A construction worker was nearly killed in an electrocution accident in New York City earlier this month. The woman was part of a crew working on an expansion of the Long Island Rail Road system near Mineola Station on the morning of March 17th. The team was installing a pedestrian bridge and was continuing with work that was not yet approved when the accident occurred.
The group was in the process of moving a steel support beam with a crane when the beam came into contact with overhead electrical wires. The beam and the crane were immediately electrified and the woman was hit with a substantial amount of current. 911 was called immediately and EMTs were able to get the worker to a hospital where she was listed in critical condition. It’s unclear what kind of work she was doing at the time of the accident. All work at the site was suspended pending a safety review and inspection of the job site.
Electrocution accidents in New York City are one of the most dangerous construction site accidents. Classified by OSHA as one of the Fatal Four, electrocutions are responsible for 9% of all workplace fatalities. Even non-fatal electrocutions can have devastating long-term effects on a victim, including severe burns, paralysis, and permanent disability.
The construction worker will have a claim for the injuries she sustained as a result of this mishap. But navigating a lawsuit under these facts will not be easy and the worker would be well-advised to consult with an experienced construction site accident attorney. A skilled attorney would also invoke the relevant sections of the New York Labor which were promulgated specifically to protect construction site workers.
If you’ve suffered electrical burns or were otherwise injured at a construction site, speaking with an experienced electrocution accident attorney in New York City may be the only way to secure the financial compensation you’re entitled to. Contact the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel as soon as you’re able. Call 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 for your free consultation.