Man Trips Over Trash, Hit by Garbage Truck
A 31-year old man who had only been living in the city nine months was killed last week when he fell in front of a Sanitation truck. According to the NY Daily News, the accident happened because business owners in the area have been putting their trash on the sidewalk, creating a fall hazard and causing the man to trip.
Andrew Schoonover was out with his sister that night and had been watching the game at a bar earlier. The two parted ways and Schoonover ended up in Manhattan. It was about 1:20 a.m. when emergency workers were called to E. 84th St. on a report that a man had been hit.
The accident happened in front of a popular pizzeria, Two Boots. The business has been cited for leaving a sidewalk obstruction. While the manager of Two Boots had no comment for reporters, it was made known that construction in the area had forced businesses to leave their garbage on the sidewalk rather than directly in front of their property.
After Schoonover was hit, the sanitation truck stopped and came to his aid. The driver was not charged with any wrongdoing. Schoonover was transported to New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
So, who is to blame in an accident like this? More than likely, it was the businesses who put their garbage on the corner. However, the businesses state that it was city-employed construction officials who told them to put it there. Regardless, the obstruction certainly created a hazard for pedestrians.
Hours after the accident, as investigators had left the scene, garbage bags remained on the corner.
Businesses have a responsibility to keep patrons and even passers-by safe. Similarly, the city has a responsibility to keep people safe while on NYC sidewalks. When either fails to do this and tragedy strikes as a result, they may be held responsible in a civil court.
While wrongful death cases do happen, personal injury cases are far more common. But, whether you were hurt because a business failed to keep conditions safe, or if a loved one was killed, the New York personal Injury attorneys of Omrani & Taub may be able to help.
