Brooklyn Electrical Fire Left Three Construction Workers With Critical Injuries
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (August 16, 2023) – Three construction workers were critically injured by an electrical arc that sparked a fire at an 8-story building in Brooklyn.
New York City police officials are saying that the accident took place on Friday. There was a sudden electric arc inside of the building.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victims. All three construction workers were listed in critical condition.
A full investigation into the accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Brooklyn Construction Accidents
Despite continuous improvements in workplace safety standards, thousands of workers are killed or seriously injured every year on the job. Many of these fires happen at construction sites. According to the National Fire Protection Association, “Local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 4,300 fires in structures under construction per year in 2016 through 2020. These fires caused an average of five civilian deaths, 62 civilian injuries, and $376 million in direct property damage annually.” There are a number of factors that could lead to a construction fire.
- Electrical equipment could cause a fire.
- Combustible materials may ignite if they are not stored properly.
- Equipment malfunctions may also lead to a fire.
Depending on the facts of any case, a construction company could be liable for a fire under New York Labor Law § 200. This statute is a codification of an employer’s general duty to maintain job sites in a safe condition. According to the statute, “All machinery, equipment, and devices in such places shall be so placed, operated, guarded, and lighted as to provide reasonable and adequate protection to all such persons.” Victims of electric fires tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Organ damage
- Burn injuries
- Brain damage
Many victims of construction fires may not realize the full extent of their injuries for several weeks or months. Any person that is injured in a construction fire may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the expenses that come with a serious accident. A construction accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Brooklyn Electrical Accident
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to all of the workers injured in this accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other accidents like this.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Brooklyn electrical accident? You may be entitled to financial compensation. Our team of personal injury attorneys 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 can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
