Collapse in Brighton Beach-More Construction Workers Injured

Here we go again. More construction workers are injured in a building collapse, right here in Brighton Beach, New York City, during construction. It's a shame. The initial reports are that while concrete was being pumped the third floor collapsed down to the second floor.

I can't help but say that this isn't the first time this has happened nor the first time I have been the lawyer representing a worker injured during a collapse while concrete was being poured.

A building is supposed to be designed so that each floor is capable of bearing the weight above it, even during construction.

There are rules and regulations under the NYCRR and OSHA that will no doubt be found to have been violated. Claims will be brought based upon Labor Laws 200, 241(6) and 240(1).

Hopefully the workers will be OK in the long run. But for those of them that are permanently injured or can't return to work or both, these are strong laws that protect them and give them rights.

Now what they need to do is get the best medical care they can get, rest and try to heal. In the meantime their families will have to hire great lawyers to help them get through this difficult time.

I wish them luck. As always we at The Perecman Firm are here to help.

Construction workers who have accidents ask themselves what do I do. Do I report the accident?

Does it matter if I had a scaffold accident or fall, or a fall off a ladder, or if I slipped or tripped on debris?

Do I need a lawyer? How do I find a good lawyer, better yet a great one. Do I go to my union and ask them?

Here are some answers.

When You Have an Accident?

1. Report the accident. Get a copy of the report. Make sure it is accurate, particularly if an unsafe method of work or condition was the cause.

2. Get medical care. Don't tough it out. If it's minor it will get better but if not you will have done the right thing anyway. I can't tell you how often workers get hurt and don't report it or don't get care and then a week later their shoulder or their knee or their back is still painful and now they get care and see a lawyer and the first defense that comes up is why didn't they report it and get care immediately.

3. Find and go to a lawyer that specializes in construction accidents and has a record of success to back it up. Don't just rely only on what a friend tells you. Do your own research. If you get a recommendation, check out the lawyers results. Make sure they are lawyers who really specialize in construction cases. Not just some here or there. A lawyer that has handled a dozen construction cases has less experience than one who has handled hundreds of them.

Every body prefers a recommendation. That makes sense. But please do your own research. Thats what the internet is for.

4. Ask to meet the trial lawyer who will try your case if it goes to trial. Ask if they are just "associated" with the firm or employed by them. You want to know that the lawyer who will try your case is a full time employee. Even if they are in the same physical office, thats not enough. Lawyers with separate practices share suites.

5. Get and continue to receive proper and necessary medical care. If your doctor says your fine and you don't think so, go to another doctor and tell your lawyer.

6. Ask your lawyer whats going on with your case when you are not sure.

Good luck.

High School Student Struck by Southbound 5 Express Train

An 18 year old high school student, and aspiring chef, from the Bronx, was struck in the head by a train heading southbound on the 5 train track at the Union Square Station. The teen was heading to his cooking class when the accident occurred. According to an eyewitness, the teen looked pale as he walked down the platform, and either fainted or fell onto the train's path. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital, suffering from a serious head injury, and is currently in critical condition. New York personal inury lawyers are aware of the accident and will be following with his condition.

Stranded Motorist Killed Checking Car

A chain reaction caused a stranded motorist to be struck by his own vehicle today on the Williamsburg Bridge. The 27 year old victim was behind the wheel of his Honda Civic when it stalled out on the bridge causing him to get out of his car and check it for problems. While he was checking his car for problems a taxi hit his car causing it to crash into him, as well as causing a van to crash into the taxi. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The taxi driver was taken to Bellevue Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. New York personal injury attorneys are aware of this accident and will be awaiting any further reports regarding this accident.

Four Injured in Van and Pickup Truck Accident

Police, Firefighters and paramedics responded to an accident yesterday at Northern Boulevard and 126th Street in Queens after a van and a pickup truck collided. The van flipped after colliding with the pickup truck, injuring two adults and two children. All four who were injured were taken to New York Hospital Queens. New York automobile accident attorneys are waiting for further news regarding this accident.

New York Man Fleeing Police Crashes Car, Passenger Seriously Injured

A man in Long Island was arrested for driving while high on drugs after he crashed his car while fleeing police on Thursday, February 17, 2011. The passenger was seriously injured in the crash in Deer Park. According to the Long Island Press, officers tried to pull over a Cadillac but the driver tried to escape from the police. He crashed into a GMC at the corner of Long Island Avenue and Deer Park Avenue. The passenger in the Cadillac was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition. Detectives are awaiting blood test results. New York car accident attorneys are waiting for more information to be made available.

Recall of 800,000 Child Safety Seats Announced

According to CNN, Dorel Juvenile Group announced a recall on Monday, February 14, 2011 of nearly 800,000 child safety seats because they do not always lock properly. The recall covers certain infant, convertible and booster child restraint systems that were made between May 2008 and April 2009.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the harness locking and release button on the seats does not always return to its locked position. This can lead to loose straps and could result in injuries. In order to fix the problem, Dorel will send registered owners a small tube of “food-grade lubricant” that is designed to prevent sticking and ensure the harness button works properly. New York product liability attorneys are waiting for more information to be released.