New York pedestrians and bicyclists are used to maneuvering around construction sites. If you heed the warnings on the signage and stay out of areas you’re not supposed to be in (no matter how much faster you’ll get to your destination by cutting through), you should be safe.
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Construction companies and those they put in charge of sites are required to do everything they can to protect passers-by and others in the area from being injured. However, a lot of unexpected things can go wrong – and they can result in serious and even fatal injuries.
How do these injuries happen?
Sometimes, accidents occur because an area wasn’t properly blocked off. Sometimes, a person will remove part of the blockade to get by, so others start walking through the area who may not realize it’s unsafe.
It’s not uncommon for people to trip over debris that has fallen outside the cordoned-off area or on a hole in the ground. Falls on concrete – particularly when someone strikes their head – can be fatal.
Sometimes, seemingly unexpected things happen. One tragic case back in 2015 involved a woman who was killed after being struck by a piece of plywood that came off a fence surrounding a construction site in Greenwich Village.
When someone is injured or killed at or near a construction site in one of the scenarios we’ve described or any number of others, it can be challenging to get anyone to take responsibility. Construction firms and the general and subcontractors working on the project commonly blame each other – or the victim.
If you or a loved one has been injured or worse because of the negligence or actions of those in charge of a construction project, it’s wise to seek experienced legal guidance to help you ensure that you get the justice and compensation you’re owed.