Most of us know that New York City construction work can be dangerous. But did you know the Department of Buildings releases a monthly report listing construction accidents?
Report entries typically list the date and location of the accident, the name of the contractor, details about what happened to the injured worker, and other information. It can be helpful to see how frequently these accidents are reported — and how serious the injuries often are.
Types of accidents and their causes
Reading this kind of list isn’t fun, but it is a good way to see common (and uncommon) types of accidents and the factors that might have played a role in workers getting hurt. For example, the June 2018 report mentions that:
- Three of 13 accidents were associated with one or more violations being issued.
- Of those 13 accidents, only two are marked as occurring on union sites.
- In one case, the FDNY was called to remove a worker from a hole.
- Four of the 13 reports mentioned a worker falling.
Every week in New York City, workers are seriously injured because their employers are not following or enforcing basic safety rules. In many cases, negligent contractors, subcontractors and project owners can be held accountable.
Getting legal advice about YOUR accident
It’s one thing to read accident reports and stories and imagine what workers and their families are going through. It’s another thing to experience the pain, hardship and inconvenience of a serious accident firsthand.
If you or someone you care about was hurt on a construction job, you should get legal advice right away. You may be entitled to money damages through a third-party injury or wrongful death claim, which is different from workers’ comp.
