A New Jersey construction worker is recovering in a hospital after an on-the-job accident left him impaled on two pieces or rebar. The 50-year-old man is being treated at the St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Passaic County. His condition is described as critical but stable. Rebar is the industry term for steel bars that are used to add strength to concrete in residential and commercial building projects.
Impaled Through Chest and Hip
According to media reports, the worker became impaled after falling through a shaft connecting the seventh and eight floors of a building under construction on Market Street in Paterson. The accident occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m. Rescue workers from the Paterson Fire Department were quickly sent to the scene, and they used equipment including saws and the jaws of life to free the impaled man. Firefighters found the man with rebar protruding from one of his hips and the center of his chest, and they say that he remained alert and responsive throughout the rescue. The rescue workers were able to free the man and transport him to hospital within 40 minutes of being dispatched.
Not That Uncommon
Accidents like this one are not that uncommon on construction sites. In October 2018, a 23-year-old man working at a residential project in Harrison suffered similar injuries after falling four stories onto exposed rebar. Workers who are injured in this kind of accident can file workers’ compensation claims to help them make ends meet while they recover. If their employers acted with malice or gross negligence, or if the accident was caused by a non-employer third party, they can file personal injury lawsuits with a labor and construction accident lawyer.
OSHA Regulations
This accident is likely to be investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. If investigators discover that safety regulations were violated, the construction company could face sanctions. Construction workers have very dangerous jobs, and they deserve all of the protection that OSHA requires.
Choosing a Construction Accident Injury Attorney
Our experienced personal injury attorneys at Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. are dedicated to providing you with the best legal advice and services tailored to meet your individual needs. Our skilled team has been serving personal injury victims for over three decades with a strong record of success. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us today to schedule a free consultation.