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.

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.

Filing a Claim for Damages After a Stairway Accident

Stairwells can present a considerable danger whether they are located inside of a building or on the exterior. Under certain circumstances, a property owner may be held liable for an accident that occurs on stairs located inside or adjoining their property.

If you suffer serious injury as a result of a stairway fall, contact the Law Office of Asaro & Associates, P.C. to request a case consultation. Our experienced Bronx staircase accident lawyers may be able to help you obtain compensation for your injuries. Call (347) 231-5459 or fill out our online contact form to get started.

Who Is Liable in a Stairwell Accident?

Depending on the situation, a property owner may be liable for damages if you are injured in a stairwell accident on their property. According to New York City Administrative Code Section 27-127, “All buildings and all parts thereof shall be maintained in a safe condition.” Under this code section, staircases must be maintained in good working order.

New York City Administrative Code Section 27-128 establishes owner liability for failing to keep the premises safe. Slip and fall accidents on stairwells fall under premises liability law. In order to establish a valid claim for recovery, you must prove several things, including that there was an unsafe condition that led to your injuries.

What Do I Have to Show to Prove Liability?

Proving liability in a slip and fall case can be difficult, but with the help of a Bronx stairway accident lawyer, you can hold negligent parties responsible. 

Some of the things that an attorney will consider in a staircase accident case include:

• Did the owner or their agent create the dangerous condition?
• Did the owner or their agent know or should have known about the hazard?
• If they knew about the defective condition, did they fail to remedy it timely?
• Did the owner adequately warn people about the potential hazard?

What Are Common Causes of Staircase Accidents?

Stairwell accidents can be caused by a number of different defective conditions. If you are injured because of a slip and fall on stairs, it is always in your best interest to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help determine the cause of the accident and whether you should pursue legal action.

Common causes of staircase accidents include:

• Torn or loose carpet
• Ice and snow
• Spilled liquid
• Broken handrails
• Loose gravel or other objects
• Improper construction
• Inadequate maintenance
• Uneven stairs
• Unsuitable height or depth

How Do I Know If a Staircase Was Not Properly Constructed?

Buildings are required to be constructed in a safe condition. The New York Administrative Code sets forth requirements for both interior and exterior stairs located on a premises. Failure to comply with these or other building code statutes may result in liability. 

A staircase may fail to comply with the administrative code if it is not wide enough. Width requirements are based on the occupant load, use, and capacity of the building. Injury can occur because a staircase was not properly constructed or designed.

Other stairwell construction violations that may lead to liability include:

• Inadequate headroom
• Inaccurate riser height and tread
• Improper construction of guards or handrails
• Complete lack of guards or handrails
• Inappropriate building material used in construction

What Kinds of Injuries Occur From Stairwell Accidents?

According to a study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, on average, over 1 million people sustain a stair-related injury requiring emergency medical treatment each year. Injuries from slip and falls on stairs can be relatively minor to catastrophic.

Common injuries related to slip and falls on stairs include:

• Sprains and strains
• Soft tissue injuries
• Fractures
• Injury to the lower extremities
• Head and neck injury

In severe cases, a stairway accident can cause life-threatening injuries or deaths. Falls are a common source of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord damage. If you are seriously injured, you need to consult with a Bronx stairway accident attorney.

How Can an Attorney Help?

If you are injured in a staircase accident, an attorney can help you hold a negligent party accountable. Without the help of a lawyer, you may not be able to get the maximum compensation available in your case. Many times, a negligent party or their insurance representative may deny responsibility or try to get you to settle your claim.

You should never sign anything without first consulting an attorney. An early settlement offer rarely reflects the full value of your claim, and you may be signing away your rights to recovery. An attorney can review your case to determine your legal options and whether you should seek additional damages based on your injuries.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Attorney?

At the Law Office of Asaro & Associates, you pay nothing unless we win. Our Bronx stairway accident lawyers handle matters on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there are no out-of-pocket costs. We want you to focus on your recovery while we try to get you the financial justice you deserve.

All case consultations are free and without obligation to retain our services. We will conduct a thorough review of your case to determine whether another party may be legally liable for your damages. Depending on the situation, you may be able to recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earnings, pain and suffering, and more.

Get the Personalized Care You Need

At the Law Office of Asaro & Associates, we have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients in verdicts and settlements. We are committed to providing injury victims with the personalized care and attention you need to get a favorable outcome on your case. If you are injured in a staircase accident, you need experience you can trust.
Call our office today at (347) 231-5459 to request a case consultation. Our Bronx stairway accident lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience and can help you get the money you need to be made whole again.

Uneven Surfaces, Clutter, and Lack of Safety Rails Are Common Fall Culprits at Work Sites

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death at construction sites. Tens of thousands of workers and pedestrians are injured in falls at worksites each year. New York City is almost constantly under construction resulting in a large number of slip, trip, and fall accidents.

