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There are many potential hazards for individuals working on construction sites in New York. While plenty of high-tech power tools and materials can pose safety issues, sometimes the simplest hazards are actually the most worrying. Digging a trench is nothing new, but the safety issues associated with this simple job are quite profound. Many workers have lost their lives due to cave-ins, and this seems to happen on a fairly regular basis in the Empire State.
If you have been injured in a New York construction site, your best bet is to reach out to a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Our legal professionals can help you take action against any negligent parties who were responsible for your injuries, including contractors and property owners. With the right lawyer at your side, you can pursue compensation for medical expenses, missed wages, and other damages.
Another Collapsed Trench in New York
In early May of 2021, it was reported that a worker had been killed after a trench collapsed on a New York construction site. After the trench collapsed, emergency workers were immediately called in to try and save his life. A vacuum truck was especially requested as emergency crews needed specialized equipment to try and save the man. Unfortunately, it soon became clear that they were not going to reach him in time. The priority shifted as emergency crews focused on retrieving the man’s body instead of saving his life.
OSHA Regulations
The OSHA has strict regulations when it comes to digging trenches. Among other things, there are strict rules about the slopes of the edges, the use of trench boxes or shields, and the stability of the rock bed. If construction sites break these rules, they run the risk of being fined tens of thousands of dollars.
Taking Legal Action
Those who wish to take legal action must show that the contractor or property owner was negligent. Injuries can result in lawsuits, but you can also file a wrongful death claim on behalf of your loved one if they pass away due to a cave-in. Proving negligence may be easier if you can show that the contractor or property owner was not following the rules laid out by OSHA in regards to trenches.
Worrying Statistics
Digging a trench may seem like a simple job, but the construction industry has failed to adequately ensure worker safety for this task throughout the years. You would think that with our current state of technology, these injuries and fatalities would be a thing of the past. According to worrying research studies, at least 70 workers die each year due to trench cave-ins in the United States. It should come as no surprise that the OSHA standards for trench safety have been widely criticized for their inadequacy.
Reach Out to a Personal Injury Attorney Near You
The Glassman Law Group specializes in various personal injury cases in New York, and we have plenty of experience with construction injuries. Do not just accept your injuries without putting up a legal fight. Your settlement could be crucial, especially if you are dealing with missed wages and medical expenses. Together, we can make New York’s construction industry safer for everyone. Book your consultation today.
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