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Month: November 2013

construction accident on the job lawyer

Hazardous Construction Fence Injures Multiple New York Pedestrians

Pedestrians injured by unstable construction fence in New York

Many people view ongoing construction as a sign of progress. Even though the rise of construction projects is often linked to a growing economy, builders must take steps to ensure that construction sites are secured. In a bustling and congested city, like New York, safety is especially important, since people are almost always likely to be nearby.

Not long ago, four people were injured at a construction site by falling debris. Reports indicate that three pedestrians were injured when a plywood construction fence fell on top of them. As a result, they became trapped under the temporary barricade. A firefighter responding to the scene also suffered minor injuries.

At the time of the accident, there were very strong winds. While the weather certainly contributed to the incident, a subsequent investigation determined that the construction company didn’t install the fence properly. They were in violation of pre-approved plans. Public officials used this as an opportunity to warn other property owners and construction managers to secure their property during the heavy winds.

Thankfully, all of the victims of the accident are expected to make a full recovery. In a larger-scale collapse, the falling objects could have caused more extensive injuries. Still, the injuries from this case could prevent the victims from working or make other aspects of everyday life challenging.

The construction company responsible for this site had a duty to make sure the premises were secure. By failing to follow the approved construction plan for the fence, they put people at risk, and unfortunately an accident did happen.

Source: CBS New York, “Construction Shed Collapse Sends Debris Flying In Midtown,” Nov. 1, 2013

cyclist injuries from poor road conditions around New York

Winter Safety Liability: Property Owners Responsible for Clearing Walkways

Winter is coming: Property owners must clear public walkways

Although many readers in New York City might not want to hear it, winter is fast approaching. A number of concerns that extend beyond wearing warmer clothing accompany the arrival of colder weather. Freezing temperatures will also bring ice and snow, which means that sidewalks and other public walkways are likely to become slipping hazards.

The coming of winter is both a reminder for pedestrians to be cautious and of the responsibility property owners have to maintain safe premises. Parking lots, sidewalks and the interior of a building are all places that could become slippery with ice and snow on the ground, so property owners should take care to protect those who could slip and fall.

Observers note that visibility to potential slipping hazards is very important. This means that warning signs and appropriate lighting might be helpful. Because of the dark color of asphalt parking lots, for example, it might be hard to see ice when has formed. As such, property owners should try to remove the ice and provide ample warning to those who might come into contact with the slippery surface.

In focusing on snow and ice removal for exterior surfaces, it may be easy to neglect to take precautions for interior spaces too. When people track snow into a store or place of business, it will undoubtedly melt. Puddles of water on an uncarpeted floor can create a very serious slipping hazard that patrons might not expect.

Becoming the victim of a slip-and-fall accident can have very serious consequences, especially when the incident occurs on hard, paved surface. Suffering broken bones or serious muscular injuries as the result of a fall could make many aspects of life very difficult.

Source: The Huffington Post, “Winter’s Coming — How to Prepare Your Business to Help Prevent Slip Fall Accidents,” Kiernan Hopkins, Nov. 5, 2013

lawyer workstation with view of New York

Candle Causes Fire Injuring 9 People in New York City

9 people injured in New York fire caused by unattended candle

In some of the most serious of circumstances, people exhibit heroic behavior. First responders often find themselves in this position, yet concerned family members, friends and neighbors can be thrust into the same role. Not long ago, one New York City man took selfless action to save two small children in a house fire that sent nine to the hospital.

During the very early morning hours, a fire broke out in the Bronx. As the fire spread, a man who only has one arm and one leg rescued his 1-year-old son and an infant relative. He threw the kids to safety from a second-floor balcony as a neighbor caught them. Eventually, the man jumped over the balcony to save himself.

New York firefighters responded to the blaze, which was considered a two-alarm fire. Thankfully, no one died as a result of the fire, but fire department officials say that two people were critically injured.

Although the Bronx man’s bravery is being commended, reports suggest that this fire could have been prevented, raising some premises liability questions. Firefighters say that an unattended candle left burning in the basement of the residential building was the genesis of the fire. Not only that, but the building did not have a smoke alarm, which is certainly cause for concern.

Although certain details are not provided in reports, it will be important to determine who was responsible for leaving the candle burning and making sure that smoke alarms were installed. If this is a rental property, for example, it’s likely that the property manager should have put smoke alarms in the facility.

The full details of any subsequent investigation could help the accident victims determine what their options are. This will become important as they continue to recover physically and financially from the injury caused by the fire.

Source: NBC New York, “Man With One Arm, One Leg Throws Newborn, Toddler to Safety from Burning Bronx Home,” Roseanne Colletti, Oct. 28, 2013

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