A dangerous incident unfolded at the former Lehigh Cement Plant in Catskill on Friday night when two men illegally entered the property and one suffered a severe fall into a vacant cement silo. State Police responded just before 10:30 p.m. to reports of a person trapped approximately 100 feet down inside the industrial structure.
According to investigators, the two men had breached the property's perimeter fence with plans to camp and explore the abandoned site. One individual removed a piece of plywood covering the silo opening and fell into the concrete structure. While conscious and alert, he was unable to escape on his own and required rescue by the Twin Cloves Technical Rescue Team. After being evaluated by Catskill EMS, he was transported to Albany Medical Center for treatment. Both men have since been arrested and charged with criminal trespass, with court appearances scheduled for September 4. You can read the original news report here.
Common Causes of Falls and Industrial Site Accidents
Falls from heights and accidents at industrial sites can occur for various reasons, particularly when proper safety measures are not in place:
- Inadequate security measures - Insufficient fencing, barriers, or warning signs around dangerous areas
- Uncovered or improperly secured openings - Manholes, silos, pits, or other openings left exposed without proper coverings
- Poor lighting conditions - Inadequate illumination making hazards difficult to see, especially at night
- Lack of safety equipment - Missing guardrails, safety nets, or other protective devices
- Defective or deteriorated structures - Aging infrastructure that may collapse or fail unexpectedly
- Inadequate maintenance - Property owners failing to regularly inspect and maintain safe conditions
- Missing or insufficient warning signage - Failure to properly alert people to dangerous conditions
- Environmental factors - Weather conditions, debris, or other obstacles that create additional hazards
When property owners, employers, or other entities fail to maintain safe conditions or provide adequate warnings about dangerous areas, their negligence may entitle injured victims to pursue legal compensation for their injuries and losses.
Personal Injury and Premises Liability Claims in Catskill, New York
Falls from heights and accidents on industrial properties can result in catastrophic injuries, leading to significant personal injury claims under New York premises liability law. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions on their premises and warn visitors of known dangers, even when dealing with abandoned or industrial sites.
Potential liable parties in these types of accidents may include property owners, security companies, maintenance contractors, or municipalities responsible for site oversight. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and in tragic cases, wrongful death damages. However, it's important to note that New York's comparative negligence laws mean that compensation can be affected if the injured party was partially at fault for the incident.
Damages and Compensation in Fall Accidents
Victims of serious fall accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the incident.
Economic damages typically include immediate and ongoing medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity if the injuries result in long-term disability.
Non-economic damages address the more intangible impacts of serious injuries, including physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement or disability. In cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior.
Compensation calculations consider factors such as the severity of injuries, impact on quality of life, age and earning capacity of the victim, and the degree of negligence involved. Evidence gathering typically includes medical records, expert testimony, accident reconstruction, and documentation of all financial losses. The purpose of compensation is not only to help victims recover financially but also to hold negligent parties accountable and prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
For those who have suffered injuries due to falls or accidents on someone else's property, it's crucial to understand that successful personal injury cases require thorough investigation and experienced legal representation. The team at Porter Law Group has extensive experience handling complex premises liability cases throughout New York State and can help determine if you have grounds for compensation.
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Why Choose Porter Law Group?
The attorneys at Porter Law Group have decades of experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been changed by serious accidents and injuries. We have obtained significant settlements and verdicts in courts throughout New York State, handling cases with both state-wide resources and a personal, hometown approach.
Our proven track record demonstrates our commitment to fighting for maximum compensation for our clients. With seasoned trial lawyers on our team, Porter Law Group has the resources and expertise necessary to take on complex cases against major insurance companies that will do everything possible to minimize or deny your claim.
We understand that after a serious fall or industrial accident, you're facing medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about the future. That's why we offer free initial consultations with no upfront fees - you don't pay unless we win your case. Our compassionate legal team will guide you through every step of the legal process while you focus on your recovery.
Contact Porter Law Group for Your Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall accident, industrial site incident, or any premises liability case in New York, don't wait to seek experienced legal representation. The sooner you contact our team, the better we can preserve crucial evidence and protect your rights.
Call us today at 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com for your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach out through our online contact form. We proudly serve clients across all of New York State and are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
