Construction Workers Injured

Six construction workers were tragically injured after a building, which they were working on, partially collapsed in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. According to a report, workers were loading cement blocks onto the roof of a brownstone when part of the roof collapsed into the basement. Firefighters pulled six of the construction workers out of the rubble. These incidents are scary and unfortunately common, so if you are injured at work, call the RI workers’ compensation lawyers to help you obtain the compensation you are entitled to.

What Caused This Accident?

crane operatorThe site’s general contractor said the crane operator made a mistake when unloading a cinder block onto the roof. All six workers who were pulled from the building were transported to a local hospital and are expected to survive. Four of the workers were in serious condition and two were in stable condition. The Department of Buildings conducted a structural stability inspection and issued stop-work orders at the location as well at the neighboring buildings.

City records indicate that in 2009, the Department of Buildings issued a complaint at the property detailing concerns with the building’s structural stability and water damage throughout, including holes on the first and second floors as well as the roof. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio recently signed a City Council bill into law, which increases safety-training requirements for construction workers. This bill comes in the wake of several construction accidents in the city, some of which have been fatal.

What Are the Leading Causes of Workplace Injuries?

Heavy EquipmentOne of the leading causes of construction-related deaths is workers being struck by objects. Approximately 75 percent of struck-by fatalities involve heavy equipment such as trucks and cranes. Constructing concrete and masonry walls is especially dangerous because of the tremendous loads that need to be supported. There are risks of major accidents, and even death, when jacks or lifting equipment are used to position slabs and walls, or when shoring is required until structures can support themselves.

When such accidents occur, it is important to look into what caused it and what safeguards might have helped prevent it. There are a number of questions that must be asked including whether the workers were equipped with fall arrest systems such as safety nets, guardrails and harnesses. Putting the proper securities in place will help prevent the need for a RI construction accident lawsuit.

Call d’Oliveira & Associates Today!

Lawyer helping Construction WorkersIf you have been injured on the job, you may be eligible to seek workers’ compensation benefits through your employer, which covers medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. In addition, you may be able to file a third-party claim against a party other than the employer. Our dedicated Rhode Island workers’ compensation lawyers help uphold injured workers’ rights and ensure that they receive just compensation for medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering. Call us toll-free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online, to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation case consultation.

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Paul d’Oliveira

Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.

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