Occasionally we can go months without hearing of a fatal construction accident on the news. But in recent days, that has been far from the case. Four construction workers have died in four separate construction accidents in the area in just 12 days’ time.
The first in the deadly string was a collapse that occurred at the Columbia University expansion project in Harlem. Workers were working on a demolition project when the two-story warehouse they were working in collapsed on them, trapping three workers.
According to the Wall Street Journal, a preliminary investigation shows that the accident was caused when workers cut a structural beam, seriously compromising the integrity of the structure.
One worker was killed after he was freed from debris by rescuers tunneling to him Two others were listed in serious condition at St. Luke’s hospital.
About a week after the Harlem collapse, a painter working on Throgs Neck Bridge, connecting Queens with the Bronx, fell to his death. He was believed to be fastening or adjusting his harness when he fell the 140 feet to Long Island Sound below.
Finally, two fatal accidents occurred within just hours of one another this week.
A construction site in Brooklyn where workers were expanding a bungalow was the site of a collapse that killed one worker. According to the New York Daily News, the workers had been joking about the instability of the building just moments before it fell in on them.
A 22-year old worker was trapped by the falling debris. Though he was moving when his coworkers spotted him, he was unable to be saved.
Finally, the latest in the tragic string was the crane collapse that occurred at the 7 subway extension in Manhattan. The crane collapsed, killing one and injuring four others. Sadly, the crane was due for inspection just 2 days after the accident.
According to NBC New York, at the last inspection date of January 10, the boom was not lowered for inspection and instead only the operator’s cab and station below were inspected. Both were found to be in satisfactory condition.
Investigations in all accidents are ongoing at this time.
Though consecutive fatal accidents like this are rare, they are not unheard of in the dangerous construction field. Singular accidents occur frequently, however, and the results are often tragic.
Helping Injured Construction Workers
When you are hurt in a construction accident, the physical pain is only part of your problem. The bills quickly pile up and the fact that you are unable to work only makes matters worse. That’s what it’s important you know your legal rights; you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, including money for your pain and suffering.
Let the construction accident attorneys with Ginarte help. Contact our offices today to discuss how we may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. With years of experience representing injured construction workers, we know what you are going through and are committed to helping.
Call (888) GINARTE or (888) 446-2783 today.