Elevator Shaft Falls: The Fatal Story of One New Jersey Construction Worker

Construction sites are often poorly maintained and dangerous for construction workers. Elevators shafts are one of most hazardous parts of construction sites. Although an open elevator shaft can be clearly marked and barricaded to prevent accidents, most are not. Elevator accidents can cause catastrophic accidents or deaths to both the construction site workers and the general public. The public is at risk for malfunctions. Workers are even at a greater risk given the nature of their work.

Case in point is the death of a New Jersey construction worker who died after falling down an elevator shaft in an Upper West Side Manhattan building under construction. Although not all elevator-related deaths can be prevented, most may be if the workers and their employers follow certain safety procedures.

The Facts

Frank Dragotta, a 61-year-old New Jersey construction worker who was working at the four-story residential building located at 130 and 132 West 70^th Street, fell one story down the elevator shaft he was working in. He was reportedly looking down the shaft when he fell. Dragotta was later found unconscious and unresponsive at the bottom of the elevator shaft. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Similar to many other construction sites, there were no guardrails around the opening at the time of the accident. New York city officials issued a citation for this hazardous condition. However, it will not undo the fatal accident that may have been prevented.

Elevator Accidents: The Need For Experienced Legal Help

Individuals who are injured in an elevator accident often suffer serious physical and financial consequences. Unfortunately, most of these accidents are fatal. If you or a loved one has been injured in an elevator accident or you lost a loved one in such an accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. In order to ensure that you get the full extent of the money damages that you deserve, you need to consult with an experienced attorney.

Call an Experienced Elevator Accident Attorney in New York

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an elevator accident, the experienced New York elevator accident attorneys at Gersowitz, Libo & Korek, P.C. will fight for your rights and help you get the full extent of the compensation that you deserve. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation, please call us at 1-800-529-9997.