Brooklyn Construction Worker Awarded $3.4 Million after Losing His Finger

Construction site accidents can injure or kill, and significantly impact victims’ lives. The list of construction site accident victims in the United States increases year-by-year. One of those on this list is Leslie Smith, a Brooklyn construction worker, who has suffered through this horrible experience.

Construction Accident in Detail:

Leslie Smith, the 61-year-old plaintiff, was mixing cement on a construction site in January 2010. He was mixing cement for a three-story building. This building is located at 17 Lefferts Place.

According to reports, his two co-workers were positioned on a scaffold. He was waiting for them to signal him to send up more buckets of cement using a rope and pulley system installed there. Suddenly, a plank came crashing down from almost 30 foot above and crushed his right hand beneath an iron bar.

What about the Jury trial?

The Jury trial lasted for over four days in front of Judge Lorna McAlister in Kings County where Leslie Smith was awarded $3.4 million for his suffering. He received $1.4 million for his past suffering. And, for his pain and future suffering, he was awarded $2 million.

Who Testified in Favor of Leslie Smith?

Dr. Barry Katzman’s testimony was compelling. He testified that the plaintiff’s ring finger became gangrenous. Therefore, Smith had to have it amputated. Furthermore, Smith suffered personal injuries in the form of a tendon tear in his shoulder and knee complications.

Who was building’s owner?

TNTR Management, LLC owned the building. MRM Development Company, LLC was the general contractor. Mr. Roy D. was the subcontractor. The court held all three defendants jointly and severely responsible for this mishap under labor law section 240.

More Articles:

Labor Law §240(1)

Labor Law Attorneys Aid in Getting Compensation for Workplace Accidents