Worker Died at Newark Elevator Shaft Accident at Downtown Construction Site
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY(May 14, 2025) – A construction worker has tragically died in a Newark elevator shaft accident along Commerce Court.
Newark officials are saying that the accident took place around 9 AM on Saturday. The police received a call about a worker who was injured inside of an elevator shaft.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Despite the life-saving efforts of first responders, the construction worker later died as a result of his injuries at 10 AM.
A full investigation into the cause of the Newark elevator shaft accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Elevator Shaft Accidents
Falls remain one of the leading causes of construction accidents in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “In 2022, nearly 1 in 5 workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry and 38.4 percent of these deaths were due to falls, slips, and trips. The construction industry accounted for close to half, 47.4 percent, of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in 2022.” Construction companies should take a number of measures in order to prevent elevator accidents.
- Construction companies should ensure that the entrances to elevators are properly closed off when they are open.
- Construction companies should provide their workers with adequate fall protection if they are working at heights.
- Construction companies should ensure that worksites around elevators are properly illuminated.
Construction companies have a legal obligation to ensure that they follow all OSHA regulations. Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous sources of third-party liability for a construction accident. A third-party liability claim may be possible if an entity separate from a construction company was responsible for an elevator accident. This might include instances where a construction site was in a dangerous condition. Victims of elevator accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries.
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Organ damage
- Death
The vast majority of construction accidents are completely preventable. They tend to occur when construction companies fail to follow OSHA regulations. In particular, a number of workers have fallen through open elevator doors that were not properly guarded. It is important for accident victims and their families to understand that they do have legal rights in the event of an accident. They may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating New Jersey Construction Accidents
We at GLK Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of the construction worker killed in this Newark elevator shaft accident. Any person that may have more information 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 Newark elevator accident? Our team of construction accident attorneys is here to answer any questions you may have. We are dedicated to helping workers understand their rights and holding negligent parties accountable for their wrongful actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any particular incident, we are here for you. You can contact us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
