There was a construction accident in Brooklyn, New York on February 2, 2024. According to reports, the floor of a building collapsed on a worker who was in the basement. Rescue attempts were made, to dig the victim out of the rubble and dirt, but were unsuccessful. The victim has been identified as Juan Tamayo. The Department of Buildings has indicated that no permits were issued for the project, and in fact a stop-work order had been issued in early January. This deadly accident remains under investigation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Juan Tamayo.
Construction work undertaken without the necessary permits poses significant risks, both legally and in terms of safety. Without the oversight provided by the permit process, there’s no assurance that the construction complies with local building codes, zoning laws, and safety standards. This oversight is crucial in ensuring that structures are safe for occupancy and use. Buildings erected without proper permits might be structurally unsound, posing a danger not only to the people who use them but also to neighboring properties and the general public. Furthermore, the absence of permits often means that the work is not inspected by qualified professionals at critical stages, increasing the risk of electrical fires, structural collapses, and other hazardous incidents that can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Additionally, undertaking construction without the necessary permits can have severe legal and financial consequences. Homeowners and contractors can face fines, legal action, and the costly requirement to redo or remove work that does not meet code requirements. This not only delays projects but also significantly increases the overall cost and can affect property values negatively. In some cases, insurance companies may refuse to cover damages related to unpermitted work, leaving property owners vulnerable to financial loss. The legal entanglements and potential for financial ruin highlight the importance of obtaining all required permits before commencing construction work, ensuring that all activities are carried out legally, safely, and up to standard.
Tragically, there have been a number of recent deaths on construction projects. Fourteen people were hospitalized after being exposed to carbon monoxide in New Haven, Connecticut on January 17, 2024. A worker fell from a ladder in Charlestown, Rhode Island on January 23, 2024. A boom truck tipped over in an accident in El Paso, Texas on January 26, 2024. Three workers were burned in an explosion while cutting a pipe in Travis County, Texas on January 30, 2024. An airport hangar under construction in Boise, Idaho collapsed on January 31, 2024.
Despite being a vital part of the economy, construction projects often pose severe hazards both to construction workers and to the general public if precautions are not taken. Each construction project poses its own unique risks and hazards based on the work being done. Risks that may present themselves during a project must be carefully evaluated before the job begins.
Our experienced lawyers have handled personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits of all kinds and have the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously. The experienced construction personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an accident at a work site.
Our lawyers have represented numerous workers who have sustained serious and catastrophic injuries on a job site as a result of the negligence of another party. There are strict and short time limits on making claims, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.