Worker Died In Brooklyn Construction Accident After Being Hit By Falling Excavator Arm
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (January 1, 2022) – A construction worker has tragically died after he was hit by a falling excavator arm at a Brooklyn job site.
New York City officials are saying that the accident took place around 9:10 a.m. on Java Street. Construction crew were transporting pipe for a 14 story building project.
One of the workers was securing pipe posts to the excavator arm when the machinery failed. A lifting attachment came off and fell on top of the worker.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident in order to help the victim. Sadly, the worker was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Department of Buildings (DOB) issued a full stop work order. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Brooklyn Construction Accidents
Despite improved safety standards, thousands of workers are killed every year in workplace accidents. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “A total of 5,333 workers died from a work-related injury in the U.S. in 2019, up 2 percent from the 2018 total of 5,250. The fatal work injury rate was 3.5 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers, which was the rate reported in 2018.” OSHA lists four different types of accidents that are responsible for the vast majority of workplace injuries and deaths.
- Falls
- Struck by objects
- Electrocutions
- Caught in between
Depending on the specific facts of any case, there could be numerous sources of liability for a workplace accident. Workers in New York have a legal right to work in a reasonably safe environment. Pursuant to New York Labor Law 200, “All machinery, equipment, and devices in such places shall be so placed, operated, guarded, and lighted as to provide reasonable and adequate protection to all such persons.” When a company fails to provide workers with a reasonably safe environment, they can be held liable for that worker’s injuries. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any workplace accident.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
It can be difficult to know where to begin after any workplace accident. But it is important for workers to know that they do have rights. The family of any worker that died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. A construction accident attorney can determine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Brooklyn Construction Accident
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the worker that died in this Excavator 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 tragedies like this.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Brooklyn construction accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of construction safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. You can reach out to us anytime at 800-529-9997.
