A construction worker was injured at a jobsite in Manhattan earlier this month when he dove out of the way to avoid being struck by a crane. This latest crane accident in New York City has a relatively happy ending though-while the man was transported to a nearby hospital, his injuries don’t appear to be life threatening and he is expected to make a full recovery.
This Manhattan crane accident occurred at a jobsite located at 701 Seventh Ave near West 47th Street. This is a jobsite that safety advocates are all too familiar with-one that has been plagued with a number of minor accidents and safety complaints. The victim in this case was at the jobsite early on the morning of March 23rd when he was forced to jump out of the way as a crane swung a heavy load (a steel I-beam) overhead. He tripped trying to get out of the way and struck his chin.
He was taken to a nearby hospital and treated to stop the bleeding.
The jobsite has a checkered past with NYC’s DOB. Records show numerous safety complaints filed and a trail of relatively minor injuries at the future home of the Marriot Hotel. Many of the safety concerns stem from cables, debris, and other materials falling from the jobsite into the street below. At least one driver filed a complaint that his windshield was shattered when an object fell from above.
While construction accidents in New York City are to be expected, contractors in charge of construction and renovation projects have an obligation to do what they can to protect individuals from harm. Local and federal regulations require certain safeguards be in place to stop preventable accidents and if those safety regulations are violated, the contractors and property owners can be held legally and financially liable for any injuries.
If you’ve been injured at a jobsite in the city, contact an expert New York City construction accident lawyer immediately.