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construction accidents

Trench Accidents

Trench accidents are among the most dangerous types of accidents that occur on construction sites. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), “Trench collapses cause dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries each year.” Unfortunately, the leading causes of trench injuries are due to a lack of an appropriate protective system as well as other factors that are out of the control of workers. Although OSHA requires employers to conduct daily inspections of trenches (by a competent person), this does not happen as often as it should and leads to unfortunate injuries. Construction accidents are a leading cause of workplace injuries in the United States. If you or a family member has been injured as a result of a trench collapse, it is in your best interest to connect with a proven construction accident attorney to discuss your case and your options for seeking compensation. Don’t wait until it is too late. Give our attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff a call to schedule your free initial consultation today.

Common Causes of Trench Accidents

Construction workers that excavate trenches are met with a number of dangerous hazards such as being struck by equipment, hazardous chemicals, as well as accidents with vehicles. However, trench cave-ins are by far the leading cause of trench fatalities. Many variables contribute to unsafe trench and excavation sites that lead to construction accidents. Listed below are some of the most common causes of trench accidents in New York City.

  • Ineffective or lack of protective system
  • Unstable and/or weakened soil
  • Heavy equipment falling into the trench or causing a collapse by being too close
  • Too close to other previously excavated trenches
  • Inclement weather conditions
  • Too much weight/stress on the soil close to the trench
  • Lack of inspection or ineffective inspection
  • Trenches with too much depth and not enough protective support
  • Absence of appropriate safety equipment
  • Failing to appropriately remove and relocate excavated soil
  • The inability of workers to safely get in and out of the trench
Trench Accidents

Injuries That Occur as a Result of Trench Accidents

Since the leading cause of trench accidents and fatalities are cave-ins, OSHA typically categorizes them as a “caught in-between” accidents. This is defined as one of the “Fatal Four” accidents that cause the most construction site injuries and deaths each year. However, there are many other types of injuries that can occur as a result of trench accidents such as:

  • Electrocutions
  • Falls
  • Drowning
  • Suffocation
  • Inhalation of toxic fumes
  • Employees being crushed by construction vehicles

Those that have been involved in any of the aforementioned trench accidents may incur serious injuries like broken bones, back injuries, spinal cord injuries, head and brain injuries, eye injuries, wrongful death, etc.

What to do if You Are Injured as a Result of Construction Accidents

If you are injured as a result of a construction accident, it is recommended that you immediately notify a company official. Per New York law, you have a maximum of 30 days to report the injury. Otherwise, you will likely not be eligible for worker’s compensation benefits. Furthermore, seek medical attention as soon as you can. In some cases, the effects of an injury do no surface when the accident occurs due to the adrenaline in your body masking its effect. Thus, it is best to be sure that you have not suffered injuries. Ensure that you collect evidence at the scene (pictures, videos, etc.) as well as identify potential eyewitnesses. Lastly, contact an attorney that is experienced with the complexities of construction accidents.

Working With Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff

Construction workers that are injured as a result of trench accidents in NYC are entitled to seek compensation via worker’s compensation claims. In some cases, the accident may be the fault of a third-party. If it is, construction workers can file a personal injury claim. It is imperative that you connect with an adept attorney before you agree to waive your rights to file a personal injury suit and/or accept worker’s compensation benefits. At Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, our attorneys have won over $1 billion for injured New Yorkers. Many of those cases involved construction accidents. If you or a family member has been injured while working in or around a trench, give us a call to discuss the details of your case today at 212-344-1000 or contact us online.

 

 

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April Johnson
April Johnson
15:54 30 Jun 23
Easy access to thr firm with a very nice Lawyer
Benjamin Roussey
Benjamin Roussey
19:03 29 Jun 23
No firm gets it done like RMFW. They are the best.They are awesome - for sure.
Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez
19:02 24 May 23
I’ve been in the personal injury field as an investigator for 29 years. All in New York City. Out of all the hundreds of Law Firms I’ve worked with, Rosenberg Minc Falkoff & Wolf, would have to be at the very top of my list. Amazing staff great attorneys.If you want the job done right, these are you guys.
Julio Ochoa
Julio Ochoa
20:49 18 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP for their outstanding assistance in obtaining a settlement for an Erb's Palsy birth injury case. Their knowledge, dedication, and compassionate attitude were important in attaining a successful end. Their professionalism and assistance were simply outstanding from beginning to end. I am deeply thankful for their representation and would enthusiastically recommend them to anyone seeking justice in a similar situation.
Aisha Neri
Aisha Neri
20:29 18 May 23
I recently had the privilege of working with Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP on my daughter’s birth injury case involving Erb's Palsy, and I cannot express enough gratitude for their exceptional legal services. From the initial consultation to the successful settlement, they demonstrated profound expertise, unwavering dedication, and genuine compassion for my family's situation.From the very beginning, the team proved their commitment to justice. They thoroughly investigated the circumstances surrounding my child Erb's Palsy birth injury, leaving no stone unturned. Their extensive knowledge and understanding of medical malpractice law, coupled with their deep expertise in birth injury cases, provided us with tremendous confidence in their ability to handle our case.The attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff consistently displayed exceptional professionalism and attention to detail throughout the entire legal process. They meticulously gathered evidence, consulted with medical experts, and built a compelling case that clearly outlined the negligence and liability on the part of the medical professionals involved. One aspect that truly stood out was the genuine care and compassion exhibited by Daniel Minc, Lorraine Licul, and the entire team at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff. They treated us not just as clients but as individuals with unique emotions and concerns. They took the time to listen attentively to our worries, provided constant updates on the progress of our case, and promptly responded to our inquiries, ensuring we felt supported and reassured throughout the process. Their empathy and understanding made an immeasurable difference during such a challenging and emotionally taxing time.When it came time to negotiate a settlement, Daniel Minc demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity. He fought fiercely on our behalf, advocating for fair compensation to cover any potential long-term effects of Erb's Palsy on my child's life. His negotiation skills were truly impressive, as they secured a settlement that exceeded our expectations and provided the financial resources necessary to support my child's future needs.I cannot recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff highly enough to anyone seeking legal representation in Erb's Palsy birth injury cases or any other medical malpractice matters. Their extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and empathetic approach make them an exceptional choice for families navigating the complexities of birth injury litigation. Thanks to Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, my family now has the means to provide the best care and opportunities for my child's future.If you are seeking a law firm that combines legal expertise with genuine compassion, look no further than Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They will tirelessly fight for your rights and ensure your voice is heard, providing you with the support and justice you deserve.
Aoki R
Aoki R
17:14 17 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They are a team of dedicated professionals fully committed to their clients. I have witnessed the firm's amazing work ethic in my experience with their attorneys and Lorraine Licul. Lorraine is a knowledable, empathetic and results-driven professional. Minc is an excellent attorney and I greatly appreciate the firm's expertise.
Michael Levites
Michael Levites
17:42 12 May 23
I have recommended this firm to some of my friends and I heard back only positive feedback about the client responsiveness, diligence and hard work put in by these attorneys. I will continue to refer anyone who suffered a personal injury to Rosenberg Minc..
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