A construction worker who was injured at the site of the future St. George courthouse on Staten Island has filed a lawsuit. The complaint alleges unsafe work conditions and seeks damages from 10 named defendants, including the state Office of Court Administration, the city, various other contractors and the state Dormitory Authority.
The 58-year-old Queens resident was on-site at the courthouse doing air conditioning, heating and ventilation work. Authorities say that the man fell one story down an elevator shaft into duct work. The duct was able to support the man’s weight and prevent him from falling further. Rescue workers lowered a firefighter into the shaft, who transported the man down to the fourth floor and then removed him from the building. However, the man’s lawyer says that he actually fell two floors through a duct area that was not covered, suffering serious injuries to his arms and legs that required surgery. It was stated that the man is still being treated and has not yet returned to work. The date of the construction accident was not disclosed.
The Complaint alleges that the defendants failed to provide the injured man with a safe place to work or with adequate warnings and protections. A spokesperson for the Office of Court administration declined to comment on the pending litigation but noticed that the court system is not related to construction. A spokesperson for the Dormitory Agency declined to comment. A spokeswoman for the city’s legal department said that the papers are under review.
Workers who are injured on the job may be entitled to compensation. A lawyer may be able to help employes who are harmed in workplace accidents seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, out of pocket expenses and pain and suffering.
Source: Silive.com, “Construction worker sues after fall at new Staten Island courthouse“, Frank Donnelly, January 06, 2014
