Truck Accident Resulted in Scaffolding Collapse That Injured Three People in Chelsea, Manhattan
CHELSEA, MANHATTAN (March 12, 2025) – At least three people were injured after scaffolding collapsed at a construction site in Chelsea, Manhattan along West 29th Street.
New York City officials are saying that the accident took place around 8 AM on Monday. A box truck collided with the side portion of the scaffolding, thereby causing the structure to become unstable.
In all, three people were injured by falling debris. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victims. The box truck may have been attempting to pull out of a parking spot when the accident took place.
Several people were taken to the hospital in order to receive treatment for their injuries. A full investigation remains ongoing.
Liability for New York City Scaffold Accidents
Many workers are seriously injured or killed in scaffold accidents every year during construction projects. According to OSHA, “An estimated 2.3 million construction workers, or 65 percent of the construction industry, work on scaffolds frequently. Protecting these workers from scaffold-related accidents would prevent 4,500 injuries and 50 deaths every year, at a saving for American employers of $90 million dollars in workdays not lost.” Construction companies should take a number of measures in order to prevent scaffold accidents.
- All construction workers should be trained in safety measures related to fall protection and safe climbing.
- Scaffold will need to be periodically inspected at any construction site.
- When a worker is performing their job duties at heights of 6 feet or higher, they will typically need personal arrest systems.
- Construction companies should never exceed a scaffold weight capacity.
Construction companies have a legal obligation to protect workers from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. Pursuant to New York Labor Law 200, construction companies must maintain their worksites in a reasonably safe condition. If a dangerous condition at a construction site contributes to an accident, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Several steps should be taken after any scaffold accident.
- Medical records related to the incident should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage may have captured the accident.
- Safety records related to the scaffold and construction site should be examined.
- A thorough investigation by OSHA should be conducted.
Scaffold accidents are often highly preventable. They tend to involve situations where construction sites are not adequately protected. Generally speaking, construction sites will need to take some measures to prevent workers from being injured by errant vehicles. It is important that victims of construction site accidents understand that they do have legal rights. They’re able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating New York City Construction Accidents
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to all of the people injured in this Chelsea Manhattan scaffold accident. It is our sincere hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information about what took place should reach out to OSHA.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Chelsea scaffold accident? Our team of New York City construction accident attorneys is here to help. We are committed to helping accident victims get the support and resources that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
