scaffold accident? Our team of construction safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
