A tragic accident occurred in Midtown on June 16 at approximately 4:30 p.m. when a scaffolding structure collapsed, killing one person and injuring three others. The accident, which took place in Murray Hill on East 36th St. near Lexington Avenue, happened a few blocks away from a separate construction accident that took place earlier in the day after a building collapsed.
Scaffolding ‘Gives Way’ and Collapses
Of the three Murray Hill accident survivors, two victims suffered serious injuries and the third’s injuries were deemed non-life-threatening. Authorities said the workers were performing façade restoration on the 12-story building near the 11th floor.
It is not immediately known what caused this horrific accident to occur, but media reports suggest a rigging platform “gave way,” and sent a “heap of jagged metal and crumbled rock” to the sidewalk below. The weight of the debris caused the sidewalk to sink. The contractor, Edras Group Corporation, located in Belleville, N.J., doesn’t have any current violations, but media reports indicate the company has been cited 43 times for safety violations over the last 10 years.
As of Thursday evening, the city’s Department of Buildings has the accident under investigation as they inspect both this construction site and another project taking place in an adjacent lot.
Construction Accidents Are Common in NYC
Sadly, construction and scaffolding accidents are all too common in New York City. Many accidents are preventable if contractors and owners perform their due diligence in ensuring worker (and passerby) safety. Yet, every year hundreds of construction accidents occur throughout the five boroughs. The Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm sympathizes with all construction accident victims and their families and is striving hard to ensure contractors and owners are held accountable for their negligent acts and behaviors.
Raphaelson & Levine Will Stand by You
Titus, a construction worker who suffered a devastating accident in September 2011, turned to the Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm for representation after a failed attempt with another attorney. He had been working at a demolition site for a large company and was injured after his foreman told him to go up on the scaffold to check some bricks. The building collapsed, leaving him unconscious as he lay buried under the debris.
Titus was in the hospital for two weeks with a back injury, foot injury, and MCL/ACL damage. His injuries were severe and required several surgeries. His recovery has been a long one and is still a work in progress. Today, he has his good days and bad days and can no longer work full-time. Yet, he remains positive and focuses on his family, along with philanthropic efforts to help people in his community.
“I was inspired by the whole event, to not be defeated by it,” – Titus
Reflecting on his experience, Titus expresses appreciation for the efforts Howard and the rest of the legal team at Raphaelson & Levine made to help him get through the legal case, but also doctors’ appointments and just everyday life.
If you, or a loved one, have suffered a construction accident or another personal injury, call an NYC Scaffolding Accident Lawyer right away. The law firm of Raphaelson & Levine is here for you. It is our goal to maintain our reputation as “The voice of the injured,” and we promise to stand with you every step of the way. If you have any questions or would like a free consultation, contact us today at 212-268-3222.
