Every day, New York City construction workers are subjected to a variety of dangers, many of which are preventable. Though falls from heights and falling objects injure and kill numerous workers every year, sometimes violence strikes on NYC construction sites.
In February, a tragic Coney Island shooting changed the lives of two construction workers as they were doing their jobs, according to an NBC New York story. The incident, in which both victims were struck by stray bullets, left a grandmother dead and another worker wounded in the wake of a nearby fight that culminated in gunfire, NBC New York said.
How common is violence on construction sites?
Construction-site violence occurs on a more regular basis than many of us would think. From assaults and fights to fatal shootings, many New York workers are seriously hurt by others through no fault of their own.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “violence and other injuries by persons or animals” accounted for 24 workplace deaths among all occupations in New York City in 2017. Some workers wonder why more protections aren’t in place to keep job sites secure.
To what extent can employers be held accountable for unsafe work conditions on their property? Who is ultimately to blame for dangerous conditions attributed to deliberate human activity? We think these are important questions.
Get help if you or a loved one has been hurt
A construction injury can affect you and your family in a variety of ways, from physical pain to financial stress. If the injury was caused by negligence, you may be entitled to money damages through a third-party claim, a lawsuit. Seeking legal advice will enable you to understand your legal rights and your options for protecting them.
