Manhattan Scaffold Accident: Four Workers Injured In Hudson Yards Scaffold Collapse Accident At Manhattan Construction Site On 10th Avenue
HUDSON YARDS, NEW YORK (November 11, 2019) – At least four construction workers were injured in a Manhattan construction accident after a scaffold collapsed on Veteran’s Day – Monday morning.
Manhattan police are saying that the scaffold accident took place around 7:30 a.m. at 50 Hudson Yards. New York police are saying that the scaffold collapsed on the 18th and 17th floors of the building after a load was placed on it.
A total of four workers were injured in the scaffold collapse and one of them sustained serious injuries. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to take the construction workers to the hospital.
The Department of Buildings was called to the scene in order to investigate. They issued a citation against the contractor with a violation for failing to protect workers.
A partial stop work order was also put in place as an investigation into the accident remains ongoing.
Liability In New York Scaffold Accidents
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, “An estimated 2.3 million construction workers, or 65 percent of the construction industry, work on scaffolds. Protecting these workers from scaffold-related accidents may prevent some of the 4,500 injuries and over 60 deaths every year (Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2003 and 2004 data for the private sector), at a savings for American employers of $90 million in workdays not lost. ” There a number of safety measures that can be put in place to help prevent scaffold collapses including:
- Scaffolds must be capable of supporting 4 times the max intended payload without failure
- Suspension ropes that hold scaffolds must be capable of supporting 6 times the intended payload without failure
- Scaffolds must be designed by a qualified person
- Scaffolds should be at least 18 inches wide
- Workers must be trained how to use scaffolds safely
There are a number of laws designed protect construction workers if they are injured in a scaffold accident. Under New York Labor Law 240(1), building owners and general contractors are held strictly liable for accidents involving workers who fall from scaffolds or who are hit by falling objects. Construction companies have a legal responsibility to protect workers. In the event a worker is injured the only relevant issue is the extent of the damages. Construction workers involved in scaffold accidents often receive very serious injuries including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Paralysis
- Lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
Victims of scaffold accidents may be able to receive compensation for damages. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Victims of scaffold accidents may not even realize the full extent of their injuries until several weeks later. It’s important to continue to seek follow up care after an accident. A construction accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Getting Help After A Manhattan Scaffold Collapse Accident
We at Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson extend our thoughts and prayers to all of the construction workers injured in this Hudson Yards scaffold collapse accident. Any person that may have seen what happened should reach out to the Department of Buildings as they continue their investigation. It is our sincere hope that measures are put in place to help prevent additional accidents like this.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a scaffold collapse accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to making sure that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have questions about the law or need a free investigation into a construction accident we are here for you. You’re always welcome to reach out to us anytime at 212-471-5106.
