Three Workers Injured After External Elevator Malfunctioned at One Vanderbilt In Manhattan
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK (March 29, 2023) – Three workers were injured in an elevator accident in Manhattan while they were working at the 93-story One Vanderbilt building.
New York City police officials are saying that the accident took place on Monday afternoon. An exterior elevator suddenly fell three floors while three workers were performing a software update on the elevator.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident in order to help the injured workers. All three were treated for their injuries.
The Department of Buildings (DOB) said that there were no structural stability concerns or ongoing danger to the public. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Manhattan Elevator Accidents
Elevators can be seriously dangerous when they are not properly maintained. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Incidents involving elevators and escalators kill about 30 and seriously injure about 17,000 people each year in the United States, according to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.” There are a number of steps that construction companies can take to prevent workers from being injured by falling elevators.
- Workers should be given personal fall arrest systems when they are working at heights of 6 feet and above.
- Open elevators shafts should be closed off so that workers don’t accidentally fall down.
- Elevators should undergo periodic maintenance to prevent malfunctions.
Construction companies as well as general contractors can be held strictly liable for any worker that is injured in a fall. This includes instances when a worker is struck by a falling object. Pursuant to New York Labor Law § 240, a worker must have been performing a qualified activity for strict liability to apply. As outlined in the statute, a worker must have been engaged in “the erection, demolition, repairing, altering, painting, cleaning or pointing of a building or structure.” Workers injured in elevator accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
Any worker that is injured in an elevator accident 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 injury. It is important that all evidence is properly preserved after any incident. A New York City construction accident attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Manhattan Elevator Accident
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to all of the workers injured in this elevator accident at One Vanderbilt. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. It is our hope that steps are taken to prevent other accidents like this.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Manhattan elevator accident? Our team of construction accident attorneys are here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of help after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
