Construction Shoring Accidents In Buffalo, New York

Jed Dietrich, Esq. Is Regarded to be a Best Lawyer of America, and With Over Twenty Years of Experience is Prepared to Represent Individuals Injured as a Result of Construction Shoring Accidents.

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In a startling news report from Rochester, New York, a construction worker died after an excavation project collapsed on him. The reason for the collapse was due to a lack of supports on the walls of the excavation site. These supports, a technique known as ‘shoring,’ would have kept the walls of the excavation from collapsing and would have prevented the death of the man. This failure to ensure that sufficient shoring safety measures are in place is a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. has successfully represented countless clients in serious personal injury cases in the Buffalo, New York area. Most recently, a $1,100,000 settlement for a man who suffered injuries from a collapsed trench. Our top priority is ensuring that you receive the best possible outcome for your personal injury case. Call us now at (716) 839-3939 or visit us online to receive your free consultation. You will never be charged until we secure a win for you!

What Is Shoring?

Shoring refers to the process of reinforcing an excavation site to forestall structural collapse. It is a technique often used during construction to give support to a structure, such as a wall of a tunnel. It is only a temporary support, and as such, caution should be used when working or moving around a shored area. Shoring is not meant to be permanent and not intended to provide support long term.

The different shoring techniques currently in use are determined by the type of project and the composition of the soil, and each includes its own hazards. No matter the type of technique being used, a shoring failure can lead to severe injury and even fatalities. The most common shoring accidents are caused by:

1. Poor Workmanship: Failure to correctly shore up a structure can easily lead to a collapse;
2. External Forces: If a shoring job is unable to withstand the weight placed upon it, there is potential for it to give way; and
3. Issues Within the Structure: If the shoring technique is insufficient to provide structural support or in some way inherently faulty in the design, a shoring job can collapse.

OSHA standards for excavations require that protective systems, such as shoring, be used during any excavation project, except when the excavations are in stable ground or are no more than 5 feet deep. Jed Dietrich, Esq., recognized as a New York Super Lawyer, is well acquainted with the often calamitous effects of personal injury. He has represented countless clients over the years, attaining over $175,000,000 in successful wins for his personal injury clients. If you believe that you or a loved one have been injured in Buffalo, New York, do not hesitate to reach out to the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. at (716) 839-3939 or by filling out the online consultation form.

Types of Shoring Accidents

A shoring accident can be one of two types: either a structural failure leads to a collapse, or an injury is caused by hazards in the work zone. Individuals most likely to be injured are the workers involved in the construction project, but bystanders can be injured as well. If a construction zone abuts a public walkway, the shoring could collapse and potentially injure passersby. Shoring can collapse if it is poorly constructed or due to structural issues. In the event of a collapse, a worker might be partially or completely buried, depending on the depth of the trench. The trauma from a landslide can lead to bruising, fractures, and concussions. Workers or pedestrians might be injured by falling equipment or stones, either of which can cause severe damage to the body, possibly even fatal.

In addition to structural failure or work zone hazards, a shoring accident might occur if the area is improperly marked or roped off. Every work zone should have sufficient signage to warn of potential pitfalls and hazards. Unaware individuals could easily fall into unmarked trenches or holes or trip over equipment. Their added weight might inadvertently cause shoring to collapse, leading to further injury. It is the responsibility of the construction site to ensure the safety of all workers and bystanders. Failure to follow standard safety procedures is a violation of OSHA standards and subject to legal consequences. If you or a loved one were injured due to construction zone negligence, you might be eligible for compensation.

Safety Tips for Avoiding Shoring Accidents

A shoring accident is a potential hazard for both construction workers and pedestrians nearby. In light of this, our team has assembled a few safety tips for how to best avoid a shoring accident:

1. Safety Tips for Workers: Construction workers should exercise caution while operating around any shored areas. Practice awareness of surroundings to ensure the safety of yourself and others. If you enter a shored trench, be sure others know where you are. To protect yourself and others, areas should be signposted and fenced in to protect against unsuspecting slip and falls. Ensure that there is a safe entrance and exit to the area. As always, wear protective gear such as helmets, boots, and vests.
2. Safety Tips for Pedestrians: A construction zone should be properly signposted to warn any members of the public of potential hazards. When in public areas, it is prudent to keep an eye out for safety signs and to exercise caution while near active construction zones.

Other warning signs to look for include mud or visible water collecting in the trench or cracks in the ground, as these are warning signs that the soil is shifting and might collapse. Shoring should be examined every day to check for signs of weakness or collapse. A personal injury from a construction shoring accident can be a life-changing event. At the Dietrich Law Firm, P.C., our team of dedicated and hardworking injury attorneys is ready to represent you in your case today. Call us at (716) 839-3939 or contact us online to receive a free consultation – our clients are never charged until we have obtained a win on their behalf.

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Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at (716) 839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!

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