NYPD detective seriously injured in Queens accident after falling from helicopter
Queens, New York (December 4, 2022) – An NYPD detective was injured in a training accident in Queens after falling from a helicopter during a fast ropes demonstration.
NYPD officials said the accident happened around 11:20 a.m. Thursday. Video footage shows a detective in tactical gear preparing to fight off the ropes on the helicopter.
The detective broke his leg after falling from a height of 15 to 20 feet. Paramedics were called to the scene to assist the victim.
The officer was taken to Jacoby Hospital for treatment. Investigators said the ropes on the helicopter were not properly connected before the accident.
Liability for Queens Helicopter Accident
Falls remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death for workers across the United States. In fact, falls are one of four accidents OSHA calls the “Big Four Deadly Accidents.” The other three main types of workplace hazards include electrocution, being struck by an object, and being drawn into a hazard. Collectively, the “big four” types of hazards accounted for nearly 64 percent of all workplace deaths in 2016. Employers should take steps to prevent falls.
- Workers should be equipped with a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS).
- Workers should be trained to recognize hazards.
- The workplace should maintain a reasonable level of security.
Under New York Labor Code 200, employers must maintain their workplaces in a reasonably safe condition. As stated in the statute, “All places to which this chapter applies shall be so constructed, equipped, arranged, kept and operated as to provide reasonable and adequate protection for the life, health and safety of all persons working in or lawfully frequenting such places Victims of fall accidents often suffer very serious and costly injuries, including:
- fracture
- head injury
- laceration
- Spinal cord injury
Any worker injured on the job has legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages in civil claims can help cover lost wages, medical expenses, and suffering. Many accident victims may not realize the full extent of their injuries for weeks or months after the accident. A New York City personal injury attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating workplace accidents in Queens
We of Gersowitz Libo & Korek, PC send our best wishes to the NYPD detectives injured in this accident. We sincerely hope he makes a full recovery. Steps need to be taken to help ensure this does not happen again.
Were you or someone you care about injured in a Queens helicopter accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions you may have. We are deeply concerned that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are protected. You are always welcome to contact us at (516) 908-9792 at any time.
