New York is a dangerous workplace for construction workers. In 2015, there were almost twice as many people injured or killed in construction accidents as in 2014: 471 people in 2015 compared to 246 in 2014. Adding to New York’s skyline is a tough business.
OSHA won’t be too much help in ensuring safe workplaces. Nationally, OSHA has only one compliance worker for every 59,000 workers. An added complication in construction is that the physical workplace changes every day as the construction progresses. While most construction workers are very well-trained and understand workplace safety rules, there are many factors that are beyond their control.
Even pedestrians can become involved in construction accidents. In February, 2016, a crane collapsed in Tribeca. Three people were injured in this accident and one pedestrian was killed.
Safety First
Wearing safety equipment is no guarantee of protection. Objects fall from heights and flying sparks injure eyes. Eyeglasses with no side shields do not offer sufficient protection, but even some workers wearing full cup or flat-fold side shields received eye injuries from flying particles. Safety rules and equipment should never be disregarded. Safety equipment of all types prevents injuries and saves lives every day.
New York’s Shared Fault Laws
Disregarding safety equipment or rules could also affect accident compensation. After an accident in New York, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to assert that the person who was injured was partly to blame for the accident. They have a vested interest in doing so, since if this is proven or agreed to, it will reduce the amount of compensation that they must pay to the victim.
An injured person could receive far too little compensation if they settle with the insurance company on their own. Just because the insurance company claims that the victim was wholly or partly to blame doesn’t mean that the accident victim should accept that decision. If it’s finally agreed that the victim was 25% to blame, for example, then their compensation would be reduced by 25%. Accident victims normally do much better if an Accident Attorney negotiates on their behalf.
The Law Offices of Elan Wurtzel has been representing New York residents since 1984. This experienced Accident Attorney is committed to fighting for his clients’ rights, ensuring that they receive all of the compensation that they are entitled to. Visit the website to request a free case review to discuss your legal options.
