Bronx Building Collapses Through Sidewalk Shed
On the morning of August 18, 2021, a section of a building undergoing repairs in the Bronx collapsed through a sidewalk shed. The powerful collapse occurred on the sixth floor of the West Tremont Avenue building. Debris could be seen crashing onto the sidewalk shed at approximately 8:30 am. Only construction workers were in the building at the time.
“Upon arrival, we found a large section of the top floor wall had collapsed onto a scaffold on the sidewalk. A few tons of debris fell onto the sidewalk scaffold and collapsed it. FDNY units performed searches, ascertained the structural stability of the building, and determined fortunately there was nobody injured in the collapse,” commented Deputy Chief David Simms, FDNY.
Maria Rivera, Department Director of Human Services, reported that she was shaken up due to the deafening noise of the crash. She said she was convinced something “had hit the building.” She was thankful this collapse occurred on Wednesday and not on Thursday. On Thursdays, seniors line the front of the building for “Senior Pantry” day.
Construction Accident Compensation
Had construction workers or innocent bystanders been injured in this accident, a personal injury lawyer from our firm could assist them in pursuing compensation for their injuries. Those injured in such accidents typically have the following compensable damages:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Scarring and disfigurement
What Caused the Collapse?
The cause of the collapse remains under investigation. However, the preliminary investigation from the Department of Buildings revealed that when the collapse occurred, workers were seen being hoisted up in a suspended scaffold adjacent to the front wall of the building. Suddenly, a significant portion of the brick facade collapsed from the sixth floor and came to a rest on the sidewalk shed below. The construction workers were there for a permitted facade repair and replacement and project.
Scaffolding Laws Protect New York Construction Workers
Thankfully, no one was injured, including any construction workers. Had they been injured, they would have the protection of New York’s scaffolding liability laws. Under these laws, scaffolding at worksites must meet very specific standards, and construction owners and contractors face strict liability. Suppose something is wrong with the scaffolding or it fails to meet the safety standards set for in the law. In that case, the injured worker can contact a personal injury attorney for help. The law is on their side as they seek compensation for their damages.
Call the Law Office of David M. Kaufman, PLLC Today to Speak to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Although no one was injured or killed in this incident, far too many incidents end differently. Many times, the causes of these accidents are traced back to the negligence of construction contractors or building owners. If you were involved in an accident that resulted in your injuries or, worse, lost a loved one due to such an accident, you have legal rights. You deserve compensation for your damages, but you only have a limited amount of time to pursue it. Receive your free case consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney by calling our office today at 631-761-6400, or you may reach us online.