Construction Worker Falls to Death at Ridgewood Site in Queens, NY

Tragic Death at Myrtle Point Construction Site in Queens, NY

At approximately 3 p.m. on April 6, 2022, 45-year-old construction worker Holger Molino-Pinos, fell down an elevator shaft after slipping on a beam while moving a plywood board. Molino-Pinos fell 20 feet from ground level into the basement while it rained that day. He was rushed to Wyckoff Hospital but died from his injuries soon after.

About the Construction Site

The construction site located at 3-50 St. Nicholas Ave. in Queens, NY, is set to be the tallest building in Ridgewood and will be 17 stories when complete. Despite many protests from the community claiming it will drive up rent, the mixed-use building will be host to both retail and residential spaces.

The Ridgewood Tenants Union orchestrated a protest stating the site “scaffolding has taken up the community’s public space, created safety hazards for pedestrians and accumulated piles of garbage that make sidewalks unsanitary.”

A History of Failing to Safeguard Working Conditions

In the months leading up to this fatal incident, the Myrtle Point development, also known as Ridgewood Towers, was issued eight safety violations by the NYC Department of Buildings.
A total of four workers have reported injuries aside from the recent death. In February, a worker was hit when a fence gate fell. In March, another worker was injured due to “poor safety conditions.”

NY Construction Accident Attorneys Can Help

When a construction worker is injured, they are normally eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, if the worker is fatally killed in a construction site accident, their surviving families may need the help of an experienced construction accident lawyer. We sat down with NY construction accident attorney Laurence Banville to learn more about their legal rights.

LE – Why is the construction industry the leading cause of work-related injuries in the country?

Laurence Banville – Construction workers are at a high risk of being injured on the job. They are exposed to many risks, including falling, electrical shock, machinery, fire, and more. They are also subject to a wide range of hazards, such as dangerous chemicals, machinery, heavy equipment, and other dangers.

LE – How should contractors prevent injuries on construction sites?

Laurence Banville – Too often, construction site deaths and injuries could have been prevented. Many construction accidents are caused by human error or a lack of training. To avoid construction accidents and fatalities, a contractor is legally required to follow basic guidelines, which include:

• Have workers wear personal protective equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves. These tools can prevent serious injuries from accidents and help limit liability.
• Make sure workers have adequate training on the proper use of equipment and safety procedures.
• Have workers be trained in basic first aid, CPR, and other skills that can help them survive in the event of an accident.
  Have workers follow company safety rules and regulations.
• Ensure the work site is not only free of dangerous debris but has all necessary safeguards, including guardrails.

LE – What can the families of construction accident deaths do to seek justice?

Laurence Banville – Families of construction workers who die at construction sites often do not know their legal rights. They are not prepared and therefore do not know what to expect from the employer or the insurance company. The key is to hire a construction accident lawyer who is knowledgeable about construction safety laws and regulations.

LE – How can a construction accident lawyer help?

Laurence Banville – If the industry fails to meet this duty of care, it can be held liable for the harm it causes. Construction site injury attorneys protect the legal rights of both injured workers and the surviving families. They help these families to pursue justice by holding the negligent contractor or employer accountable in a civil lawsuit. Compensation may be available to cover medical expenses and more.

Get Justice for Construction Site Accidents

To learn more about NY construction accident laws, victims can reach out to Legal Examiner. Our team of experienced construction accident lawyers has helped numerous families of construction accident deaths receive compensation for their loss and suffering. If you or a loved one was killed in a construction accident, our law firm can help. Call our law office today for a free consultation with one of our New York Construction Accident Lawyers. For more information

Sources:

https://foresthillspost.com/construction-worker-falls-to-his-death-at-ridgewood-building-site
https://qns.com/2022/04/man-falls-death-ridgewood-towers-construction-site/