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July 18, 2013

Construction worker crushed, killed by falling sewer pipe

All it takes is one split second and life as we know it can be changed. In the worst of circumstances, a life can be ended. The fact is that risk is inherent in everyday life. But it can be greater for someone in the construction trades. That’s why, across Pennsylvania; indeed, across the country; there are safety rules in place to reduce the risk of job site accidents.

Accidents can still happen, and if they do because the rules regarding construction safety haven’t been followed, then the company and the government regulators who are responsible for ensuring safety should be held accountable. 

Even if the accident is caused by the slip-up of a negligent co-worker, rather than the employer, a right to seek compensation remains. In such cases, accurately identifying liability and making the case can become more difficult.

In any case, victims deserve due compensation and to be sure they receive it, they should contact an attorney.

The family of a 55-year-old New York man would seem to have reason to be reaching out to a lawyer after a recent accident. According to officials, the State Island man was working on Governors Island earlier this month, helping rebuild a section of sea wall. He died when a 15-foot-long length of sewer pipe fell on him. It was being unloaded from a truck by a forklift operator.

The news reports we’ve seen about the accident do not indicate whether any violations of safety measures were committed, or whether the matter is being investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.