As New York City's massive infrastructure continues to expand, we hear far too often the tragedies that are caused by companies that put profit before safety. Wall collapses, for example, are a growing concern on New York construction sites.
In October, a wall collapsed on a construction site on the Lower East Side, according to ABC7. Two workers were hurt in the accident. One sustained serious injuries while the other was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
How witnesses described the catastrophe
Those who witnessed the wall collapse either described it as a "slow-motion fall" or thought the building was undergoing demolition. Moments later, however, they heard the cries for help.
"We thought that this was planned," a witness told ABC7. "Because we saw the backloader kind of moving back and forth."
Other witnesses reported seeing the two workers standing 6 to 8 feet up on the wall before the collapse occurred.
"They were standing on a windowsill, an old windowsill, as the machine was working," said another witness. "Loud. It was loud. Just quiet... the other guy was just moaning, moaning and rolling around. He was banged up pretty good, bleeding out of his nose."
The construction site was located at the same site where a synagogue had burned in 2017. The workers were in the process of constructing a multiple-use development, including a 30-story tower on Suffolk Street, a 16-story building on Norfolk Street, and a new synagogue.
What caused the wall to collapse?
A preliminary investigation found that no future collapses are imminent at the site. Structural stability inspections, however, are still underway.
The cause of the wall collapse is currently under investigation by the Department of Building (DOB).
“DOB experts in structural engineering and emergency response are on scene conducting an aggressive investigation of this tragedy,” said the DOB in a statement. "Every worker who leaves for the job site in the morning deserves to come home safely at night. We will provide updates as our investigation progresses."
Construction wall collapses are often caused by:
- Using cheap building materials
- Failing to use proper support or take other safety measures on a work site
- Poorly designed foundations
- Accidents with heavy machinery
Workers who get injured in wall collapses, or any other type of construction accident, are eligible for workers' compensation benefits. If you were hurt on the job, the experienced legal team at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP Attorneys At Law can help guide you through your claim and maximize your chances of receiving compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages.
We serve clients throughout the Five Burroughs and across the state of New York. To get started on your claim, contact us online.