Suffolk County Police Officials Investigating Construction Accident That Left One Worker Dead
SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK (January 20, 2023) – A masonry company worker has tragically died in Suffolk County construction accident while installing cesspool rings at home on Piper Lane.
Suffolk County officials are saying that the incident took place around 2:30 p.m. on Monday. A worker entered a hole while installing the cesspool rings when the excavated dirt collapsed around him.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Sadly, he was later pronounced dead.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Suffolk County Construction Accidents
The years 2019 and 2020 were particularly deadly for construction workers digging trenches. According to one report from Equipment World, 2019 and 2020 are tied for the second deadliest year for trench collapse accidents in the last decade. The leading cause of trench collapses remains inadequate cave-in protection. There are many steps that construction companies should take in order to keep workers safe.
- Workers should be trained to spot workplace safety hazards.
- Work site should be inspected by a compotent person.
- Trenches should be properly re-enforced.
A construction company or general contractor could be held liable through New York Labor Law 241(6) if they failed to incorporate adequate cave-in protection to the sides of a trench prior to a collapse. As outlined in New York Industrial Code Section 23-4.2, when the walls of a trench are five feet or deeper the walls of the trench must be properly shored and braced. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any construction accident.
- The safety record of the company in question should be examined.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
Construction companies are often quick to label collapses as “freak occurrences.” But this designation can often be highly misleading. The vast majority of trench collapses are highly preventable and due in part to workplace safety violations. The family of any worker that died in a construction accident may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A construction accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating New York Construction Accidents
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the worker that died in this Suffolk County construction accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Suffolk County construction accident? Our team of construction safety advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that construction companies are held accountable for their negligence. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
