Trenches and other excavations are a necessary element of almost all construction sites. Working in a trench can be very dangerous if the proper safety precautions are not observed. Fortunately for New York construction workers, § 23-4 of the New York State Industrial Code offers real protection. Specific direction and restrictions are placed on how trenches and other excavations are to be handled on a construction site.
Not all employers or general contractors follow these rules. Further, even when the rules are followed explicitly, trench collapses and other forms of accidents can still occur.
The danger posed to a worker by a trench collapse is related, in great part, to the depth of the trench and the amount of material that enters the trench. Many trench collapses result in serious injuries and fatalities.
Trench accidents can occur in a variety of forms, including:
- Soil pile slide — soil piled near edge of trench spills in
- Belly slough — middle of trench wall collapses inward
- Wall collapse — Top of wall breaks loose
In addition to trenches collapsing, heavy equipment may come too close to a trench or excavation and fall in, injuring any workers in the trench as well as the operator.
At Friedman, Hirschen & Miller, our lawyers know how important it is to injured workers and families that have lost a loved one in a trench accident or type of excavation collapse to obtain compensation that will be needed for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Our aggressive approach to trial preparation can help put our clients in the best position to recover damages that will help them deal with the aftermath of a collapse as well as sending a message about the cost of taking shortcuts to employers who do not do everything required under the law to protect their workers.
Contact the Construction Accident Attorneys at Friedman, Hirschen & Miller
If you or a loved one has been injured in an electrical accident, know that insurance companies are very likely to undervalue your case. In order to recover the compensation you need and deserve, turn to the experienced Albany trench accident lawyers of Friedman, Hirschen & Miller. To schedule a free initial consultation, call 518-631-4136, toll free at 888-432-8814 or simply contact us online.
We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we only collect attorney's fees if we recover damages for you.
