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Eleven people were hospitalized with injuries after a platform collapsed during a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performance in Providence, Rhode Island, reported CNN (5.4.14). Like many circus performers, the acrobats’ job requires them to work at heights. “This means that falls can happen even though these professionals have practiced this act many, many times,” said Attorney at Law David Perecman.
“Workplace accidents come in many forms,” said Perecman, founder of The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C. “All work environments have risks for accidents, some more than others”
Eight of the injured were performers in the act called the “human chandelier.” They fell when the hair-hang apparatus, which holds the performers by their hair, failed. Another performer was injured on the ground.
CNN said the Medeiros Hair-Hang Act performers fell from between 25 and 35 feet. Witnesses said they saw the “human chandelier” acrobats up on a type of aerial scaffolding when a cable snapped.
A number of those injured had broken bones. No audience members were hurt, according to CNN. One person was listed in critical condition. The Rhode Island State Fire Marshal and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are investigating the accident.
“Accidents at work happen, and they can cause serious, even fatal, injuries,” said personal injury lawyer Perecman. “Each year, thousands of workers are injured or killed from falls on the job. Many of these injuries and deaths can be prevented.”
New York personal injury lawyers at The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., have helped many individuals obtain compensation following workplace accidents. Contact The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., at 212-977-7033.
The CNN News story cited is “’Human chandelier’ falls some 30 feet.”
