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Worker Dies in Brooklyn Construction Accident at One-Story Garage

Wall Collapse at One-Story Garage Resulted in Worker Fatality in Brooklyn

Scaffold Law is Fair and Necessary

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (November 17, 2025) – A construction worker has tragically died after a rooftop wall collapsed on top of them and a one-story garage in Brooklyn.

New York City officials are saying the accident took place around 3:00 PM on Tuesday afternoon. The construction worker was at a one-story garage next to a six-story building on Highland Boulevard.

For undetermined reasons, the rooftop wall collapsed and pinned the worker. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim.

He was taken to Brookdale Hospital in critical condition. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Liability for New York City Construction Accidents

Thousands of workers are seriously injured or killed every year. A large proportion of these accidents are in the construction industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “In 2023, about 1 in 5 (20.8 percent) workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry and 38.5 percent of these deaths were due to falls, slips, and trips. The construction industry accounted for 47.8 percent of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in 2023.” Construction companies should take several actions to protect their workers from injury.

  • Construction companies should provide their workers with personal protective equipment.
  • Construction companies should conduct a hazard assessment at every new job site.
  • Construction companies should follow all OSHA guidelines and regulations.

General contractors and property owners in New York can be held strictly liable for gravity-related accidents under the state’s scaffold law. The law applies to accidents where a worker falls or is hit by a falling object. This concludes situations where a worker becomes pinned by debris or rubble. The victims of construction accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries.

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

The majority of construction accidents are totally preventable. They tend to involve situations where safety regulations are not being properly followed. It is important that victims of construction accidents understand that they do have legal options. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim. This right extends to the family members of any person who died.

Investigating New York City Construction Accidents

We at GLK Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of the worker killed 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 tragedies at this location.

Do you need more information about a New York City construction accident? Our team of construction accident attorneys is here to assist you. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and the construction companies are held accountable for their negligence. Whether you just have legal questions or need any other type of assistance, we are here to serve your needs. You can contact us anytime at (516) 908-9792.

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Jeff Korek
Jeff S. Korek
Senior Trial Partner
New York State Bar #2089290

Jeff S. Korek is a New York trial lawyer and Senior Trial Partner at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C., where he has practiced since 1992. Over more than three decades of practice, Jeff has represented clients in complex personal injury and medical malpractice cases and has secured significant verdicts and settlements, including $10 million and $20 million recoveries in medical malpractice matters involving childbirth complications, as well as an $18 million settlement in Gardener v. City of New York.

Jeff has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America since 2006 and has received multiple “Lawyer of the Year” honors, including for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs in New York City in 2016 and Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs in New York City in 2020. He has also been repeatedly selected to Super Lawyers, including the Top 100: New York – Metro list. With decades of experience handling complex cases, a strategic approach to litigation, and a strong commitment to clients, Jeff Korek has built a distinguished practice in New York personal injury and medical malpractice law.