A pedestrian was injured by a flying construction saw blade that broke loose while workers were cutting concrete on a New York street to update the water mains underground. The three-foot long circular blade flew approximately 100 feet before hitting the woman, cutting a deep gash in her leg. The injured woman was taken to a hospital in stable condition.
Further investigations will determine what caused the blade to fly off the saw; was there an equipment defect or failure or due to poor maintenance? Numerous regulations exist to protect construction site workers, passersby’s and others from being struck by falling objects. Yet employers continue to fail to provide a safe environment and injuries, even death occur.
What happened on May 28 is being referred to as a “freak accident.” Although an unusual incident, someone was not careful enough to prevent it. To dismiss it as a “freak accident” is not only wrong, it opens the door for it to happen again. If proper safety procedures and guidelines are adhered to, even uncommon accidents can be avoided. Prevention is key!
Mark Bello has thirty-seven years experience as a trial lawyer and fifteen years as a leading expert in the lawsuit funding industry. His company, Lawsuit Financial Corporation, provides necessities of life funding to plaintiffs involved in pending, personal injury, litigation. He is a Member, Justice Pac Member, and Sustaining Member of numerous state and national justice associations.
