Construction Worker Died After Roof Collapse Accident At Jericho Water District Facility In Woodbury
WOODBURY, NEW YORK (August 7, 2023) – A construction worker has tragically died in a Woodbury roof collapse accident at the Jericho Water District Facility.
Woodbury police officials are saying that the accident took place around 9:00 a.m. on Thursday. Two construction workers were erecting a roof on a new building.
At some point during their work, the structure began to fail and the roof collapsed. A 49-year-old worker was pinned against a wall and seriously injured in the process.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victims. The 49-year-old worker was extricated but later died due to his injuries.
The other worker received medical attention for lacerations to his face. A full investigation into the accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Woodbury Roof Collapse Accidents
Despite many improvements in workplace safety standards, the construction industry is still plagued by a high number of injuries and fatalities. Accidents that involve being struck by objects are one of the types of accidents dubbed the “fatal four” by OSHA. The vast majority of roof collapses are totally preventable and due to lax safety protocols. There are a number of factors that could contribute to a roof collapse.
- Building contractors may have used sub-standard materials.
- The support beams holding up a roof may have been weakened due to rust.
- The roof where the collapse took place may have been overloaded by materials or even snow.
Building owners and general contractors are typically held strictly liable for gravity related accidents under New York State Labor Law § 240/241. The statute protects workers that fall or are struck by falling objects. A building owner could also be liable through New York Labor Law 200. Construction companies must provide workers with a reasonably safe environment for employees and those lawfully frequenting work sites. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any workplace accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Safety records for the construction company involved should be examined.
- Medical records related to the accident should be preserved.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
The family members of the deceased worker can seek justice through a wrongful death claim. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is extremely important that evidence is properly preserved after an accident. A New York City construction accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are free of cost.
Liability for New York Roof Collapse Accidents
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the worker that died in this accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.
Do you need more information about a Woodbury roof collapse? 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 support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
