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Posted on September 14, 2017 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
When you think of construction accidents, the things that come to mind may include machinery accidents, power tool injuries or falls. However, one of the most common construction accidents is electrocution. In the United States, electrocution is the fourth most common cause of death among construction workers.
Electrocution often leads to critical injuries and even death. Read on to learn how electrocution affects construction workers in New York.
Posted on June 14, 2017 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
Working in the construction industry is the leading cause of lead poisoning in adults. In New York, many buildings are older and contain lead paint, lead pipes, lead in the glaze of ceramic floor tiles, and lead in items around the building, such as ceramic products and jewelry.
OSHA has guidelines in place to protect construction industry workers from lead exposure on the job. When an employer violates these guidelines, workers can suffer from the effects of lead poisoning. Those who suffer from financial damages as a result of their exposure can seek compensation for their damages through construction accident claims.
Posted on May 16, 2017 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
The New York City Department of Buildings recently made it easier for the public to track construction activity by providing an online map showing the location of active sidewalk sheds across the five boroughs. This map allows pedestrians and cyclists to see where protective structures are currently installed and better plan their routes through the city.
Sidewalk sheds, or better known as scaffolding, are temporary structures built to protect people and property during construction, demolition, and building repairs. While these structures are intended to shield the public from falling debris, accidents can still happen. When someone is injured in or around a construction zone, they may have the right to pursue compensation through a construction accident claim.
Property owners in New York City are required to install a sidewalk shed when certain construction conditions exist. A shed must be installed when:
A sidewalk shed in NYC cannot be built without prior approval and a valid work permit from the Department of Buildings. In situations involving an immediate safety threat, a property owner may install the shed first and submit a permit application within 24 hours.
If the shed extends into the street, additional authorization from the NYC Department of Transportation may be required. Sidewalk shed permits are typically valid for one year or until the contractor’s insurance expires, whichever occurs first. Failure to renew a permit can result in significant financial penalties.
All sidewalk sheds must comply with New York City Building Code requirements. These standards are designed to protect pedestrians who travel beneath them and to reduce the risk of injury.
Key requirements include:
Permit information, including permit numbers and expiration dates, must be posted in a visible location. Advertising is generally prohibited on these structures, except in limited situations where an existing legal business sign is blocked.
Although these regulations are in place to improve safety, sidewalk sheds can create narrow walkways, reduced visibility, and congested conditions. These factors may increase the risk of trips, falls, collisions, or injuries caused by falling objects.
If you regularly travel through Brooklyn or other parts of the city, reviewing the city’s online map before heading out may help you anticipate construction areas. While it may not always be possible to avoid every sidewalk shed in NYC, awareness can help reduce your risk.
To protect yourself:
Cyclists should always wear a properly fitted helmet. A helmet may reduce the severity of a head injury in the event of falling debris or a collision caused by limited visibility near a construction site.
Despite safety regulations, injuries still occur around construction zones and sidewalk sheds. Falling tools or materials, unsafe work practices, poor lighting, or obstructed sightlines can all contribute to serious accidents.
If you have been injured because of a scaffold or sidewalk shed, whether due to falling debris or a collision related to reduced visibility, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
To learn more about your rights as an injured victim, contact Brooklyn construction accident lawyer Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum at 718-237-5586 to schedule a consultation at our office.
Posted on November 17, 2016 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
If you are employed in the construction industry, you already understand how dangerous your job can be. Construction sites throughout Brooklyn and New York City expose workers to heavy equipment, power tools, elevated work areas, and hazardous machinery every day.
Recognizing these risks is the first step toward protecting yourself. Another critical step is understanding your legal rights if an accident occurs. If you are injured by dangerous equipment or heavy machinery, speaking with a heavy machinery accident lawyer can help you understand whether you may be entitled to compensation.
After seeking medical attention, consider contacting a job site accident lawyer NYC workers trust to evaluate your case and determine who may be legally responsible.
Construction remains one of the most hazardous occupations in NYC.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 69 fatal work injuries in New York City in 2023. The construction sector had the highest number of fatalities, accounting for 24 deaths, or 35 percent of all workplace fatalities in the city.
