New York Workers Rescued After Scaffolding Collapses
Two construction workers spent more than an hour dangling by their safety ropes after scaffolding collapsed from under them, according to an article in The Wall Street Journal. The two men were trapped 12 stories above the street while working on a high rise in Yonkers, NY. A firefighter was able to rappel down the building and rescue the workers one at a time. A representative from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) stated that an investigation was underway to determine why the scaffolding collapsed.
Luckily, this New York scaffolding accident did not end with any injuries or fatalities. However, this is not always the case. Construction accidents can oftentimes have dire consequences, with workers sustaining serious injuries that may require a lifetime of medical care.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 193 construction accident fatalities in New York alone in 2009. In total in the United States, there were approximately 4,340 construction accident fatalities that same year.
Construction is one of the most dangerous industries for workers. Strict regulations are in place to help prevent injuries and fatality accidents from occurring; however, these regulations are not always top priority for some businesses. In some cases, an employer or contractor may try to cut corners in order to make deadlines or increase profit, which may heighten the risk of a New York scaffolding accident or other incident.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a scaffolding accident or another type of construction accident in New York, you deserve to know your rights and options. At Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP, our experienced New York construction accident attorneys have successfully handled a wide array of construction injury cases and will fight diligently to ensure that you are compensated fairly for your injuries. We will focus on holding negligent parties accountable for their actions so that you and your family can concentrate on healing. Contact Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP at 212-986-7353 for a free consultation of your case.
