New York City Tunnel Worker Injuries Lawyer

Unlike many other cities in the nation, New York City heavily depends on underground tunnel systems. Inhabitants of the city can easily get from one end to the other because of the intricate subway systems and tunnels, which would cease to exist without the hard work of New York City tunnel workers.

Even though tunnel workers are an absolute necessity in New York City, they are not always treated like it. Companies frequently overlook their health and well-being in favor of speed and cost savings. Workers are frequently at risk of injury and illness when safety standards are not upheld. Countless tunnel workers may experience severe injury or even death by way of suffocation, structural collapses, fires, and more.

If you or a loved one were injured in a tunnel accident, you may be entitled to compensation. If the injury or illness was work-related, you will likely qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. In some cases, you may be able to pursue additional compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against negligent parties that caused the accident.

Contact Shulman & Hill today to meet with a tunnel worker injury attorney who can fight on your behalf. Our team of attorneys is experienced in handling workers’ compensation and personal injury cases in New York City. They will fight relentlessly for you to pursue any compensation that you may be entitled to.

Tunnel Safety Requirements

Tunnel work can be incredibly dangerous. In response to these dangers, the industry has established several safety standards to help keep workers safe from harm. Although these standards will not protect against every injury, they can help mitigate the most dangerous and avoidable injuries. Below is a list of several important standards:

• Air Monitoring and Ventilation: The air in tunnels must be monitored to ensure that it is of good breathing quality. Proper ventilation can help improve air quality and keep workers safe and healthy.
• Check-In/Out Procedures: Tunnel work sites should have check-in/out procedures to ensure every worker is accounted for. This prevents people from being left behind.
• Crane and Hoist Provisions: Cranes and hoists used in tunnels have extensive safety features and protocols to ensure that they do not fail on the job.
• Emergency Plans: Not all accidents are avoidable. Emergency plans should be in place in the case of an unforeseen accident. This includes collapse, fire, and machine failure. Everyone working in the tunnel must know of the emergency plans.
• Fire Prevention: Underground fires can be deadly and difficult to control once ignited. Monitoring air quality and controlling combustible sources are a must for fire prevention.
• Proper Lighting: Tunnels are inherently dark working environments, which can cause vision loss over time. Lights should be set up so all workers can see. Additionally, workers should have access to personal light for further illumination.

Above are only a few safety standards that tunnel workers and companies should abide by. A breach in one or more of these standards or procedures can lead to injury or even death.

Common Tunnel Worker Injuries and Dangers

Tunnel workers are often exposed to serious and life-threatening injuries and dangers on the job. Here are some common injuries and dangers tunnel workers may face:

• Accidents Due to Poor Lighting: Being underground, workers may be unable to detect obstacles and other hazards due to poor lighting.
• Becoming Lost: Unlike most other jobs, tunnel workers can become lost while underground. This may cause workers to be left behind, potentially leading to serious injuries or death.
• Crushed: Tunnel collapse or improperly used equipment can cause workers to be crushed.
• Fire: Because tunnel workers work in constricted areas, fires are extremely dangerous. This is especially true when flammable gases cause explosions within the tunnels.
• Suffocation: Being underground limits access to fresh air, putting workers at risk of suffocation. This can lead to brain damage and even death if they are not removed quickly.
• Tunnel Silicosis: Tunnel silicosis is a lung illness caused by inhaling silica dust. The condition affects 14% of tunnel workers.

Do You Have an Injury Case?

If you were injured while working, you will likely qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. This can help cover your medical expenses and lost wages while you are unable to work.

Some injured workers may be able to pursue additional compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against negligent parties that contributed to their accident. A negligent party could include a contractor that failed to provide workers with sufficient safety equipment or failed to properly maintain equipment.

For your tunnel injury case, our team can work with experts and other professionals to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. This can help us identify any negligent parties that may be responsible for compensating you. We can then pursue the case for any compensation to which you may be entitled including for your pain and suffering from your injuries, lost earnings, and medical bills.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for workers’ compensation and/or a lawsuit, contact Shulman & Hill for a free legal consultation.

Contact Shulman & Hill

If you have been injured in a tunnel accident, contact Shulman & Hill today. Shulman & Hill is an experienced workers’ compensation and personal injury law firm in New York City capable of handling tunnel worker injury cases. Our relentless attorneys fight on behalf of injured workers and citizens to help them seek compensation for their losses.

Shulman & Hill combines relentless action with compassionate care to provide tunnel workers with strong representation. We strive to treat every client as though they are family. This starts with our free legal consultations. Give us a call at 212.221.1000 to meet with an attorney today.