Working in the construction industry is not without its risks. That is one reason safety equipment is mandated when working in a construction zone and why strict safety rules are in place at construction zones. Regardless of precautions taken, accidents can still happen in New York. A recent accident took the life of a construction worker in Queens. Workers’ compensation exists to help workers and their families in case of accidents.
The man was working inside a building that was under construction. It was after lunch, and fellow workers found him unconscious. It appeared that a partially constructed wall had fallen on top of him.
The man was transported to St. John’s hospital where efforts to save him were not successful. He was 57 years old. It is not known what caused the wall to collapse. There was no information available as to whether or not the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) would be investigating the cause of the accident.
Losing the life of a loved one due to a fatal construction accident in New York can be a tremendous shock. The grieving family had no time to prepare, and even though the risks of construction work are known, no one expects it will happen in his or her own family. There is no way to reverse the clock and bring back the loved one. When a person dies on the job, there may be workers’ compensation available to the deceased’s family. A conversation with an experienced professional can help the family to understand what benefits may be available and provide information regarding the process to claim the benefits.