Worker Died In Borough Park, Brooklyn Scaffold Fall Accident At Construction Site on 45th Street
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (December 19, 2022) – A construction worker has tragically died after falling from a 3rd floor scaffold on a building outside 45th street.
New York City police officials are saying that the accident took place around 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 15. A construction worker in his 50’s was working on the 3rd floor scaffolding when he suddenly fell.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident in order to help the victim. The construction worker was taken to the Maimonides Medical Center in critical condition.
Despite life-saving measures, he later died at the hospital. A full investigation by OSHA remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Brooklyn Scaffold Fall Accidents
Scaffold accidents are actually much more common than many people may realize. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), around 60 people are killed and another 4,500 people are injured every year in scaffold accidents. The vast majority of scaffold accidents are totally preventable. Around 72% of scaffold accidents are caused by one of the following events.
- Scaffold support or planking gave way due to defect or improper assembly.
- The worker slipped or fell due to slick surfaces or a lack of guardrails.
- The worker was hit by an object that fell from a scaffold.
Property owners and general contractors are held strictly liable for gravity related accidents under New York State Labor Law § 240/241, commonly referred to as the scaffold law. In order for the statute to apply, a worker must have been performing a qualifying task which includes the “erection, demolition, repairing, altering, painting, cleaning or pointing of a building.” There are a number of OSHA regulations related to the construction and use of scaffolds.
- Construction companies must install guardrails on scaffolds that are ten feet and higher above the ground.
- Employers must provide their workers with fall protection when they are 10 feet or above another surface.
- All scaffolds must be capable of holding up to four times their maximum intended load.
- Debris nets should be installed to protect workers from tools or other objects that fall off a scaffold.
- Scaffolds must be constructed a safe distance from power lines to avoid electrocutions.
The family of any worker that is killed in a scaffold accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that come with the sudden loss of a loved one. Sadly, though, construction companies will often fight hard to deny liability for any accident. A New York City construction accident attorney can examine all of 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 construction worker killed in this 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.
Do you need more information about a Brooklyn construction accident? Our team of construction accident attorneys 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. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of help we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 800-529-9997.
