March 1, 2011 – New York City – Two New York City construction workers were killed when they fell 5 stories at an Upper West Side building during a construction accident on Feb. 8. CBS New York reports that the iron workers, Brett McEnroe, 49, and Roy Powell, 51, were on duty at a construction site at 150 West 83rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue. Emergency responders performed rescue care on both victims as they were transported to St. Luke’s Hospital. Both men succumbed to their construction accident injuries and died at the hospital. The fatal construction accident occurred on a windy and snowy morning when the men were on a landing at the construction site. Preliminary investigations indicate that the wind was a factor, however the site has been the subject of numerous safety complaints including loose tarps and falling debris. Robert LiMandri, Commissioner of the Department of Buildings, said that there is “no evidence” that assured him “there were safety measures in place.” The construction site, which is to be home to the Redeemer Presbyterian Church’s new community center, is now undergoing review by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and police. Construction site accidents are common in New York where many high elevation projects take place on a regular basis. Both construction workers and passersby are at risk for accidents such as slip and falls, falling debris, and utility hazards. Construction accidents are complicated cases, whether you are a worker or a passerby. In some cases of injured workers, New York Workers’ Compensation and third party liability claims will be the only recourse available, though New York labor law does provide exceptions to this rule. A New York personal injury attorney with experience in construction accident claims can help you determine if you have any grounds for legal recourse. As a service to our clients we frequently publish news stories relevant to the types of injuries and accidents that may result in your need to file a New York personal injury claim.
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