Construction Worker Killed by Falling Tape Measure

A 58-year-old man was killed at a New Jersey construction site when a one-pound tape measure fell from the 50th floor of a building and struck him in the head. According to a news report in The Daily Record, the fatal construction accident occurred at a site in downtown Jersey City. Officials say the man was delivering a product to the construction site when the tape measure became dislodged from the belt of a worker on the 50th floor. The victim left his hard hat in his truck and was fatally struck in the head. He succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital shortly thereafter.

Coming into contact with objects and equipment at a construction site can be extremely dangerous. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 717 fatal work injuries that resulted from contact with objects and equipment in the year 2013. During that same year, 503 workers were killed when they were struck by objects, including 245 who were killed by falling objects.

These staggering statistics are why workers must make sure that equipment, tools and building materials are carefully secured on their person and why visitors must wear hardhats at all times. Supervisors and property owners should also make sure that hardhat signs are clearly posted at the entrance of construction sites.

Fatal accidents, however, can occur at even the safest construction sites. If you have lost a loved one in a work-related accident, it is crucial that you reach out for legal guidance. Financial support may be available for your tragic loss. For example, workers’ compensation death benefits can provide financial support for lost wages and other related damages. In cases involving negligence, additional support may be available through a third-party claim.

The sudden and tragic loss of a loved one can prove emotionally and financially devastating to a family. It is important that victims of these types of accidents are provided the support and compensation they need to recover. Filing a claim may be the last thing on your mind after a tragic loss, but it is necessary to quickly secure help from an experienced New Jersey workplace death attorney who will guide you through the legal proceedings and help protect your rights.