You may be hesitant to contact a lawyer after a work injury, but the fact is that it may be helpful as well as informational. This post will look at the benefits of talking to a lawyer in the event of a workplace injury.
Construction workers' accidents: Wall collapse traps 6, kills 1
Despite the safety regulations that federal and state authorities mandate, lives continue to be lost on building sites in New York. One of the most recent construction workers' accidents happened in Brooklyn on a recent Wednesday. It claimed the life of a 47-year-old employee of a building contractor.
According to a report by the New York City Fire Department, the worker was trapped when a retaining wall collapsed. Reportedly six workers who were clearing out the foundation on the construction site at about 1:30 p.m. were caught unawares when the 20-foot wall collapsed onto them. Five men managed to get to safety, but the sixth worker was buried under tons of rubble.
Toddler gives police evidence that results in drug charges
Child protective services in New York recently put a 3-year-old child into relatives' care after her mother was taken into custody. New York State Police says the girl played an important role in her mother's arrest. The arrest and subsequent drug charges took place during a traffic stop on a recent Thursday afternoon.
Troopers allege they observed the suspicious behavior of two occupants of a car and pulled the vehicle over. An incident report indicates that the odor of burning marijuana was evident immediately upon the occupants of the car opening the window. Reportedly, as one officer questioned the 26-year-old driver and the 33-year-old mother of the child in the front passenger seat, another trooper checked on the welfare of an unsecured toddler in the back seat.
Fatal forklift accident may lead to workers' compensation claim
Workers in New York warehouses face various safety hazards every day. Warehouse employees file workers' compensation claims every year, ranging from musculoskeletal injuries to forklift accidents. The dangers posed by forklifts do not always receive the necessary attention. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration prescribes strict regulations related to forklift safety, one of which is adequate training and allowing only certified forklift drivers to operate the dangerous machines.
A fatal workplace accident is currently under investigation by safety authorities. Authorities say a 43-year-old employee lost his life in a forklift accident on a recent Thursday. A police report indicates that the incident occurred in the early morning hours at the warehouse of a food distributor.
Drunk driving charges filed against alleged hit-and-run driver
Drivers in New York who face criminal charges will likely do whatever they can to avoid a conviction. A conviction on drunk driving charges can have horrible effects on anyone's life. It can jeopardize employment, good name, driving privileges and more.
A 29-year-old New York man was recently arraigned following his arrest by Yorktown police. According to a police report, officers responded to two accidents shortly before 2:45 on a recent Tuesday. In both cases, the vehicle that crashed into other cars was reported to have left the crash scenes.
Potential penalties for lack of workers’ compensation insurance
Perhaps your business operation requires your employees to lift heavy objects, control dangerous machinery or work with hazardous chemicals. Or perhaps your business involves working with ill patients, walking on slippery floors or dealing with violent individuals. In any type of business, New York state law requires that all employers must purchase and carry workers’ compensation insurance.
In case an employee faces injury on the job, not only do you want to provide compensation through insurance for that individual, but you also want to avoid serious criminal charges for lack of insurance. Your business could face lawsuits from employees, a lowered reputation and significant fines. To protect your business from workers’ compensation disputes, you want to follow New York law and purchase insurance.
Arrested for a DWI? Time is of the essence
New York is known for its exhilarating nightlife and award-winning restaurants. Tourists and residents alike enjoy weekends of sightseeing and barhopping. Unfortunately, the good times can abruptly come to an end when an officer pulls you over. A drunk driving arrest or charge could put a damper on weekend plans, and the consequences don’t end there.
Workplace safety violations might have led to electrocution
Tree workers in New York and elsewhere face multiple occupational hazards. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, employers in all industries must provide safe work environments. Their responsibilities include providing employees with adequate training in workplace safety to prepare them for the hazard they will face while doing their jobs.
One of the most significant dangers for tree workers is the fact that they often work near overhead power cables. There are strict regulations about the distance that must be clear between workers and power lines. However, workers who are not informed about the dangers, or those who have become complacent and less alert, might make contact with energized power lines.
Can drug charges follow a hotel housekeeper's discovery of drugs?
It was recently reported that the executive officer of a Fortune 500 company was arrested and charged with drug trafficking. This followed the discovery of a significant stash of drugs, including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy, in his suite at a hotel in another state. People in New York might have questions about drug charges that are filed after a housekeeper or another staff member of a hotel reports finding drugs in a guest's room.
A patron who is lawfully checked into a hotel room is protected by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution from legal action if a maid or housekeeper reports the presence of any illegal objects in the room. This protection is in effect until that guest is checked out or evicted from the hotel. Such a discovery constitutes an unlawful search, which could lead to the dismissal of a case due to the disallowance of illegally obtained evidence.
Workplace safety plans are crucial for roof work
According to federal safety regulations governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, employers nationwide, including in New York must protect workers from known safety hazards. One area in which control is often neglected is roof work. When workplace safety plans are not in place for working at elevated levels, the consequences could be devastating.
By establishing a management plan for rooftop work, an employer can maintain safety control throughout a project. A proper plan ensures that the employer or supervisor will know which workers are on the roof at all times, and what their respective duties are. All the roof workers will know whether access to the roof will be obtained by the use of a ladder, stairwell or an aerial lift.
