Wrongful death at a New York construction site

What Are the Most Common Causes of Death on NYC Construction Sites?

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Fatal Findings: The Deadly Dangers on Construction Sites in New York City

The construction industry in New York City and across the country remains one of the most dangerous jobs. Each year thousands of people are injured or killed at construction sites, including dozens in NYC alone. Increased awareness and adherence to safety regulations could prevent many of these unnecessary deaths and injuries.

At the Law Office of Asaro & Associates, we represent individuals who have been hurt or killed in construction accidents throughout New York City. Our experienced legal team has obtained millions in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. 

If you have been injured at a NYC construction site, contact our office at (718) 650-2135 for a free consultation. 

Construction and Dangerous Job Sites

According to an annual report on construction fatalities by the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH), construction is one of the most dangerous industries for workers across the country. It is even more deadly for New York City workers. Research shows that construction worker fatalities account for 30% of all worker fatalities in NYC.

Construction site accident statistics:

  • Falls are the top cause of construction fatalities in the city;
  • Non-union job sites continue to be the most dangerous, accounting for 83% of worker fatalities in NYC;
  • Construction workers between the ages of 55-64 have an increased risk of dying; and
  • 20 construction workers died in NYC in 2017, rising to 22 in 2018.

Falls continue to be the number one cause of construction fatalities in the city. Over the past decade across the state, 48% of construction fatalities were due to falls. In New York City, falls accounted for 64% of all construction deaths in 2018.

Common Causes of NYC Construction Site Deaths

The United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified the four leading causes of construction site fatalities. 

OSHA’s “fatal four” includes:

  • Falls 
  • Electrocution
  • Struck by Object
  • Caught in or between equipment or machinery

The NYCOSH found that over the past ten years, 69% of all construction fatalities in New York City could be attributed to the fatal four. The same study indicated that as many as 85% of construction deaths in the state were the result of one of the four hazards. Tragically, nearly all injuries and deaths related to the fatal four are preventable. 

Calls to Improve Construction Site Safety

As part of their findings, the NYCOSH makes several safety recommendations that may help improve the conditions on construction sites. By holding negligent contractors accountable and expanding safety requirements, it is hoped that many construction accidents will be averted.

Construction site safety recommendations:

  • Require training and certification for workers;
  • Extend and protect legislation (including New York’s Scaffold Safety Law); and
  • Increase “Regulations, Monitoring & Enforcement.”

NYCOSH calls on the New York Department of Labor to create a registry of workplace fatalities, helping to accurately identify and track dangerous construction sites. In addition to several other suggestions, they recommend expanding the ability for prosecutors to hold contractors criminally responsible for failing to protect workers. 

Injured at a NYC Construction Site? Contact Our Office

Were you injured at a construction site in New York City? Contact our office today at (718) 650-2135 for a free case consultation. You pay nothing unless we win. Call now to speak directly with an attorney.

person walking on floor with slippery sign

What Is the Difference Between Slip & Fall and Trip & Fall?

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How Slip and Fall Accidents Differ from Trip and Fall Accidents

While many people may use the terms interchangeably, “slip and fall accidents” and “trip and fall accidents” refer to slightly different things. Both types of accidents can result in severe, life-threatening injuries and should be taken seriously. If you are injured in a fall on another person’s property, including a sidewalk or parking lot, you might be entitled to compensation.

At the Law Office of Asaro & Associates, we know the devastation that a slip or trip and fall can cause. Our award-winning legal team will fight to ensure that you receive the largest recovery possible based on your injuries. Contact our office at (718) 650-2135 for a free, no-obligation consultation if you are injured in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident.

What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?

A slip and fall accident typically refers to when someone is injured because they fell on a slippery surface. Slip and fall accidents usually involve someone losing their balance and falling backward. An unexpected fall backward can result in severe head injury, trauma to the neck or back, and broken bones. 

Common causes of slip and fall accidents:

  • Recently mopped or waxed floors
  • Spilled liquids
  • Ice and snow that is not timely removed
  • Slick or uneven stairs
  • Loose items on the floor such as beads or marbles

In slip and fall accidents, few people have time to brace themselves before impact with a hard surface. This means that the back of their body (often the head and spine) absorbs a significant amount of force. The injuries can be debilitating, affecting your mobility and your ability to work.

What Is a Trip and Fall Accident?

