New York City Tunnel Accident Lawyers
There’s no denying that construction work of any kind in NYC could be very dangerous. However, sandhogs in NYC face the most challenging and potentially deadly construction work in the industry because they build and work on tunnels in and around NYC. Sandhogs regularly perform drilling, excavating, blasting, and pouring concrete, among others, in tunnels.
Given the location, nature, and kind of work they perform, sandhogs, as well as other underground workers, are routinely exposed to the various hazards inherent in tunnel worksites that could cause severe injuries or death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a tunnel accident in NYC, our New York City tunnel accident lawyer here at Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman can help you pursue proper compensation for your damages.
The Dangers of Working in Tunnels
Sandhogs and other underground workers have an increased risk of sustaining catastrophic and potentially deadly injuries. While certain hazards are similar to those in construction work on the surface, they are often more amplified because of the confined working environment. Furthermore, certain hazards are specific to tunnel construction sites.
Underground tunnel work entails tunneling for highways, roads, and railroads, as well as laying pipes for hot water, sewers, telephone lines, and electrical conduits. The International Labor Organization, the hazards of working in tunnels include:
- Physical labor could cause all sorts of bodily injuries, including fractures, sprains, joint issues, and overuse injuries, among others.
- Cave-ins or collapses could result in crush injuries, head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, suffocation, or even death.
- Frequent exposure to cement dust and silica dust could increase a person’s risk of developing skin, lung, and respiratory issues.
- Radon exposure could increase a person’s risk of lung cancer.
- Being regularly exposed to chemical vapors could likewise lead to lung problems, such as chemical pneumonitis, which could cause respiratory failure or death if left unaddressed.
- Oxygen-deficient environments could contribute to existing respiratory problems like asthma.
Additionally, injuries could result from falling debris, concrete, and various materials, falls from scaffoldings and ladders, defective equipment when hoisting loads, slipping, tripping, and falling hazards, and other unsafe working conditions.
Liable Parties in Tunnel Accidents
It is the legal responsibility of construction site owners and contractors to ensure that worksites are always safe for everyone. Otherwise, they might be held legally liable for injuries that occur in the tunnel. If you get injured in a tunnel accident, for example, you can seek compensation from multiple parties (other than your employer). These parties can include the site owner, contractor, engineer, equipment manufacturers, and vendors, among others. You will also be able to obtain compensation from your employer-sponsored workers’ compensation benefits.
Find Out How Our New York City Tunnel Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you have sustained injuries in a tunnel accident in NYC, you are entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries and accident-connected losses. Talk to our New York City tunnel accident lawyer by scheduling your free case review. You can reach the law office of Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman by filling out our contact form or calling 212-285-3300.
