Teenager Dies After Falling From Scaffolding On Long Island

A New York construction company is under fire for unsafe work practices after a teenager died and another worker was injured while using poorly constructed scaffolding. 

Two Construction Workers Fall Off Of Makeshift Scaffolding On Long Island 

While working on new home construction in Freeport, two construction workers were involved in a tragic accident that claimed the life of one. According to police officers that responded to the scene, the two men were working on makeshift scaffolding. This scaffolding was not constructed to the safety standards set forth by OSHA and the construction company did not file for the use of scaffolding. 

The makeshift scaffolding took the workers up to the third story. During the course of their work, they fell from the third floor to the ground. The 17-year-old employee sustained life-threatening injuries and despite being rushed to the hospital, died from those injuries. The other worker survived with serious injuries. 

The company has been cited for their failures and may face further disciplinary action after investigators complete their review of the accident. 

Deadly Scaffolding Accidents Are Too Common - What Can Be Done To Stop Them? 

Construction companies must adhere to the safety standards set forth by OSHA on construction sites, standards that indicate how scaffolding should be used and how it should be constructed. However, due to staffing limitations, most construction sites are not inspected until after an accident occurs. 

Construction companies ignore these standards because doing so saves them time and money - even though their employee’s lives are put on the line. OSHA and the Department of Buildings recognizes this and has begun to issue harsh penalties to those who fail to follow the rules, in some cases pressing criminal charges. 

In addition to the fines and charges issued by OSHA, those involved in the accident and their loved ones may be able to take legal action in the form of workers’ compensation claims and construction accident lawsuits. These claims could provide the full compensation that will be needed to pay for medical bills, lost earnings, physical pain, and emotional trauma. 

If you have lost a loved one in a construction accident or you were harmed in a construction accident, contact the experienced legal team at Banville Law. We offer free consultations and will guide you through the legal process. Call one of our local law offices today.

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