Yet another New York City construction worker has died because of unsafe conditions, this time on Broadway near 49th Street. On April 11, a 59-year-old worker fell to his death at a Times Square construction site, according to the New York Daily News.
After the accident, the city’s department of buildings (DOB) placed a stop work order on the site at 1604 Broadway, citing safety violations. But it was too late for Jose Cruz, a worker from Brooklyn, who fell about 18 feet from an I-beam.
Why do these deaths keep occurring?
Because many builders and contractors value profits over people. That’s the sad reality.
Cruz’s death could have been prevented with proper safety equipment, according to New York City’s Buildings Commissioner Rick Chandler. Chandler was quoted by the News: “There should have been tie offs with his personal protection equipment, which he was wearing.”
When builders and their contractors cut corners, people die. “It’s rather upsetting to see the kind of chances that these contractors are taking — they’re putting their workers at risk, and it’s just not acceptable,” said the commissioner.
If it’s happened to you or your family
If you or someone in your family was hurt on a New York construction job, you need to talk to a lawyer about your legal rights. You may be entitled to money damages through a third-party injury or wrongful death claim, a lawsuit that can be used to hold negligent parties responsible.
