Five New York construction workers were hospitalized on March 21 after their flatbed truck was rear-ended by a commercial box truck on the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, according to The Legal Herald. The accident happened at about 8 a.m. when the construction workers parked their flatbed truck on the side of the roadway and were preparing to begin their work.
Two of the construction workers were standing on the flatbed when it was struck by the other vehicle, causing them to be thrown into the street. They were both taken to Elmhurst Hospital, one in critical condition and the other in serious condition. The three other construction workers on the scene were treated at Elmhurst Hospital with minor injuries.
The 25-year-old driver of the commercial box truck, which is owned by Schleppers Moving and Storage, remained on the scene of the accident, and no charges have been pressed as of yet. But the injured workers are more than entitled to file a claim against the moving company to win compensation for medical bills and lost wages.
Construction Workers at High Risk of Injury
Construction workers tend to be at the highest risk of workplace injury due to the nature of their work environment. But when a worker is injured because of someone else’s negligence, that worker has the right to take legal action to claim compensation for their injuries. Construction workers deserve to do their jobs in a safe environment, and when this expectation is breached, serious accidents can happen. Compensation won through the legal process could pay for future related medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Some of the most common injuries that construction workers suffer are:
- Broken bones
- Electrocution
- Back injuries
- Head or brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Visual impairment or blindness
These injuries are usually caused by dangerous conditions such as:
- Improperly installed scaffolding
- Holes and ditches on construction sites
- Working with generators and electrical wiring
- Being forced to do the same task repeatedly, causing repetitive motion injuries
- Improper training about protective clothing and hard hats
Though safety standards are clearly delineated by organizations such as the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the truck accident underscores how suddenly and seriously a construction worker can be impacted by negligent behavior.
Contact a New York Construction Accident Attorney
If you need help taking legal action after suffering a construction site accident, contact the legal team at Hach & Rose, LLP. Our New York attorneys have decades of experience protecting construction and labor workers. We have won millions of dollars in compensation for our clients and are prepared to do the same for you. We’ll handle the details of your case, so you can focus on healing and getting back on your feet.
Given the coronavirus pandemic, we have taken a proactive approach to protecting our clients and employees alike. We are able to provide the same high-quality service that you have come to expect. We offer online consultations and are here to answer your calls, emails, or messages, so don’t hesitate to contact us. Call (212) 779-0057.