by David Cheverie Esq.
Laborers’ Local 147, better known as the New York City Sandhogs, are faced with one of the most dangerous jobs in the construction industry. They build tunnels throughout and around New York City. Blasting, excavating, drilling, and pouring concrete are just some of the work that Sandhogs perform underground on tunnels being built for our benefit. Given the nature, location, and type of work being performed, Sandhogs and other tunnel construction workers are exposed to many dangers on the job site that can result in serious injury. We have helped many construction workers with tunnel worker injuries get the compensation they deserve.
Tunnel Worker Injuries and Construction Accidents
A lack of proper safety equipment sometimes causes construction accidents. Defective or poorly maintained equipment, lack of supervision, safety training, defective materials, and violations of safety regulations. Injuries can occur from falling material. Concrete and debris, defective power tools, tunnel collapse, falls from ladders and scaffolding while loads are being hoisted. Slipping and tripping hazards and other unsafe work conditions. When these accidents occur, the injuries can be catastrophic.
Contractors and Construction Site Owner’s Duties
It is the duty of contractors and the owners of construction sites to provide a safe construction site for their workers. They may be held responsible for injuries when they fail to do so. Often, the defendants in these claims are municipalities. For this reason, strict time requirements must be met to bring a personal injury action. Prior to bringing an action against a municipal agency, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days of the accident. If a Notice of Claim is not filed within 90 days of the accident, the injured worker (with limited exceptions) may lose their right to file a lawsuit against the municipality or municipal agency.
For over a decade, Hach & Rose, LLP, has been available to union members and their families when construction accidents occur. We aggressively protect the rights of workers injured in tunnel accidents. Our firm takes pride in our ability to provide skilled, attentive, and expert legal representation while maintaining strong relationships with our clients. If you have been injured in a tunnel accident, contact Hach & Rose, LLP, for a free consultation at (212) 779-0057.