Construction Worker Killed in New Jersey Floor Collapse Accident

Turner in uniform and helmet stanging at the automated lathe, factory. Industrial production, metalwork engineering, power machines manufacturing

A floor collapse in a New Jersey restaurant resulted in the death of one construction worker and seriously injured another. According to a news report in The Associated Press, the fatal construction accident occurred at Coda Restaurant and Bar in Maplewood. Officials say two workers were installing a staircase in the basement when part of the first floor crumbled. When the floor collapsed, one of the workers was fatally crushed and the other sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the collapse is under investigation.

Construction workers are often asked to work in structures that are unsafe and unstable. Before New Jersey workers are allowed in a building, it must be determined if the floors are capable of supporting the live loads associated with construction work. Workers should be informed about the floor’s load bearing capacity and the weight of the persons and materials involved in the construction work. In some cases, it is necessary to provide floor support before heavy loads are moved in and long before employees are allowed on the premises.

The most common causes of floor collapse include:

• Inadequate or incomplete floor construction
• Floors that are not built to code
• Structural support elements that are either inadequate or that have been altered or removed
• Overloading with demolition or construction materials

There is financial support available for injured workers who are hurt in floor collapse accidents and for the families of those killed on the job. Workers’ compensation benefits in New Jersey usually cover medical bills and a portion of lost wages. However, many victims and families are denied the support they need. An experienced New Jersey lawyer will be able to serve as a vocal advocate for injured victims and help them get the monetary support they need and rightfully deserve.