Construction workers’ accidents may lead to amputations

Owners of construction companies in New York and elsewhere must ensure workers’ safety at all times. Construction workers are exposed to a myriad of safety hazards on a daily basis. Unfortunately, some employers prioritize profits over safety, and, in many cases, this leads to construction workers’ accidents that can claim lives or cause permanent disabilities.

A construction worker in another state is trying to adjust to life with only one leg after he lost the other leg in an on-the-job accident a month ago. He explained that, with the help of a coworker, he was connecting rigging when the incident occurred. Instead of using wire chokers to connect the heavy steel beams, they had to use nylon straps. He claims these straps were not suitable, and it allowed the beam to sway from side to side.

In the blink of an eye, the nylon strap snapped, and the beam crashed down onto the worker’s leg. Colleagues quickly pulled him into the bucket and lowered him to ground level from where he was rushed to a hospital. Sadly, the weight of the falling beam had shattered the bones in his leg and ripped apart the nerves and muscles. His leg could not be saved, and doctors had to amputate it above the knee.

While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating this incident, the injured worker is considering legal action against the owner of the construction company. In New York, victims of construction workers’ accidents may only pursue financial relief through the workers’ compensation insurance program. Only in certain circumstances may a claim be filed against an employer — and egregious negligence will have to be established. However, workers are free to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to discuss the viability of such a claim.

Source: inforum.com, “Fargo man considers legal action after losing leg in construction accident“, Katie Nelson, June 28, 2016