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At construction sites, workers come into daily contact with heavy machinery, high-voltage electricity, and tall structures. These dangerous sites see numerous deaths each year. In 2021 alone, there were 83 fatalities at construction sites throughout the country.  

If your loved one died while working at one of these sites, workers’ compensation may not be enough to cover the losses you and your family suffered. In instances when the accident occurred because of another party’s negligent or wrongful conduct, it may be possible to file a wrongful death claim.  

The employer may be protected from these claims by workers’ compensation insurance, but you can still go after third parties such as property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and supervisors. Take a closer look at the most common causes of wrongful death at these workplaces and what your options are.  

Falls From Heights 

Falls from heights are the leading cause of death in construction sites. In 2023, one in five workplace deaths occurred in this industry, and of those, 38.5% were the result of falls, including slip and trip accidents. 

These accidents occur for many reasons in New York, including untidy work sites. If there are cables and equipment strewn about, it’s much easier for a worker to trip and fall off the building being constructed. Site management is typically responsible for keeping the work area in order, so the supervisor could be liable in these instances.  

Sometimes, ladders and scaffolds are not properly secured. They can then collapse and cause fatalities. Inadequate training could also be an issue. If workers are not trained in safety measures, they can cause accidents that impact everyone on site.  

Slippery surfaces and unprotected edges are a concern, as well. It may be up to supervisors to address these risks. If they don’t, they could be liable for any resulting injuries.  

Struck-By Accidents 

Working with heavy machinery such as cranes and excavators every day puts workers at significant risk of being hit by one of them in a struck-by incident. Objects can also fall from heights, leading to fatal brain injuries.  

Another type of struck-by accident involves flying objects. These can be materials being shifted by machinery or parts of the machines themselves that have broken off. Rolling objects can also be very dangerous, potentially hitting and then crushing those in their path. 

Liability is not always simple to establish in these instances. Supervisors of worksites could be responsible if they didn’t ensure that materials and equipment were secure, but there could be contractors involved, too.  

Electrocution 

Electrocution occurs when workers come into contact with faulty equipment, overhead power lines, and power sources in wet conditions. Some of the most common accidents of this nature involve workers hitting power lines with cranes or scaffolding.  

Improper grounding is another issue. Electrical systems must be grounded correctly to ensure that everyone working with or around electricity is safe. Lack of training could lead to these accidents. Regardless, wires should not be exposed, but if they are, those wires require clear and visible warnings.  

Damaged or faulty equipment could also cause electrocution. Insulation cords and power tools that aren’t maintained correctly can easily lead to fatalities, especially during wet conditions.  

Trench Collapses 

Trenches are essential for construction, but if they’re not built correctly or maintained, they can collapse and crush workers. Soil instability is one of the primary concerns. The person supervising the trench build needs to know about the instability levels of different types of soil. 

The vibration of heavy equipment can cause these collapses, as these vibrations can weaken the trench walls. Supervisors and contractors must be aware of this and do everything possible to mitigate the risk of a collapse.  

Improper excavation puts workers at risk as well. Digging with the wrong equipment, doing so too deeply, or placing the removed soil too close to the trench can all cause instability. Additionally, not using sloping or shorting techniques can make the trench more likely to collapse.  

Choose Tenacious Attorneys for Wrongful Death Claims 

Losing a loved one because of another party’s negligence is devastating. If third parties contributed to your loved one’s wrongful death, then a workers’ compensation claim may not fully address your losses. This is where the assistance of an experienced attorney comes in. 

At Silberstein & Miklos, we can provide the support you need during this difficult time. We know how to investigate these accidents thoroughly and gather strong evidence to pursue every dollar you are owed for your suffering. Our wrongful death lawyers have protected New York families for over 30 years and offer 24/7 availability to our clients. 

After the death of a loved one because of negligence, remember to Ask4Sam. Contact our team for a free consultation today.