
The construction of underground passageways, tunnels, chambers, and shafts are important yet a highly dangerous activity. This type of work involves working in reduced light conditions with limited exits and access points, as well as exposure to asphyxiation, fire, and explosive hazards. Standard 1926.800 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates underground construction. It has been revised many times to reflect changes in construction and to more adequately protect workers. People may lose their lives or suffer serious, long-term injuries as a result of construction activities related to tunneling. If you were affected by such an accident in any of the five boroughs, please contact Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. at (516) 932-0400 for a free case evaluation. Our injury lawyer for tunnel construction accidents will help you determine whether you have grounds for a case, the value of your claim, and the next steps you should take.
- Tunnel Construction
- Injuries and Accidents
- Why File a Claim
Tunnel Construction
Tunnel construction is covered by OSHA’s underground construction regulations. New York Consolidated Laws-Labor Article 7 also applies to relevant workers, as does New York Building Construction, Demolition and Repair Work § 240. Hazards faced by those working in tunnels include:- Reduced natural ventilation
- Reduced natural light
- Difficult and limited entry and egress from the tunnel
- Exposure to air contaminants, such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, or nitrogen dioxide
- The threat of fires, floods, or explosions
- Cave-ins
- Earth or rockslides
- Equipment failures
- Having safe entryways and exits
- Providing employee training based on needs and requirements
- Implementing effective check-in and check-out procedures
- Having emergency protocols and dangerous situation response plans in place
- Air monitoring and ventilation
- Identifying the presence of contaminants
- Managing illumination and communications
- Handling flood control
- Personal protective equipment rules
- Executing emergency procedures, such as emergency evacuations
- Implementing check-in and check-out procedures
- Managing the use of explosives
- Ensuring fire prevention and protection protocols are met and followed
- Supervising the use of mechanical equipment
For a free legal consultation with a Tunnel Construction Accident lawyer serving New York, call (516) 932-0400
Injuries and Accidents
Tunnel construction accidents cause:- Head injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Fractures and sprains
- Nerve, muscle, and connective tissue damage
- Respiratory injuries
- Toxic chemical injuries
- Burns, cuts, or lacerations
- Crushed bones or amputations
- Blindness, face injuries, or disfigurement
- Wrongful death
New York Tunnel Construction Accident Lawyer Near Me (516) 932-0400
Why File a Claim
According to Industrial Health, the absence of formal rules that ensure that clients and construction companies both share responsibility for implementing health and safety standards lead to higher accident rates and more injury-related deaths and losses. As mentioned earlier, OSHA and state/federal rules govern various types of construction activities—including tunnel construction—and employers, clients, and vendors are expected to follow mandated safety protocols. If you suffered an accident, sustained injuries, or were forced to endure other losses because of the oversights, negligence, or incompetence of another party, you may face substantial medical bills, an inability to work, potential injuries as serious as a permanent loss of a body part, or even worse, a loved one. It is in cases such as these that you will file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party and parties that are legally responsible for your injuries. Friedman & Simon, L.L.P.’s injury lawyer for tunnel construction accidents is available to help. If you decide to work with us, we will:- Keep you updated on your case
- Identify liable parties
- Communicate with all parties for you
- Gather evidence
- Determine a value for your case
Call or text (516) 932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form