On the fifteenth anniversary of the most tragic day in New York City’s history, we remember and mourn the many lives that were lost when the World Trade Center towers were attacked. Sadly, construction of the spectacular new 1 WTC complex came with many serious injuries.
In November 2014, 1 WTC opened. According to the New York Daily News, two workers died during the construction of 1 WTC (which includes the now-iconic 104-story Freedom Tower) and dozens of others suffered life-changing injuries, some of which went unreported. Construction work requires courage, but is it still more dangerous than it should be?
Preventable Construction Injuries Still Plague NYC Workers
While construction technologies have improved and awareness of safety issues has probably never been higher, preventable accidents continue to affect workers on construction sites in and around New York City. The most common types of accidents involve:
- Slipping and tripping hazards
- Falls from heights
- Ladders and scaffolding
- Falling objects
- Electricity, shocks and burns
- Heavy equipment and machinery
- Dangerous or defective tools and materials
- Unsafe openings, holes and walkways
- Vehicles striking workers
Some of these accidents occur because of negligence, carelessness, disorganization or rushed schedules. Sometimes weather is a factor. When construction workers get hurt, they and their families deserve excellent medical care and appropriate compensation.
How To Proceed If You Or A Family Member Was Hurt
If you or a loved one was hurt while working on the construction of a building, you may be overwhelmed. Although workers’ compensation benefits (which cover your medical expenses and partially cover your lost earnings) is helpful, that does not fully compensate an injured worker for his or her loss. It is important to contact an experienced construction accident lawyer to see if you can assert a third-party claim for personal injuries. Such a claim can provide full compensation for your loss — including your pain and suffering, as well as all of your medical expenses and economic damages.
The first thing to do is to get the medical care you need. Next, get your questions answered by a qualified attorney before you take any important steps.
