NYPD Detective Seriously Injured In Queens Accident After Falling From Helicopter
QUEENS, NEW YORK (December 4, 2022) – A NYPD detective was injured in a Queens training accident after falling from a helicopter during a fast-rope demonstration.
New York Police Department officials are saying that the accident took place around 11:20 a.m. on Thursday. Video footage shows a detective in tactical gear preparing to repel down the rope on a helicopter.
The detective fell 15 to 20 feet and snapped his leg in half. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.
The officer was taken to the Jacobi Hospital to receive treatment. Investigators are saying that the rope on the helicopter was not properly attached prior to the accident.
Liability For Queens Helicopter Accidents
Falls remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death for workers across the United States. In fact, falls are one of the four types of accidents dubbed the “Fatal Four” by OSHA. The other three main types of workplace hazards include electrocutions, being struck by objects and getting caught in-between hazards. In all, the “Fatal Four” types of hazards made up nearly 64% of all workplace deaths in 2016. There are a number of steps that employers should take in order to prevent falls.
- Workers should be given personal fall arrest systems (PFAS).
- Workers should be trained to identify hazards.
- Work sites should be maintained in a reasonably safe condition.
Pursuant to New York Labor Law 200, employers must maintain their work site in a reasonably safe condition. As outlined in the statute, “All places to which this chapter applies shall be so constructed, equipped, arranged, operated and conducted as to provide reasonable and adequate protection to the lives, health and safety of all persons employed therein or lawfully frequenting such places.” Victims of fall accidents tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
Any worker that is injure on the job may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Many accident victims may not realize the full extent of their injuries for several weeks or months after an accident. A New York City personal injury attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Queens Workplace Accident
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to the NYPD detective injured in this accident. It is our sincere hope that he will be able to make a full recovery. Steps need to be put in place to help make sure that this does not happen again.
Have you or someone that you care bout been injured in a Queens helicopter accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates 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. You are always welcome to reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