If you are injured in a slip and fall accident at a construction site, contact the Law Office of Asaro & Associates, P.C. at (347) 231-5459 for a free consultation. Our attorneys have recovered millions on behalf of slip and fall victims. Get the personalized attention you need to get the results you deserve.

What Makes Construction Sites Prone to Slip and Fall Accidents?

Construction sites can have many obvious and latent hazards. Data collected by the National Safety Council (NSC) shows that the construction workers are the most at risk for falls from height. A person who falls from a higher level to a lower level is more likely to be seriously injured or killed due to the accident.

According to the most recent data available from the NSC, in 2016, there were over 24,700 injuries related to falls in the construction industry. Falls resulted in over 300 deaths that same year. As noted by the NSC, most slip and fall accidents are preventable, resulting from a lack of safety equipment, inadequate training, and poor supervision.

Are Falls at Construction Sites More Likely to Cause Serious Injury?

Falls to a lower level also referred to as falls from height, are more likely to cause serious injury or death. A fall of even a few feet can cause irreparable harm, including damage to the spinal cord, head, and neck. These catastrophic injuries can leave a victim unable to work or continue with their normal activities.

As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, a six-year study of fatal work-related falls to a lower level showed that they were substantially more likely to occur in the construction industry.

Sources of fatal falls to a lower level include:

• Ladders
• Roofs
• Stairs and steps
• Trees
• Scaffolding and staging
• Machinery
• Vehicles

What Laws Protect Workers in New York?

As it relates to slip and fall accidents at construction sites, Labor Law Section 241(6) and Labor Law Section 200 provide significant protections. 

Labor Law Section 241(6) requires that workers employed at construction sites and those lawfully frequenting the area be provided “reasonable and adequate protection and safety.” This statute requires that a worksite be free from trip hazards and that workers be provided with adequate safety equipment.

Labor Law Section 200 imposes a “general duty to protect health and safety of employees.” Failure to adhere to safety regulations, such as providing fall protection, can result in liability. Construction sites can pose an unnecessarily high degree of risk unless proper protocols are followed at all times.

What Can I Recover If I Am Injured in a Trip and Fall at a Construction Site?

If you are injured in a construction accident, you may be able to recover damages related to:

• Current and future medical treatment
• Lost wages
• A Reduction in future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering in some cases
• A wrongful death claim if your loved one was killed

In order to get the maximum compensation available in your case, it is important to speak with an attorney before agreeing to a settlement. Trip and fall accidents can involve more than one liable party. Having your case reviewed by a lawyer can help ensure that you receive full compensation for your injuries.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

A work site accident may involve multiple defendants depending on the situation.

Common responsible parties for slip and fall accidents at construction sites may include:

• General contractions
• Property owners
• Employers
• Manufacturers

Protecting employees and visitors should be the highest priority at any work site. Too often, complacency at a job site has devastating results.

What Are the Most Frequently Cited Violations at Construction Sites?

Fall protection is regularly listed as the number one most frequently cited violation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This makes it unsurprising that falls are among the leading causes of injury and death in the industry. Failing to follow scaffolding requirements is another commonly cited standard, followed by failing to adhere to safety guidelines related to ladders.

Many construction site accidents should not occur. When employers fail to provide fall protection, serious injuries can happen. According to OSHA, many fall injuries occur because of a lack of guard rails or floor hole coverings. These simple fixes would save numerous lives each year.

What Do I Do If I Am Injured in a Trip and Fall Accident?

Active major construction continues throughout New York City. There are nearly 7,000 active permits with over 130,000 proposed dwelling units. Work sites stretch throughout the five boroughs affecting nearly every New Yorker. 

Whether you are a construction worker or a pedestrian walking near a job site injured in a slip and fall accident, you might be entitled to compensation. The first thing you should do if you are injured is to seek emergency medical treatment; once you can, contact our office to discuss your case and determine your legal options.

Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident? Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation

Slip, trips, and falls are common occurrences at construction sites. If you are injured because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you deserve compensation. Employers and property owners are required to provide a safe environment, failure to do so can result in liability. Contact The Law Office of Asaro & Associates at (347) 231-5459 to speak directly with a Bronx slip and fall lawyer. Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience and can meet you at your home or in the hospital where you are recovering. Let us help you when you need it most. Call today for a free consultation and to get your case started.

Plaintiff was operating his Harley Davidson motorcycle on the Long Island Expressway when he was struck by a truck. The driver of the truck fled the scene, leaving the plaintiff with multiple fractures and other serious injuries. We were able to obtain a significant settlement against the plaintiff’s uninsured motorist policy.

Too often hit and run victims are left with few options. Despite receiving serious injuries, they are given little hope for compensation. At the Law Office of Asaro & Associates, P.C., we fight to get you every dollar you deserve. Insurance companies must be held accountable. Our team can represent you against your insurance company to get you the maximum compensation in your case.

If you are injured in a motorcycle or auto accident, contact our office today to speak with an experienced attorney. You pay nothing unless we win. Call today at (347) 231-5459 or request a free consultation by filling out our online contact form.