A construction accident in Brooklyn has claimed the life of a 50-year old worker in Brighton Beach. The man fell six stories (though some reports say only four) from the top of a building under construction at 360 Neptune Avenue. He was declared dead at the scene and an investigation into the accident was immediately begun.
The man, identified as Vidal Sanchez-Roman, tumbled from the building just after 11 A.M. It’s unclear if the necessary safety structures were in place to prevent such an accident. The complex at the location includes a six-story community facility and commercial space.
Falls from heights at constructions sites are one of the leading causes for deaths in the construction injury. Falls are one of OSHA’s Fatal Five, and are the number one preventable cause of accident death in the construction industry.
OSHA regulations require that safety equipment such as barriers, netting, or fall arrests systems be used whenever workers are employed above ground level. When you’re high up, something as simple as a misplaced boot could send you tumbling to the ground far below. Even veteran construction workers aren’t immune to such accidents.
Under the New York Labor law, the general contractor and the owner of the property can be held absolutely liable for a worker’s injuries or death. This is in addition to a party that was found to be negligent and whose negligence contributed to the worker’s injuries or death. The injured construction worker can rely on New York City falls from heights attorneys to get the financial compensation they may be entitled to. The worker can sue for medical expenses, past and future lost wages , pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one has fallen at a construction site, contact a New York City construction accident attorney as soon as you are able. A timely response may be a key component of a successful judgement in your favor. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.