New York Construction Accident Lawyer David Perecman Weighs in on Building Fire, Worker’s Dramatic Jump to Safety Caught on Video
New York, New York (PRWEB) April 03, 2014 -- A construction supervisor was trapped on a balcony by smoke and flames when a planned $50 million luxury apartment complex caught fire. He leapt to a lower floor to escape the blaze and allow enough time to let a fire truck ladder get close enough for him to jump onto it, reported Fox News (3.26.14). The dramatic escape and rescue in Houston, Texas was captured on cell phone video. The video highlighted the dangers of construction work, said David Perecman, founder of The Perecman Firm.
There was an estimated two-foot gap between the ladder and Curtis Reissig 56, the worker who jumped. Fox news reported that the ladder couldn't be fully extended for fear of injuring other firefighters. The cause of the fire was unknown, but it is thought to have been caused by welders on the roof.
Construction accident lawyers at The Perecman Firm understand that construction sites may have many potential fire hazards. Construction activities, such as welding and wiring electricity, often produce sparks or intense heat that can increase the risk of fire. This risk is further escalated when the work is done near gas lines, chemicals, propane tanks, acetylene tanks, or other flammable or combustible materials. When proper safety precautions are not taken, a fire can break out and seriously injure workers.
Fires on construction sites can cause significant damage to property and severe injury to workers. Injuries may include severe burns; lung damage; disfigurement; head and back injuries caused by falls; toxic exposure; and internal injuries from falling debris. Workers who sustain fire-related injuries can face many painful surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and permanent disabilities.
Reissig suffered minor burns to his face and hand in the fire, which destroyed the planned apartment complex. No other injuries were reported.
When workers are injured or killed on the job, those who neglected the safety regulations may be held accountable for the workers’ losses, expenses and pain and suffering. If a New York construction worker is injured on the job due to an employer’s negligence, he or she may have the right to recover damages. The families of construction workers killed on a worksite may contact a lawyer to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
“Unfortunately, construction site injuries, including burns, are typically a direct result of someone else's negligence. Safety of all workers must be a top consideration on any construction site,” said Perecman, a construction accident lawyer in New York for over 30 years.
For more than 30 years, the construction accident attorneys at The Perecman Firm in New York have aggressively helped injured workers and-or their families obtain compensation following construction accidents in New York. Contact The Perecman Firm at 212-977-7033.
The Fox News story cited is “Worker describes escape from burning building.”
About David Perecman and The Perecman Firm, PLLC:
For the past 30 years, the New York construction accident, medical malpractice, auto accident, personal injury, and civil rights violation lawyers at The Perecman Firm, PLLC have handled all types of New York construction accident cases, including fires on construction sites. David Perecman, founder of the Firm, has been recognized for his achievements as an Honoree in the National Law Journal's Hall of Fame, in New York Magazine's "The Best Lawyers in America" and The New York Times Magazine "New York Super Lawyers, Metro Edition" for the years 2007-2010. The prestigious U.S. News & World Report ranks The Perecman Firm among the top 20 personal injury firms in New York City for 2011-2012 and 2012-2013.
The Firm has recovered millions of dollars for its clients. Among the more recent victories, Mr. Perecman won a $15 million verdict** for a construction accident (Index 112370/03) Supreme Court, New York County, a $5.35 million dollar verdict*** for an automobile accident (Index 2749/04) Supreme Court, Kings County, and a $40 million dollar structured settlement for medical malpractice (Index 2146/03)****Supreme Court, Kings County.
The Perecman Firm serves Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island, Westchester, Upstate NY, Morris County, and Rockland County.
**later settled while on appeal for $7.940 million
*** later settled for $3.5 million
**** total potential payout
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"Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome."
Penni Horwich, The Perecman Firm, +1 305-864-1539, [email protected]
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