Two Worker Injured After Parapet Collapse Into Scaffold In Brooklyn

Investigation Underway After Two Workers Injured In Partial Façade Collapse At Building In Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (September 29, 2024) – Two workers were injured when parapet collapsed onto the scaffold they were working on at a building in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

New York City officials are saying that the incident took place around 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The two workers were on a scaffold when decorative molding of the façade hit them.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victims. The two workers were trapped under debris for 10-15 minutes before they were rescued.

Both were taken to the hospital in order to receive care. A full investigation into this parapet collapse remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For New York City Construction Accidents

Accidents involving falling debris remain alarmingly common in the construction industry. According to 3M, “there are more than 42,400 “struck by falling object” OSHA recordable incidents every year in the United States. By our estimate, that’s nearly 116 injuries caused by falling objects every day or one injury caused by a dropped object every 10 minutes.” There are a number of steps that construction companies should take in order to protect workers from falling debris.

• Construction companies may need to install canopy or netting in certain areas.
• Construction companies should ensure that workers secure their tools and materials.
• Construction companies must provide workers with personal protective equipment.

Construction companies have a legal obligation to keep workers safe. A building owner or general contractor could be held liable for any incident when a worker is hit by falling objects. Commonly referred to as the “Scaffold Law,” New York State Labor Law § 240 imposes strict liability on construction companies, contractors, and building owners when a worker falls or is hit by a falling object. Victims of construction accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries.

• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Lacerations
• Spinal cord injuries

The vast majority of construction accidents are preventable. They tend to take place when construction sites are unsafe and OSHA regulations are not being followed. One of the best ways to prevent workers from being injured in collapses is through regular safety inspections. Any person injured in a construction accident may be able to seek some measures of accountability through a civil claim.

Investigating Brooklyn Parapet Collapses

We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to the workers injured in this construction accident. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. It is our hope that measures are taken to prevent similar incidents.

Do you need more information about a parapet collapse in Brooklyn? Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that construction companies are upholding safety guidelines. 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.