Thousands of workers in the state of New York are at risk of sustaining a workplace injury. One type of workplace injury that can be particularly devastating is when a worker is trapped by a falling structure. Typically, those most at risk for sustaining this type of injury are those employees in the construction industry. However, being trapped by a falling structure may happen to workers in other industries as well.
If you’ve been trapped by a falling structure, attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates can help you recover workers’ compensation benefits and take other legal action to which you’re entitled.
Causes of a Worker Being Trapped by a Falling Structure
Unfortunately, these accidents are often caused by poor workplace safety standards. For example, scaffolding safety standards may not be met which can lead to falling parts that trap a worker beneath them.
Unsecured building materials, like signage or heavy equipment can also fall, trapping or killing a worker. In fact, even improperly stacked materials, such as bags of concrete, can fall and trap a worker between a wall or surface. In some cases, poor demolition or building practices may cause an unplanned building collapse, trapping a worker beneath rubble.
Other types of falling structures, though, are cave-ins. Cave-in accidents of unprotected trenches and excavations are extremely dangerous, and can leave a worker crushed or suffocated.
Sometimes, a trench where falling objects or cave-ins occur may contain dangerous materials, such as toxic substances or liquids that may cause the workers to drown. When proper safety precautions are not taken, and regulations are not followed, accidents related to a falling structure may occur.
Types of Injuries Caused by Falling Structure Accident
The array of injuries that a worker may suffer when trapped by a falling structure is by no means insignificant. Types of injuries are listed below.
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- Suffocation
- Drowning
- Broken bones
- Amputated limbs
- Impalement
- Internal injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Starvation (if the worker is not discovered in a timely manner)
- Excessive bleeding
- Death
Being trapped by a falling structure can be one of the most terrifying experiences a person may experience. Following a workplace accident, you may file a claim for workers’ compensation.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Workers’ compensation provides benefits to those who are injured in workplace accidents, regardless of who’s to blame. Nearly all workers in New York are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. If you’ve been trapped by a falling structure and have sustained an injury, inform your employer right away and begin the process to file a claim for workers’ compensation immediately.
If you suffered serious injuries or struggle to recover fair benefits for injuries related to being trapped by a falling structure, our lawyers in New York can help. In addition to filing a claim for workers’ compensation, if your injury was caused by a third party’s negligent actions, you may be able to file a personal injury claim based on third-party liability.
For example, if the structure that trapped you fell as a result of a manufacturing defect or poor maintenance or demolition practices by another contractor, then that party may be liable for your injuries.
Trapped by a falling structure? Our Attorneys Can Help You
The attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates P.C. understand the trauma and pain that you and your family are going through after a serious workplace accident. Our attorneys will fight for your rights and work to make sure you recover the compensation you deserve following a workplace falling structure accident. If you need legal help, call our team now at 800-550-0000.
