Bronx Construction Worker Struck and Killed by Digger

On Thursday morning in the Bronx, a construction worker was tragically killed on a job site. At 1861 Carter Ave near East 176th Street in Mount Hope, work ceased when an unidentified man was struck by a digger. 

Firefighters commented that the worker was pronounced dead at the job site. He suffered cardiac arrest while bleeding out from his injuries. 

The construction site is erecting an apartment building dedicated to affordable housing for those who have experienced homelessness and mental illness. The construction has been paused by NYPD while the investigation continues by both police and the Department of Buildings.

Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident, after which the body of the worker could be seen by passersby, covered in a bloody sheet. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the victim.

Digger Accidents at Construction Sites

Unfortunately, digger and excavation accidents are all too common. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has reported that excavation work raises the construction site fatality rate to 112%. That means construction workers are much more likely to be involved in an accident if digging on-site. In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2021, Construction and extraction occupations had the second most occupational deaths (951).

While diggers are essential to moving the earth, they can pose a mortal danger to the workers who operate them every day. Digger accidents can be caused by negligent operation, a failure on the part of the company to properly train the operator, or even a manufacturing defect. Until more details surface, we can not confirm the cause of the accident in the Bronx. The sad fact is that no matter the cause of an accident involving a digger, it is likely to be fatal. Because of the sheer size and weight of these machines, their moving parts and hulking bodies can easily crush a construction worker, even when they are wearing designated safety equipment. 

Legal Help for Injuries on Construction Sites

If you or someone you know has been struck, hit, or crushed on a job site, it is imperative that you know your rights and that you secure an attorney to advise on how to move forward. Construction accidents can be devastating, and you may be confused about what kind of compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries.

Construction companies, contractors, and building owners are among those that can be held liable for the life-changing injuries that result from an accident. But they often won’t take accountability unless a skilled lawyer is working on your case.

The experienced attorneys at Block O’Toole & Murphy serve the construction workers of New York, with a proven track record of recovering millions in compensation for their clients. Results include:

• $5,500,000 Settlement for a 54-year-old construction worker whose upper body was crushed by a rotating excavator
• $4,500,000 Settlement for a worker who was knocked unconscious when struck by a hoist gate
• $3,175,000 Settlement for a truck driver who suffered knee and spine injuries after he was hit by a forklift while making a delivery

Call 212-736-5300 or fill out our online contact form to speak with one of our construction accident attorneys today.