An unfortunate pedestrian accident has seriously injured a woman who was walking past a Manhattan construction area. As of May 28, New York City gave the go-ahead for work to proceed after investigators completed a safety inspection regarding the area. The pedestrian injury involved a flying saw blade that struck a passerby's leg on a recent Tuesday morning. This tragic accident may form the basis for a premises liability claim.

According to reports, the saw blade is normally used to cut through concrete. Reportedly, it flew out of the tool itself. Apparently, the blade then bounced against a tree and ended up causing a sizable gash in the victim's leg. Police say the saw blade had to have traveled a distance of about 100 feet in the air in order to make contact with the woman.

The entire incident was captured on camera. Video footage depicts the victim losing her balance and falling down onto the sidewalk. The saw blade is also visible as it passed through the air.

One eyewitness, who was right behind the woman at the time, said that the blade going down the sidewalk and people nearby were screaming for everyone to get down and move. Reportedly, the victim was shaking and bleeding from her injuries. Recent reports indicate that the woman survived the ordeal and remained hospitalized in stable condition.

Those who suffer a pedestrian injury under the circumstances presented in this New York case may be able to pursue civil claims relating to premises liability. This may be especially so if the injured pedestrian was obeying laws and the incident is attributable to a person or business' negligence. Many wonder if a pedestrian can hold a property owner accountable for accidents that occur adjacent to the property on the sidewalk, and in many cases where negligence is prevalent, the answer may be yes. In New York City, for example, property owners are required by law to maintain the safety of sidewalks surrounding their property. In the instant matter, investigators may also wish to determine if the saw blade manufacturer and/or the construction firm and/or workers were in any way responsible in this incident.

Source: CBS New York, "Work Resumes At Manhattan Construction Site After Saw Blade Accident", May 28, 2014