Xiang Ji Queens: Xiang Ji Killed In Queens Accident After Being Hit By Falling Plywood On Main Street Near Flushing
QUEENS, NEW YORK (February 11, 2020) – A 67-year-old woman identified as Xiang Ji has tragically died after being hit in the head by a falling piece of plywood that came off of a building.
New York police officials are saying that the collision took place around 10:00 a.m. in Flushing. For reasons that remain under investigation a piece of plywood came off of a building and hit Xiang Ji.
According to a statement released by the Department of Buildings, “Our preliminary investigation found that an aluminum covered plywood panel at the front of the building collapsed to the sidewalk below, tragically striking [Xiang Ji].”
The Department of Buildings issued the property owner a violation for failing to properly maintain the building. They also ordered an installation of a sidewalk shed. Officials are saying that there are 18 total open violations for the buildings.
The DOB is encouraging property owners to take precautions in the area due to high winds. An ambulance was called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Xiang Ji was taken to the New York Hospital Queens in critical condition. Despite life-saving measures she later died due to her injuries. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Queens Construction Accidents
Falling objects represent a serious danger for both workers and pedestrians in NYC. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, around 11% of serious construction accidents are caused by falling objects. Falling objects might come off of the facade of a building. Or they might come off of a scaffold. Wind is often to blame for these types of accidents. This is why property owners should tie down potential hazards so that they don’t hit pedestrians or workers. Here are just a few other measures that should be taken to help protect pedestrians:
- Loose tools and cans should be properly stored when not in use.
- Scaffolds should be secured and periodically inspected by a competent person.
- Netting and sidewalk sheds can help protect pedestrians from falling objects.
- Crane operations should be suspended when wind speeds reach or exceed 30 mph.
Property owners and general contractors have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe manner. According to New York State Bar, “the landowner owes a duty of care, regardless of the “status” of the injured person, to maintain their property in a safe condition. Whether there is a duty involves “the reasonable expectations of the parties and society generally. The scope of any such duty of care varies with the foreseeability of the possible harm” (Tagle v. Jakob, 97 N.Y.2d 165, 168). If property owners fail to take measures to prevent pedestrians from being hit by falling objects they may face civil liability.
The family of any victim that died in an accident from falling debris may have civil recourse through a premises liability claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills, funeral expenses and loss of love. Potential beneficiaries in a civil claim will include a victim’s spouse, children, parents and siblings. Unfortunately, property owners will often fight vigorously to deny liability after an accident. A premises liability attorney can investigate all of the facts of your case free of cost and get to the bottom of what caused an accident.
Investigating A Queens Property Accident
We at Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson extend our deepest condolences to the family of Xiang Ji. Any person that may have seen what happened should reach out to the Department of Buildings as they continue their investigation. This was a preventable accident that should not have taken place. It is our sincere hope that measures will be put in place to help prevent additional accidents. No family should ever have to suffer through something like this.
