With New York being a large city that is always expanding and enhancing, it comes as no surprise that there are many construction projects going on throughout the city. It has been noted that there has been a rash of construction accidents recently across New York. In fact, three individuals have been killed in various incidences.
Most recently, a 34-year-old man was killed as he and other construction workers were assembling a crane. According to reports, a counterweight fell on him causing his death. Two other construction workers were injured in the incident. This death comes just days after a 51-year-old man was killed when debris fell on him at a worksite and a 23-year-old man was killed in a separate incident when he fell off the roof of a 13-story building.
Construction is constantly in progress throughout New York. This means that construction workers are at risk of being harmed on a daily basis. While local, state and federal regulations seek to keep these workers safe, the sad reality is that corners are cut and workers are put in harm’s way. Though, as is the case in the most recent incident mentioned above, the Buildings Department is investigating the incident and promising to hold negligent parties accountable. However, that may not be enough to quell the harm posed to victims and their families.
Workers’ compensation benefits may be available to those who are hurt in a construction accident, and surviving family members of those who are killed in these incidences may be able to recover survivor benefits. Although these benefits can be helpful, they may not provide compensation that covers the full extent of harm imposed on victims and their families.
If the negligence of a third-party plays into the accident at hand, then an additional personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit may be justified. If successful on one of these claims, a construction accident victim or his or her family may be able to recover compensation to supplement workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation claims, personal injury lawsuits, and wrongful death lawsuits each have their own legal challenges. For this reason, those who have been affected by a construction accident should consider discussing the matter with a qualified legal professional.