Accidents

Construction Worker Killed in a NYC Forklift Accident

In a devastating incident in Brooklyn, New York, a New Jersey construction worker, 44-year-old Over Paredes, lost his life after a section of a metal-framed wall fell from a forklift. The fatal accident occurred last month on the rooftop of a six-story residential building located on Myrtle Avenue between Marcy Avenue and Tompkins Avenue.

The day of the accident was notably windy. A large, heavy piece of sheet metal was being lifted by a manual forklift that was lighter than the load itself. A powerful gust of wind tipped the forklift onto its side, causing the wall section to fall on Paredes. Despite the efforts of EMS responders, Paredes tragically died at the scene.

An Avoidable Tragedy

Investigations revealed that the Department of Buildings had never authorized the use of a manual forklift at this construction site. The contractor, Empire ID Construction, only had permission to operate an engine-powered forklift. It also remains unclear if the worker handling the manual forklift had the required training or qualifications.

According to Paredes’ two sons, who were also working on-site, the manual forklift may have been used because the crane operator refused to lift the sheet metal with the engine-powered forklift, citing dangerous wind conditions. This tragedy highlights the critical importance of prioritizing safety over convenience. As Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams has emphasized, a comprehensive investigation is essential to prevent future incidents.

Fighting for the Rights of Injured Construction Workers

Construction sites—especially those involving cranes and heavy lifting equipment—can pose severe risks to workers and bystanders. When accidents occur due to negligence or safety violations, victims and their families may be entitled to file personal injury or wrongful death claims against those responsible.

At GLK Law, we deeply understand the challenges faced by construction workers and their families. Senior partner and lead trial attorney Jeff S. Korek, who grew up in the construction industry, knows first-hand the dangers involved. This unique perspective drives our commitment to fighting relentlessly for injured workers and helping them secure the compensation they deserve.