Brooklyn Demolition Accident Attorney
Have you been injured in a demolition related accident in New York?
In cities like Brooklyn, New York, it appears that a new construction project is beginning every other day. However innovative the new structure may be, the available space in its vicinity is limited. In order to make room for a new structure, another one must be torn down, which entails risks and hazards of its own. In the absence of adequate planning, protection, and tools, construction workers are susceptible to a variety of injuries.
What should have been a normal demolition might become a tragic catastrophe with only one single act of ignorance or negligence. It's important that you seek qualified legal representation as soon as possible, if you or a loved one was hurt in a demolition accident so that you can get the compensation you need to pay for any and all medical expenses, as well as other related costs you accrue.
Building demolition workers frequently suffer fatal workplace accidents or significant injuries. According to statistics on occupational accidents provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 78 construction employees perished in demolition incidents in 2020. These figures follow a tragic 2019 in which 98 American employees lost their lives in construction accidents, which is the most on record since 2007.
Contact the Brooklyn construction demolition accident attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick to discuss your case, regardless of the type of injury you have sustained. We value every client and know that during this difficult time it is important to give you the information and help needed to make the best choice for yourself and your family on how to move forward. Schedule a free consultation at (877) 740-7603.
Has the Required Protection Been Provided to You?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has devoted a section of their website to addressing the hazards and safety standards construction sites need to follow to keep their workers safe in order to counteract the risks associated with demolition projects.
One of the most important topics they cover is the requirement to provide all employees with the appropriate safety equipment, such as:
- Protection for the head, eyes, hands, face, and feet (hardhats, gloves, boots, goggles, etc.)
- Hearing protection (earplugs, earmuffs, etc.)
- Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)
- Specialized protection gear for the job
- Respiratory protection (masks, respirators, etc.)
While there are specific safety requirements for each demolition project, workers must have a certain level of protection and training in order to stay safe while engaged in this significant task. Without it, they could sustain a range of injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fall-related injuries
- Explosion injuries
- Falling object injuries
These are just a few of the most typical injuries suffered by demolition workers. Make sure you get prompt medical attention if you have any kind of demolition accident or injury. Then, speak with a Brooklyn construction accident attorney as soon as possible to find out more about your legal rights and options.
Planning for Safety Is Crucial
The time spent carefully surveying the area and planning the demolition is just as important as offering the appropriate protective equipment. These initiatives are particularly risky due to a number of unknown factors, such as:
- Structural changes from the time of the initial construction
- Modifications that altered the building's original design, whether they were approved or not.
- Inside the structure are substances that need special handling, such as asbestos, lead, silica, and various other heavy metals or chemicals.
- Construction materials' structural integrity is unknown.
On their website, OSHA has a comprehensive list of safety regulations. They observe that 1926.850(a) - Preparatory operations, which accounts for about 75% of all citations on the worksite, is one of the two demolition standards that are most frequently cited. 1926.850(a)(1) makes up over half of the preparatory operations citations and requires the completion of an engineering survey, which must be performed before beginning any demolition project.
Let Brandon J. Broderick Help you with your Brooklyn, New York Demolition Accident Today
Accidents during demolition can result in extremely difficult legal situations. One reason for this is that there are usually multiple companies operating at a construction site. And when catastrophes involving demolition occur, nobody usually wants to take responsibility for what went wrong.
Brandon J. Broderick's demolition construction accident attorneys in Brooklyn, New York, can assist you at every stage of the process. We are fully aware of all the laws and guidelines that apply to demolition activities in New York. Due to the fact that we operate on a contingency fee basis, you won't need to worry about the expense of legal counsel. We are only compensated if we win your claim. Simply put, we get a portion of any settlement or award we get for you. There is no risk in asking for our assistance right now. Call (877) 740-7603 to arrange a free consultation.