Demolition Accidents

Demolition activities are an integral part of construction and redevelopment projects. However, these activities also present considerable risks to workers and bystanders alike. Demolition accidents can lead to severe injuries and loss of life, imposing significant financial burdens and suffering on accident victims and their families. If you have been hurt in a demolition accident in New York, or if you lost a loved one in a fatal NYC construction accident, Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., will work to hold all liable parties accountable and achieve justice and compensation for you.

Demolition Accidents in New York Are Serious, Deadly, and All-Too-Common

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one in five worker deaths in the private industry occurs in construction. In cities like New York, demolition activity is a part of the majority of construction projects. Sadly, construction work in this inherently dangerous industry does not seem to be getting any safer, including especially the demolition aspects of construction. In New York State, construction-related fatalities rose by 39% in 2019 alone, according to the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health. Demolition accidents are not only common but also incredibly dangerous.

Who Is Liable in a Demolition Accident?

Liability in demolition accidents can be complex. The accountable parties could range from construction companies and property owners to equipment manufacturers and even third-party vendors. Each case is unique and requires a thorough examination to ascertain liability accurately.
In New York, construction workers benefit from a set of strong Labor Laws designed to protect their health and safety and hold liable parties accountable when they fail to do so. All three of these laws, New York Labor Law 200, 240(1) and 241, apply to demolition activities.

• Section 200: This general duty clause requires employers to maintain a safe and hazard-free environment for their workers. Section 200 is used to hold those in charge of construction sites liable for accidents due to their negligence.
• Section 240(1) (Scaffold Law): This provision mandates that employers provide proper and safe equipment to workers performing tasks at elevated heights.

Failure to adhere to these requirements may make the employer liable for injuries sustained during demolition activities. Accidents such as falls, collapses, or being struck by falling objects are all covered under the scaffold law. Property owners, developers, contractors and their agents are absolutely liable for such accidents when they did not provide the appropriate protective devices.

• Section 241: This section outlines specific safety requirements that all construction, excavation, and demolition sites must follow. 241 violations are tied to the New York Code, Rules and Regulations, and contractors and developers can be held liable for violating specific sections of the NYCRR, such as failing to guard against falling debris and structures during demolition.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a demolition accident, the proper pursuit of claims under the applicable New York Labor Law can help you secure compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. A skilled and experienced demolition accident lawyer at Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., can guide you through the complexities of legal proceedings and work diligently to hold the liable parties accountable to you for the harm you’ve suffered.

Contact Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., for Help After a Demolition Accident in NYC

Demolition accidents pose significant dangers to anyone on or near an active construction site. Although legislation like the New York Labor Law aims to mitigate these risks, preventable accidents still happen, often with devastating consequences. Being aware of your legal rights and options can provide a pathway to compensation and justice. For personalized guidance and expert legal representation in New York construction and demolition accidents, call Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., at 212-889-9362 for a free consultation to discuss your claims.