New York City is well-known for its ever-evolving skyline, with new buildings continually reshaping the landscape. Behind the impressive structures lies an industry rife with hazards. Although safety precautions are in place, construction accidents still occur. Our New York City construction accident lawyers frequently handle cases involving these accidents, helping victims and family members pursue the justice they deserve.
Let’s explore the types of accidents that cause most of the fatal injuries on construction sites and your options if you lost a loved one.
What Are the Fatal Four Construction Accidents?
Construction sites can be very dangerous. According to the National Safety Council, the construction industry had the most workplace deaths in 2023. The following types of accidents have long been known as the “fatal four” or “focus four”:
Falls From Height
One of the most prevalent causes of fatal accidents on construction sites is falling from a height. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), falls, slips, and trips caused or contributed to 39.2% of construction site fatalities in 2023.
Scaffolding collapses, inadequate fall protection, and unsecured ladders all contribute to these life-threatening events. When workers are not provided with the necessary safety equipment, family members can call our New York construction accident lawyers to seek justice.
Caught-in/Between Accidents
Caught-in or caught-between accidents occur when a worker is trapped, squeezed, or crushed between two or more objects. These incidents often happen when heavy machinery is in motion, trenches are improperly supported, or materials unexpectedly shift. Workers can become pinned between equipment and fixed structures, or buried when excavation walls collapse. The lack of protective systems, such as trench boxes or machine guards, significantly increases the risk.
When companies fail to follow proper safety protocols and a worker passes away, their family members can rely on our New York City construction accident attorneys to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, funeral costs, and the worker’s pain and suffering before they passed.
Example of a caught-in/between accident:
Trench Collapses
When excavation work is conducted, there is a risk of trench collapses. Workers trapped in a collapsed trench can suffer from crush injuries, suffocation, or drowning if water is present. Implementing trench safety measures, such as protective systems and regular inspections, is crucial in reducing the likelihood of such accidents.
Struck-by Accidents
Fatal struck-by accidents occur when a worker is hit by a moving object, piece of equipment, or falling debris. On construction sites, this can happen when heavy machinery is operating without proper safeguards, vehicles move through work zones without clear visibility, or tools and building materials are not properly secured.
Even a single lapse in safety, such as failing to install overhead protection or neglecting traffic control measures, can have devastating consequences. When these preventable tragedies occur, family members can turn to our New York construction accident lawyers at Aviles Law Firm PLLC to hold negligent parties accountable and pursue justice on behalf of their loved one.
Common examples of struck-by accidents include:
Falling Objects
In crowded construction zones, falling objects pose a significant risk to workers and passersby. Tools, equipment, or materials dropped from above can lead to severe head injuries or fatalities. While all workers working at heights should have tool lanyards, not all do. A properly fitted hard hat can help reduce the severity of an injury, but it cannot always prevent fatalities.
Vehicle Accidents
Construction zones often require the use of vehicles, such as trucks and forklifts. Heavy vehicle accidents can lead to severe or fatal injuries, especially when operators fail to follow safety protocols. Blind spots and inadequate communication on the site can exacerbate the risk of vehicle-related accidents. According to the BLS, 22.3% of construction site fatalities resulted from transportation accidents.
Electrocution Accidents
Exposed wires, damaged electrical equipment, and live circuits are all potential sources of electrocution on a construction site. Even if a person survives, they can suffer severe burns, nerve damage, or even fatalities. Ensuring that electrical equipment is maintained correctly and workers are trained to handle such hazards is essential for preventing electrocution accidents.
Construction Sites Are Deadly Throughout New York City and New York State
Construction is necessary work, but it can be very dangerous. In fact, when comparing the fatality rate in New York State and New York City among different industries, the BLS found that New York State’s fatality rate in 2023 among all workers was 2.8 deaths per 100,000 workers, while New York City’s was 1.9 deaths per 100,000 (NYCOSH).
However, when it compared the fatality rate among all workers to the fatality rate among construction workers, it found that construction workers had a fatality rate several times higher than that of other workers. New York State’s fatality rate for construction workers was 10.4 deaths per 100,000 workers, while NYC’s was 11.6 per 100,000.
Construction Site Fatalities Over the Years
New York State
New York City
The NYCOSH report also found that 73% of the fatal accident cases in 2023 involved “concurrent OSHA violations that often directly correlated with the circumstances of the fatality.”
Other Dangerous and Deadly Accidents That May Occur on a Construction Site
The focus four aren’t the only dangerous accidents that occur on construction sites. All the following can cause catastrophic injury or death:
- Slip and Trip Accidents: Uneven surfaces, debris, and wet or slippery conditions are common on construction sites. Slip and trip accidents can lead to sprains, fractures, and even more severe injuries.
- Equipment-Related Accidents: Heavy machinery and equipment are vital components of construction projects. However, they also present significant dangers to workers. Mechanical failures, operator errors, or lack of proper training can cause equipment-related accidents.
- Crane Accidents: Cranes are indispensable in the construction industry, but their use has inherent risks. A crane collapse or a load dropped from a crane can cause severe injuries and fatalities on the job site.
- Fire and Explosions: Construction sites may harbor hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids or gases. A fire or explosion can cause severe burns, respiratory damage, or other life-threatening injuries. Workers must be trained in handling hazardous materials and have access to fire prevention and suppression equipment.
What Can I Do If My Loved One Passed Away Due to a Fatal Construction Site Accident?
People managing and overseeing work on a construction site have a responsibility to keep that site safe for all workers and passersby. If your loved one was killed because those in charge failed to meet safety standards, you and your family may have legal options to pursue justice and financial relief.
After a fatal construction site accident, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This type of claim can hold negligent parties accountable for unsafe working conditions, defective equipment, or other hazards that contributed to the tragedy. Compensation may help cover funeral and burial costs, medical bills incurred before death, loss of the loved one’s income and benefits, and your loved one’s pain and suffering before they passed.
It is important to act quickly, as there are strict time limits for filing wrongful death lawsuits in New York. An experienced construction accident attorney can investigate the circumstances of the accident, gather critical evidence, and work to ensure those responsible are held liable. They can also handle communications with insurance companies and other parties, so you and your family can focus on healing.
If your family is facing this kind of devastating loss, hiring a construction accident lawyer early can provide clarity about your rights and the next steps to protect your future.
Why These Accidents Occur
Construction sites are inherently dangerous, but many accidents occur because safety standards are overlooked or corners are cut.
Inadequate training, missing or defective protective equipment, and poor site supervision all increase the risk of harm. Hazards such as unstable scaffolding, improperly secured loads, heavy machinery without guards, and unmarked danger zones put workers and bystanders in jeopardy. Time pressure and cost-saving shortcuts can also lead to unsafe practices, from skipping inspections to ignoring required safety protocols.
When those responsible fail to maintain a safe environment, accidents that could have been prevented often result in severe injury or loss of life.
Get Our Help After a Fatal Construction Site Accident
Safety should always be the top priority on construction sites; however, we know that is not always the case and sometimes, workers and their families pay the ultimate price. Aviles Law Firm PLLC is committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring that those responsible for your loved one’s fatal injuries are held accountable.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation, and let our personal injury lawyers help you reclaim your life after a construction accident in New York.
