Radio Tower & Hotel Construction Accident: Worker Injured In Washington Heights Construction Accident At Radio Tower & Hotel On Amsterdam Avenue
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK (November 10, 2019) – A construction worker was injured in an accident while working underground at the Radio Tower & Hotel in Manhattan along Amsterdam Avenue.
New York police are saying that the accident took place around 1:30 p.m. between West 180th Street and 181st Street. For reasons that remain under investigation the worker was injured inside a shaft 30 to 40 feet underneath the construction site.
Firefighters had to rescue the worker. A crane was used to pull the construction worker to safety. Paramedics rushed to the Radio Tower & Hotel in order to help the injured victim.
He was taken to the Harlem Hospital in order to receive treatment. An investigation into the Radio Tower & Hotel construction accident remains ongoing at this time.
By the time that the Radio Tower & Hotel is completed it will feature around 260 hotel rooms.
Liability In Manhattan Construction Accidents
According to the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH), “New York’s construction industry continues to be highly dangerous for workers, with high fatality numbers and high rates of fatalities in New York State. In 2017, the most recent data year available, 69 construction workers died in New York State, exemplifying a five-year trend of increasing fatalities in the State. New York State’s construction fatality rate has increased by 39% in the past five years.” OSHA has stated that nearly 60% of fatal construction accidents fell into just four categories
- Falls – 381 out of 971 total deaths in construction in CY 2017 (39.2%)
- Struck by Object – 80 (8.2%)
- Electrocutions – 71 (7.3%)
- Caught-in/between* – 50 (5.1%)
There are number of ways that an injured worker may be able to receive help after an accident. Injured construction workers are entitled to worker’s compensation. This can help cover lost wages, medical bills, partial or even permanent disability. If an entity separate from a worker’s employer was responsible for an accident they could be held liable through a civil claim. Construction site projects typically consist of a large blend of companies that must work together.
Under New York Labor Law 240(1) building owners and general contractors are held strictly liable for worker falls or accidents involving falling objects. Workers must be given the proper training and adequate safety equipment in order to prevent gravity related accidents. It’s important that construction companies take the necessary safety measures to help keep victims safe. OSHA has been estimated that 90% of serious accidents could be eliminated if construction companies rigorously followed the guidelines they’ve set forth.
Getting Help After A Washington Heights Construction Accident
We at Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson extend our thoughts and prayers to the worker who was injured in this construction accident at Radio Tower & Hotel. Any person with knowledge about what happened should reach out to OSHA investigators. Worker safety should always be the top priority for every construction company. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened so that steps can be taken to prevent similar accidents.
If you or someone that you love has been involved in a construction accident you may have legal recourse. There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any legal questions that you may have. We are committed to making sure that accident victims are aware of their rights and that worker’s can do their jobs in a safe environment. Whether you just have questions about the law or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You’re always welcome to reach out to us anytime at 212-471-5106.