Worker Died In Fall at Waldorf Astoria Hotel In Manhattan

Stop Work Order Placed At Waldorf Astoria Hotel Construction Site Along Park Avenue In Manhattan

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK (January 13, 2025) – A construction worker has tragically died after falling several stories at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Midtown, Manhattan.

New York City officials are saying that the incident took place around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday. A 45-year-old worker fell for reasons that are yet to be determined.

Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A stop work order was placed at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel construction site. An investigation into the fatal accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for New York City Construction Site Accidents

Falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace injury and death in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “In 2022, nearly 1 in 5 workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry and 38.4 percent of these deaths were due to falls, slips, and trips. The construction industry accounted for close to half, 47.4 percent, of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in 2022.” There are a number of factors that could contribute to a fall.

• Construction falls are more likely if platforms have missing edges without guardrails.
• Defective ladders or scaffolding could lead to platform instability and cause a worker to fall.
• Environmental factors such as high winds make it more likely that a worker will fall.

A building owner or general contractor could potentially be liable for any instance where a worker is injured in a fall. Building owners and general contractors are strictly liable for gravity-related accidents under New York Labor Law 240. This includes instances when a worker falls or is struck by a falling object. Any worker that is injured in a construction accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Victims of construction accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries.

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

The vast majority of construction site accidents are preventable. They tend to involve situations where construction sites have clear safety violations. This may include instances where workers are not given personal fall arrest systems (PFAS). The family of any worker killed in a fall may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.

Investigating New York City Construction Accidents

We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the construction worker who died at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Midtown. Any person who may have more information should reach out to OSHA. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.

Do you need more information about a Midtown, Manhattan construction accident? Our team of construction safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the support and justice that they are entitled to under the law. 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.