Worker Injured In Construction Accident During The Building of Edgemere Commons In Rockaway, Queens
QUEENS, NEW YORK (October 20, 2024) – A construction worker was injured in Rockaway, Queens after falling off a ladder while working on the Edgemere Commons building.
New York City officials are saying that the accident took place on Thursday. A construction worker fell from a ladder after the harness they were wearing was caught on a handrail.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. They were taken to the hospital in order to receive care.
The Department of Buildings issued a Stop Work Order at the site. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Queens Construction Accidents
The construction industry has one of the highest rates of serious workplace accidents. 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.” Construction companies should take a number of measures in order to prevent ladder falls.
- Construction workers should be trained how to safely brace, ascend, and descend ladders.
- Construction companies should ensure that they have the right type of ladders for the job.
- Construction companies should provide their workers with personal fall arrest systems (PFAS).
- Construction companies should inspect ladders regularly.
A construction company or general contractor could face liability for any accident where a worker falls. Building owners and general contractors can be liable when a worker is injured in a gravity-related accident. This includes instances when a worker falls or is hit by a falling object. According to New York Labor Law § 240, the statute applies for workers engaged in the “erection, demolition, repairing, altering, painting, cleaning or pointing of a building.” Several steps should be taken after any ladder accident.
- The ladder involved should be inspected.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be sought.
- An experienced personal injury attorney should be contacted.
Construction accidents are often highly preventable. They tend to involve situations where OSHA regulations are being violated. This is particularly true when a worker is injured in a fall. It is important that victims of construction accidents understand that they do have rights. Any person injured in a construction accident may be able to seek some level of accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating New York City Construction Accidents
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to the construction worker injured in this Rockaway, Queens accident. It is our hope that he is able to make a full recovery. Safety should always be a top priority for every construction company across New York.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a New York City construction accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of construction accident attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that construction workers get the support and justice that they are entitled to under the law. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
