2 New Jersey construction workers killed in accident

According to sources, a construction site accident in Hanover killed two workers. The accident happened on Feb. 18 when the workers were reportedly lifting a generator into place using a crane and straps.

Investigators with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration were investigating whether the generator fell because one of the straps was faulty or if it did so because of wind. The generator, which was reportedly very heavy, fell on the workers and crushed them at the construction site.

The decedents were working on the new headquarters for the Whippany Fire Company Headquarters. OSHA investigators are working together with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office to determine the cause of the strap’s failure. Authorities have not released the identities or ages of the two workers who were killed. It is also unclear whether they left families behind.

When construction workers are killed in a workplace accident, their families may be able to file wrongful death lawsuits against the responsible parties if they choose not to file claims for workers’ compensation benefits. They may want to meet with a personal injury attorney about their loved one’s case. An attorney may be able to identify all potential claims and defendants that may be named if a lawsuit is in order. In many cases, the survivors will be facing severe economic hardships in addition to the grief of suddenly losing a loved one, and an attorney can outline the types and amounts of damages that are permitted to be sought under the state’s wrongful death statute.

Source: ABC 7 New York, “New Jersey construction accident kills 2 workers,” Tim Fleischer, Feb. 18, 2016