Construction accidents involving scaffolds in New York may result in serious injuries, particularly if the scaffolds were not erected properly or safety training was not provided. These injuries may range from electrocution to falls resulting in broken bones and impalements. A man in another state was recently electrocuted in a construction site accident involving a scaffold.
Events leading up to the accident
The construction site accident happened before 10 a.m. Authorities said a worker suddenly fell from a scaffold. The 30-foot fall occurred along the frame of an apartment being built.
The construction worker hit electrical lines during his fall. The live lines shocked him, leaving his body severely burned. Paramedics rushed the man to the hospital.
How an attorney can help
Injured construction workers may file worker’s compensation claims to receive benefits to cover their losses. In many situations, these benefits are the sole source of monetary support an injured worker receives after a workplace accident. However, New York law permits some construction workers to pursue compensation beyond what would result from these claims if their worksites are not reasonably safe and and there is evidence of gross negligence on the part of the employer.
The state’s “scaffolding law” relates to injuries resulting from falls from heights as a result of inadequate harnesses or scaffolding. According to this law, a worker who suffers these injuries due to dangerous construction site conditions may receive damages on top of his or her workers’ compensation claim benefits. An attorney in New York can help injured workers explore all legal options and pursue the maximum compensation available to them in light of their circumstances.