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Work injuries after roof collapse at New York construction site

On Behalf of | Oct 25, 2017 | Work Injuries

New York construction sites are frequently scenes of accidents and injuries. Any construction worker knows that the risk of work injuries is high, and abiding by recommended safety precautions is essential. However, sometimes an accident cannot be predicted, especially when the building is an older construction. A recent collapse during the renovation of a historic building is one example of such an event.

The $700,000 building was constructed in 1901 and had recently been purchased and gutted for renovations. Workers were on the scene around 10 a.m. unloading cinder blocks from a crane onto the roof. However, the weight of the cinder blocks was too much for the aging roof to support, and the roof collapsed, plunging debris and workers through the second floor to the basement of the building.

Six of the nine workers at the site suffered injuries, including a compound leg fracture, a hip injury, and cuts and bruises. One worker was trapped under the wreckage and had to be extricated by New York emergency responders. Others were seen walking from the collapse with bleeding wounds.

Miraculously, every worker survived the ordeal. However, some with serious injuries may be facing a long recovery. With the help of workers’ compensation, they can be assured their medical bills and lost wages will be covered, but claiming these benefits is often difficult and time-consuming. Those who are recovering from work injuries may not have the ability to hassle with their employers or the insurance company for these benefits, so they rely on the assistance of an attorney.

Source: New York Post, “Construction workers injured after building collapses”, Daniel Prendergast, Shari Logan and Natalie Musumeci, Oct. 17, 2017

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