The site of an under-construction New Jersey Quick Chek convenience store gained publicity in October 2011 after a serious construction accident. According to the Press of Atlantic City, five workers were transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River after the roof at the construction site collapsed. Four of the five workers were soon released after being treated for minor injuries; however, one man was transferred to Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
According to authorities, the workers suffered from a range of injuries, including back pain and broken legs. An Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigator was dispatched to the site to determine the cause of the accident.
A general contractor was employed on the Quick Chek site, as was a subcontractor. The subcontractor had the task of building wooden roof trusses. It is very possible that the subcontractor was negligent in some aspect of constructing the roof trusses. There may also have been negligence on the part of the general contractor in installing or overseeing the installation of the trusses, which jeopardized the stability of the subcontractor’s work.
The construction industry involves a great deal of risk, which is why it is imperative that contractors, subcontractors, and other third parties adhere to the appropriate regulations and standards. If their negligence causes a workplace injury accident, then they may be held liable for the injured worker’s losses.
If you have been injured in a construction accident as the result of negligence on the part of a contractor or subcontractor, or because of a failure in equipment or machinery, the experienced New Jersey construction accident lawyers at Blume Forte can help you understand your legal rights and options.