Construction workers make infrastructure, businesses and homes a reality in New York and New Jersey. Unfortunately, dangerous construction site conditions and hazards abound for all who keep the tri-state area running. A recent construction accident illustrates the reality of construction’s worst outcome, a fatal injury.
The fatal accident
According to news reports, a New Jersey resident died while curbing at a temple. The article states that someone requested emergency services around 4:00 p.m. This is another example of how, even in broad daylight, construction work, often causes injuries.
Construction work dangers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, in 2020, every two hours, a worker dies in a work-related accident. The data also show that men represent nearly 90% of all workplace fatalities. Industries with an overrepresentation of men, like construction and transportation, represent nearly half of the fatal workplace injuries.
Nearly 5,000 Americans lost their lives on the job in 2020. These numbers provide insight into the dangers of the workplace. But, what if your workplace is not providing a safe working environment?
Options for wrongful death claims
If you lost a loved one as the result of a preventable dangerous work environment, you may be entitled to recover damages on behalf of the lost person. Employers have a duty to provide a minimum standard of care and safety to their employees.
In dangerous fields like construction, lack of oversight or employer negligence is unacceptable. A lawyer with experience representing wrongful death claims can discuss your unique circumstances and a potential claim or lawsuit.
When discussing fatal workplace accidents, it’s important to note that workers’ compensation may provide some benefits to the victim’s family. These can be helpful to families in the wake of a tragic loss. However, workers’ compensation is an exclusive remedy, and those who receive workers’ compensation benefits may not also recover compensation from the employer in a case involving the same accident. Families can speak to an attorney to learn more about their options.
You do not have to accept foreseeable unsafe conditions that result in the loss of a loved one. You can fight against the common occurrence and let the company responsible know that construction workers, who keep the area running and their families, have rights.