Falls, slips, and trips caused 12 of those 24 construction deaths. Exposure to harmful substances and dangerous environments also accounted for a significant portion of fatalities.
The construction and extraction occupational group experienced 30 fatal injuries in 2023, the highest of any occupational category.
These numbers show that job site safety remains a serious concern across New York City.
Heavy machinery plays a major role in construction accidents. When equipment is improperly operated, poorly maintained, or defective, the consequences can be severe.
Common examples of dangerous machinery include:
Although ladders may not appear as dangerous as large equipment, falls remain one of the leading causes of fatal construction injuries in NYC.
If you were injured while operating or working near heavy equipment, a heavy machinery accident lawyer NYC workers rely on can investigate whether negligence or defective equipment contributed to your injuries.
Safety must be a priority on every construction site.
Workers should consistently use proper protective equipment, such as:
All heavy machinery should only be operated by properly trained personnel. Equipment should be inspected regularly to ensure it is functioning safely.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, known as OSHA, provides detailed construction safety regulations. Following OSHA guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.
Even when workers follow all safety protocols, accidents still happen. When they do, legal guidance may be necessary.
Not all job site injuries are caused by worker error. Some occur because equipment malfunctions or contains defective parts.
When faulty machinery causes harm, the manufacturer, distributor, or maintenance provider may be liable under product liability laws. In these cases, injured workers may be able to pursue compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
Injuries caused by malfunctioning machinery often include:
Because construction accounted for 24 of the 69 workplace fatalities in NYC in 2023, identifying the true cause of a heavy equipment accident is essential.
A heavy machinery accident lawyer can determine whether a third-party claim may be available in addition to workers’ compensation.
Workplace fatality data also reveals important trends.
In 2023, wage and salary workers accounted for 91 percent of workplace fatalities in New York City. Males accounted for 90 percent of fatal work injuries. Hispanic or Latino workers represented 41 percent of those who died from workplace injuries.
These statistics emphasize how serious construction site risks remain throughout NYC.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, a job site accident lawyer trusted by NYC construction workers can help you explore your legal options.
If you were injured by heavy equipment, defective machinery, or unsafe job site conditions, you may have the right to pursue compensation.
Workers’ compensation may cover medical bills and a portion of lost wages, but it does not provide damages for pain and suffering. In many cases, injured workers can pursue third-party claims against negligent contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers.
An experienced heavy machinery accident lawyer, trusted by NYC residents, can investigate your case, preserve critical evidence, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum represents injured construction workers throughout Brooklyn and New York City. If you were hurt in a machinery-related accident, do not delay seeking legal advice.
Fill out our online form today to schedule your free consultation or call 718-237-5586 to speak with our office.
Posted on August 24, 2016 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
With the increase of building and development throughout New York, it is no surprise that construction-related accidents and fatalities have been on the rise. But the alarming fact is that the upsurge in accidents and deaths far surpasses the rate of new construction, raising concerns about neglected safety safeguards across the state in multiple construction and demolition sites. If you have been injured and are disturbed about safety conditions, the construction accident lawyers at the office of Jeffrey K.Kestenbaum can help.
Posted on February 16, 2016 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
On February 5, 2016, a devastating accident shook Lower Manhattan Street: a crane collapsed, killing one individual in the area and causing injury to three more persons. As reported by NBC New York, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio, the collapse occurred when the crane was being lowered and secured. It is believed that the crane collapse may have occurred, or was aided by, high speed winds; nine minutes before the collapse, a 37 mile per hour wind gust was recorded.
Posted on January 20, 2015 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
There are about 6.5 million construction workers employed at about 250,000 different worksites across the United States. And every year, thousands of construction workers are injured or killed at these worksites, often as a result of negligence on behalf of the construction site owner, contractor or sub-contractor. Some of the most dangerous hazards at construction sites include scaffolding, excavations, ladders, falling objects, and electrical wiring. Construction sites present precarious situations and even the most innocuous objects can be deadly.
