Tunnel Accidents Lawyer in NYC

Construction work that occurs underground is a challenging environment for workers. Constructing tunnels, shafts, chambers, and passageways underground are inherently dangerous by their nature. New York City is unique in the sheer number of tunnels under construction. Essential appropriate safety procedures must be followed to protect workers from tunnel accidents. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) lists specific safety guidelines for tunnel construction and state’s must follow these guidelines or adhere to State Safety Guidelines at least as effective as the OSHA’s safety guidelines for tunnels. Among the numerous safety guidelines outlined, OSHA mandates that construction workers in tunnels must have access to safe egress routes, proper training in emergency procedures and hazard recognition.

Tunnel accidents underground can be very serious and lead to significant injuries or even death. Such accidents are caused by slip and falls, falling objects, collapse, or workers struck by heavy equipment or machinery. Tunnel accidents of any kind can lead to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and more.

If you are a union member, pipefitter, or construction worker hurt on the job, you were likely injured because your employer, or their contractors, did not adhere to proper safety guidelines. If your injuries resulted from this negligence you may be entitled to compensated for your injuries. To know your rights,  you should contact a personal injury lawyer immediately. Only an attorney experienced in experienced in construction and tunnel accidents should evaluate your claim. Remember, the law limits the time you have to file a personal injury claim in New York. The New York State Statute of Limitations Laws limit the time for most personal injury cases to three (3) years from the date of injury.

OSHA Tunnel Safety Requirements

Tunnel safety should be of paramount importance to employers. Worker safety under New York Law is the responsibility of the employer. Any underground tunnel construction training program should include the following:

• Proper Lighting
• Proper Ventilation and Air Control
• Flood Control
• Explosives
• Fire Prevention and Control
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Heavy Equipment and Machinery to be used in Construction
• Evacuation Plans
• Emergency Procedures

Causes of Tunnel Accidents in New York

A construction worker may be hurt through various types of accidents. Below are some of the most common types of tunnel accident causes:

• Slip and Falls
• Explosions
• Fires
• Floods
• Electrocutions
• Crush by Heavy Objects
• Falling Objects
• Struck by Heavy Machinery or Heavy Equipment
• Lack of Safety Equipment
• Improper Safety Training
• Defective Tunnel Walls or Structures
• Tunnel Collapse

Common Injuries Sustained in Tunnel Accidents

Tunnel accidents may cause all types of injuries. Some common tunnel accident injuries are as follows:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Broken Bones
• Head and Neck
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Sprains and Strains
• Amputated Limbs
• Lung and Respiratory Disease or Distress
• Burns
• Death

New York Labor Law Applies to Tunnel Accidents

New York Labor Law may apply to tunnel accidents in New York City. Section 240, also known as the  “scaffold law,” does not simply apply to falls from tall buildings, but may also apply in an underground tunnel situation such as falls from ladders or scaffolds and/or the falling of objects onto one’s person.

New York City Tunnel Accident Lawyers

The lawyers at Pazer Epstein Jaffe Fein & Gozenput, P.C. are committed to workplace safety. Our construction accident attorneys have worked for decades protecting union members and all construction workers while securing millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts. New York Labor Law requires that employers provide a reasonably safe work environment for their employees. If you have been injured in a tunnel accident, we are here to help recover for the damages you have incurred. You may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit against owners and contractors on the job for lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and other reimbursements. If the ultimate of tragedies occurs and la oved one has died in a New York Tunnel Accident, a surviving spouse or relative may be able to even bring a Wrongful Death Claim.

We offer a free consultation to any hurt worker in New York. We may be reached at (212) 847-5007 in New York or on Long Island at (718) 954-9986.