Falling Object Accidents On New York Construction Sites
Falling tools, building materials, debris, and suspended loads can cause catastrophic injuries on New York City construction sites. Workers may be struck by objects dropped from scaffolds, roofs, ladders, hoists, cranes, or upper floors, or by debris released during demolition.
If you were injured by a falling object while working on a construction site, you may have rights beyond workers’ compensation. Depending on how the accident happened, a claim may be available against a property owner, general contractor, subcontractor, hoisting company, equipment company, or another responsible party. The New York construction accident lawyers at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. have represented injured workers for more than 35 years.
Common Falling Object Accidents On Construction Sites
Falling-object construction accidents can involve:
- Tools dropped from scaffolds, ladders, roofs, or elevated platforms
- Bricks, lumber, pipes, concrete, and other unsecured materials
- Loads that fall while being lifted by cranes, hoists, or pulleys
- Demolition debris falling onto workers below
- Equipment or materials falling through floor openings
- Objects released because of defective rigging, slings, ropes, or securing devices
- Materials knocked from upper floors by machinery or other workers
These accidents frequently cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, fractures, internal injuries, nerve damage, permanent disability, and death.
What To Do After A Falling Object Accident
Get medical care immediately and report the accident to your employer or site supervisor. When possible, photograph the object that struck you, the area from which it fell, any damaged safety equipment, and the surrounding jobsite conditions.
Preserve your hard hat, clothing, tools, and any equipment involved in the accident. Obtain the names and contact information of witnesses, and keep copies of incident reports, medical records, wage records, and other documents connected to the accident. Speak with a construction accident lawyer promptly so important evidence can be preserved.
Who May Be Liable For A Falling Object Construction Accident?
New York Labor Law § 240(1) may apply when an object falls because it was not properly secured or because an adequate elevation-related safety device was not provided. Section 240(1) does not apply to every object that falls. The accident must involve the type of elevation-related risk covered by the statute.
New York Labor Law § 241(6) may support a claim when a specific New York Industrial Code safety rule was violated. New York Labor Law § 200 and common-law negligence may also apply when an owner or contractor created or knew about an unsafe condition or controlled the injury-producing work.
Depending on the facts, responsible parties may include the property owner, general contractor, subcontractors, hoisting or rigging companies, equipment manufacturers, and other third parties.
Deadlines For New York Falling Object Claims
Many New York personal injury claims are subject to a three-year limitations period, but shorter deadlines may apply. A claim against New York City, a public authority, or another governmental entity may require a Notice of Claim within 90 days and may have a shorter lawsuit deadline.
Do not wait to determine which deadlines apply. The identity of the property owner, general contractor, public entity, and other responsible parties should be investigated immediately.
Compensation Available After A Falling Object Accident
Depending on the circumstances, an injured construction worker may seek compensation for unreimbursed medical expenses, future medical treatment, lost earnings, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other losses. When a falling-object accident is fatal, surviving family members may also have a wrongful-death claim.
Related Construction Accident Practice Areas
- Construction Fall Accident Lawyers
- Ladder Accident Lawyers
- Crane Accident Lawyers
- Workplace Machine Accident Lawyers
- Construction Vehicle And Forklift Accident Lawyers
- Construction Electrical Accident Lawyers
- Trench And Excavation Accident Lawyers
- Demolition Accident Lawyers
- Elevator And Hoist Accident Lawyers
- Scaffold Accident Lawyers
Contact New York City Falling Object Accident Lawyers
If you were injured by a falling object on a construction site, contact The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. at (212) 970-6500. Our firm has represented injured New York workers for more than 35 years. We are located at 120 W 45th Street, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10036. Contact us for a consultation.