A trip and fall accident differs slightly from a slip and fall accident in that the injured person generally falls forward after tripping on something. Trip and fall accidents usually result in injury to the hands, wrists, face, and knees. 

Common causes of trip and fall accidents:

  • Loose carpeting or floorboards
  • Unsecured wires
  • Uneven sidewalk
  • Items left out in aisles or walkways
  • Poorly lit stairwells

Trip and fall accidents that cause a fall to a lower level, referred to as an “elevated fall,” are extremely serious and may be fatal. Elevated falls often happen at construction sites, stairwells, and off stages.

What to Do If You Are Involved in a Slip & Fall or Trip & Fall Accident

Regardless of whether you are involved in a slip and fall or a trip and fall accident, you should always get your injuries checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can exacerbate your injuries or lead to serious complications. 

By following a few simple steps, you can protect your right to compensation and help ensure that you make a full recovery:

  • Get help for your injuries. You should not move if you suspect that your head, neck, or back was injured in the fall. Have someone call 9-1-1 so that emergency medical personnel can treat you at the scene.
  • Notify the property owner or manager. Always report the incident to the property owner or store manager. If you are unsure who owns the property, ask the person in charge. A manager should know the proper protocol for reporting a slip and fall accident.
  • Collect evidence. If you are able, collect evidence at the scene. Take pictures, obtain witness information, and document anything that you can remember about the accident.
  • Contact an attorney. Before making any statements or signing anything, you should consult with an experienced attorney. 

Hiring an attorney as early in the process as possible can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve after an accident with injury.

Injured in a Slip, Trip, or Fall Accident? Contact Our Office.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident, contact our office at (718) 650-2135 for a free consultation. Discuss your case with a leading attorney and pay nothing unless we win. Call today to get started.

construction site

Who Can I Sue If I Was Injured on a Construction Site?

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Your Rights If You Are Injured in a Construction Accident

Construction workers face some of the most dangerous working conditions in the country. Thousands of people are injured on construction sites every year. Tragically, many of these accidents are preventable, caused by negligence, inadequate safety measures, and defective machinery.

At the Law Office of Asaro & Associates, we have over 50 years of combined experience fighting for our clients. We work hard to ensure that individuals injured in construction accidents receive the compensation they deserve. If you have been injured at a construction site, contact our office at (718) 650-2135 to schedule a free consultation.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Construction Accident?

Construction accident cases can be complicated because one or more parties can be held liable. To ensure that the proper parties are held legally responsible, it is vital to consult with a lawyer, well-versed in construction accidents, immediately after the incident.

Depending on the circumstances of the case, the following parties may be held accountable for your injuries:

  • Property owner
  • Workers or contractors
  • Manufacturer
  • Construction company
  • Engineer
  • Subcontractors
  • Government entity

It may take an independent investigation to determine what caused the accident and who is liable. In the initial aftermath, it may be unclear whether your injuries were the result of a contractor’s negligence, an unsafe property, or improper safety procedures.

Can I Sue the Building Owner?

Building owners are required to keep their property in a reasonably safe condition and to provide adequate protection for those working on the premises. Depending on the situation, a property owner may be held liable for injuries that were caused by their negligence or wrongdoing.

Can I Sue My Employer?

Under New York law, the majority of business owners are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation benefits provide coverage if you are injured on the job. In most cases, if you suffer a work-related injury, you would file a workers’ compensation claim in lieu of suing your employer. 

Can I Sue an Independent Contractor?

In some cases, your injuries may have been caused by an independent contractor’s negligence. In the event that another person, such as a subcontractor, engineer, architect, or another worker outside of your company, caused your injuries, you may be able to sue them directly.

What If I Was Injured by a Defective or Malfunctioning Machine?

If an investigation reveals that your injuries were the result of a defective or malfunctioning machine, you may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer. An attorney can help decide whether you have a valid claim for damages and should pursue a defective product lawsuit.

What Should I Do If I Am Injured at a Construction Site?

The first thing you should do if you are injured at a construction site is seek medical attention. Construction accidents can be severe, even life-threatening. Being evaluated and treated by a medical professional can ensure that you make a full recovery and receive the compensation you deserve.

Once you are able, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a lawyer. By retaining legal representation, you can hold the right parties accountable and get the largest possible recovery based on your injuries.

Injured in a Construction Accident? Contact Our Office Today.

Were you or a loved one injured in a construction accident? Contact our office at (718) 650-2135 to request a free, no-obligation consultation. We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Call now to get started today.