Construction Accident Lawyer Discusses Fatal West Village Accident

In a 2015 construction accident, a piece of plywood blew off of a fence at a 17-story building undergoing a condo conversion at 160 West 12th Street in the West Village area. High winds caused the piece of wood to sail across the street, where it struck a 37-year-old female pedestrian. This allegedly caused the woman’s head to hit a wall at a parking garage. She required transport to Bellevue Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The cause of death was head trauma.

History of Violations

The New York City Buildings Department issued a stop work order at the construction site later the same day. Prior to the fatal March 18 accident, the construction company had been repeatedly cited for code violations at the site, according to the New York City Buildings Department. In fact, there had been 11 violations noted since 2012, according to the Daily News.

For example, on August 5, 2014, there was a report of a pedestrian and a vehicle being struck by falling concrete debris. Following that incident, the Buildings Department cited the company for a code violation, and it issued a stop work order. Following the latest incident, the department cited the construction company for failing to keep the construction site clean.

Although the investigation into this particular accident is ongoing, survivors of those allegedly killed due to negligent conduct can seek redress in the state’s civil courts. A wrongful death lawsuit seeks compensation for a variety of possible losses, including, but not limited to, loss of companionship and burial expenses.

Accident Lawyer

When a family member suffers injury or loss of life, it is possible to discuss the matter with a construction site accident lawyer. The consultation is free and without obligation. To further assistance, please contact us.