Construction Worker Killed in a Forklift Accident in Queens
Construction job sites are full of heavy machinery, which can be very dangerous to those who need to operate it, as well as to bystanders. A construction accident in Queens last year is the latest reminder of the danger posed by heavy equipment like forklifts. If you have been injured, contact a Queens construction accident lawyer for assistance.
Family and Friends Raise Concerns about the Safety of the Jobsite
According to Spectrum News, a construction worker was killed in early March in the morning hours as he worked at a luxury high-rise construction project in Queens. Edgar Pazmino, aged 34, was found unconscious when he was pinned by the machine at the job site on 89th Avenue, near 150th Street in Jamaica.
According to the police, Mr. Pazmino was unconscious and later pronounced dead at the scene. He had apparently been standing on the back of a forklift that was moving windows for storage into a garage when he hit his head on a low ceiling. He then became pinned under the forklift
Based on reports, the job site had many safety violations—37 of them as of March 2018. The developer owed the city $67,000 in fines for all safety violations, which is a considerable sum. More alarmingly, the window company allegedly denied that it had employed anyone by Pazmino’s name, at least according to the story offered by his family, which was trying to find out more information about the accident that led to his death.
Heavy Machinery Injuries
Unfortunately, Mr. Pazmino was not alone. Each year, hundreds of construction workers suffer serious injuries when they are pinned by a piece of heavy machinery. Even when their injuries are not fatal, victims can suffer:
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Brain injuries. If the skull is crushed, then brain tissue can suffer a direct impact. Even if nothing penetrates the brain, a worker can suffer a concussion or other injury that impairs their ability to live normal lives.
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Compound fractures. A broken bone can come out of the skin, leading to a risk of infection.
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Crush injuries. When a heavy object rests on the body, it can damage skeletal muscle, causing it to break down. As a result, the worker can suffer shock or kidney damage.
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Compartment syndrome. After a crushed body part is freed, it can become swollen, which cuts off the blood supply to nearby tissue, leading to necrosis.
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Amputation. Body parts might need to be amputated after getting crushed under heavy machinery.
If you see a co-worker injured by a heavy piece of machinery, immediately call for help. It might take more than one person to get the piece of machinery off them. Also call emergency services, since immediate medical treatment is often needed to save their lives.
Injured at Work? Contact a Queens Construction Accident Attorney Now
Far too many construction sites in Queens and other boroughs are dangerous, with terrible safety track records. If you have been injured, you might be able to receive compensation for your losses.
Reach out to Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman today. Our team of Queens construction accident lawyers is prepared to help you any way we can. To learn more about the services we offer, please contact us by calling 917-813-3514. We offer a free case evaluation.