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Falling Objects

Falling Object Injury Attorney in New York City

In New York, there’s a lot of activity happening way up in the air: skyscrapers reaching far above road level, huge tower cranes lifting tons of building materials, construction workers maneuvering around like tightrope walkers along thin platforms. This is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of the Big Apple. But all that sky-high action is also the source of an underappreciated danger: falling objects. Tiny items falling from a great height can and do cause severe injuries to pedestrians. This is one of the areas of specialty for the New York construction accident lawyers at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C.

TYPES OF FALLING OBJECT INCIDENTS

Because falling objects generally descend in a more or less straight vertical drop, a pedestrian who is struck is likely to be hit on the head, neck, or shoulder, which for obvious reasons, can cause serious bodily damage. Further injury can result if the wounded pedestrian takes a tumble onto the sidewalk or another hard surface.

Where do falling objects originate from? Construction sites are one common source—unsecured tools and materials can fall to the street below. Decaying buildings can drop loose bricks or windows onto unwary pedestrians. Flower pots, air conditioning units, and other materials set on window ledges can topple over. Occasionally, someone decides that it’s a good idea to intentionally throw an object out of a window or off a rooftop, where it soon finds its way to ground level.

Help is available, however, for those who have been injured by falling materials. At The Dearie Law Firm, P.C., you can arrange to speak with one of our personal injury lawyers in New York who have years of experience with falling object accident cases.

WERE YOU INJURED BY A FALLING OBJECT?

It’s understandable if you’re uncertain what to do next in the aftermath of an accident caused by falling materials. If you have sustained physical harm due to falling equipment or another object, you need to reach out to a premises accident attorney as soon as possible so your lawyer can begin collecting evidence and building a case on your behalf.

Depending on the circumstances of the incident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Medical bills are very commonly factored into the compensation awarded to the plaintiff. You may also qualify for additional compensation for lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Be sure to preserve all bills, receipts, and other paperwork relating to your injury, as your accident lawyer will want to see these.

HOW IS LIABILITY DETERMINED IN FALLING OBJECT INJURY CASES?

Some people injured by falling objects assume that nothing can be done legally, especially if it’s unclear to them who might be held responsible for the incident, but this is incorrect. These accidents are considered part of an area of law known as premises liability. In brief, this means that a property owner can be held responsible for injuries caused by falling objects from their premises.

Construction workers who are injured due to falling, or something falling onto them, from a height, are protected by New York Labor Law Section 240, otherwise known as the “Scaffold Law,” which imposes a strict liability standard on construction site owners and general contractors.

It’s important not to delay in contacting the New York City premises liability attorneys at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. State law gives you three years from the date of the incident to file a premises liability lawsuit against a private defendant. If the defendant is a governmental entity, they must be served with a Notice of Claim within 90 days.

CONTACT A NEW YORK CITY PREMISES ACCIDENT ATTORNEY TODAY

With more than 30 years’ experience in falling object accident cases, The Dearie Law Firm, P.C., can help you obtain the settlement to which you are legally entitled. We have law offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, in addition to three mobile offices that travel through the area seven days a week. Feel free to call us at (212) 970-6500.