Earlier this week in Jersey City, a man was killed as he was dropping off a delivery of materials at a construction site. According to a report by one local news source, the man was dropping off a load of sheet rock when he was struck on the head by a tape measure that had fallen from the belt of a construction worker up on one of the floors above.
Evidently, the tape measure came off the worker’s belt and plummeted towards the ground. Before it hit the ground, it hit a piece of metal about 10 feet above the ground, ricocheted, and struck the man in the head. He had just gotten out of his truck and, tragically, had left his helmet inside.
The man was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. A representative for the construction company made a statement that all employees are instructed to wear their helmets at all times while on the job site. However, the New Jersey Department of Public Safety confirmed that the victim in this case was not an employee of the construction company.
Workplace Accidents in New York City
With the vast number of high-rise buildings in New York under construction, it is not uncommon for a worker up on a higher floor to accidentally drop something onto the streets below. Of course, it is the rare and tragic situation that the result is a serious injury or death, as it was in this case.
However, rare as it may be, the victim’s family in this workplace accident may still want answers as to how something like this could happen. Thankfully, the laws in New York allow the families of accident victims (and their families, when the accident results in the worker’s death) to file legal actions against the potentially negligent employers.
Determining Fault in Workplace Accidents
Who is at fault in a workplace accident will depend on the facts of each individual case. In many cases of employer negligence, an employee’s own negligent actions may not excuse the employer. However, in certain circumstances an employee’s negligence can prevent that employee from recovering for his or her injuries. To learn more, contact a dedicated New York workplace injury attorney.
Have You Been Injured While on the Job?
If you or a loved one has recently been seriously injured while on the job, and you believe that your injury was caused by the negligence of your employer, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries. Employers have a duty to maintain a safe working environment for all their employees, and when they fail to fulfill this duty they can be held liable for any accidents that occur as a result. However, most employers are not willing to admit fault and settle a claim without a fight. Make sure that you have an attorney who will fight for your right to recover. Call (516) 394-4200 to set up a free initial consultation with a dedicated New York accident attorney today.
See Other Blog Posts:
New York Nursing Home Successfully Sued for $2 Million After Negligent Care Led to Stage-IV Bedsore, Long Island Injury Lawyers Blog, September 29, 2014.
“Special Knowledge” Jury Instruction Required Reversal of Verdict in Plaintiff’s Favor, Long Island Injury Lawyers Blog, September 29, 2014.
