USA Desk, Delhi Magazine: In the wake of a devastating incident that claimed the life of a 64-year-old construction worker at the future $3 billion Brooklyn borough jail construction site, Andrew Wanger, the family’s lawyer, has taken decisive legal action. On November 2, Wanger filed a notice to sue the city for $15 million on grounds of negligence, pointing to the failure to implement essential safety measures, including a ladder, a harness, or scaffolding, according to official records.
The victim, Yong Chin Son, tragically lost his life in September when he fell 18 feet through a concealed hole while involved in asbestos removal on the 11th story of the old Brooklyn House of Detention at 275 Atlantic Ave. in Brooklyn Heights. The incident occurred during the initial stages of demolishing the 68-year-old jail to make way for the new facility.
Official reports disclosed to The Daily News revealed that the hole had been obscured by loose planking. Son, a resident of Flushing, Queens, was swiftly transported to a local hospital after the fall on September 13. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries three days later, on September 16.
In response to the tragedy, city officials promptly halted work at the construction site for 22 days. The construction company involved faced a series of safety rule violations, resulting in the suspension of work on the roof area for an extended period while the city conducted a thorough safety review.