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Falling Debris Accident: What You Need To Know

falling debris accident

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Construction workers have dangerous jobs. Despite rigorous safety standards, we frequently hear countless examples of workers and passersby suffering injuries because of falling debris accident. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 1008 people died in construction accidents nationwide back in 2018. If you or a loved one has been in a construction accident in New York City, the lawyers at Halperin & Halperin, P.C. are here to help. We will work with you to help you obtain compensation and a favorable resolution. Our aggressive yet understanding construction accident lawyers are ready to offer you a free case evaluation. Here’s what to do if you suffer a personal injury from a piece of falling debris at a construction site.

Common Causes for Falling Debris at Construction Sites

Construction sites carry multiple risks. Workers operate heavy-duty machinery and bulky supplies at unparalleled heights. Even if an otherwise cautious worker drops a tool or building material from a scaffold, it can have fatal consequences. Most construction site accidents are byproducts of negligence. Workers must follow safety precautions, but some may become complacent over time. An injury becomes more likely when workers do not take the proper care in following construction site rules. Other reasons for falling debris accident include:

  • Lack of training
  • Improperly stacked or secured material
  • Malfunctioning safety devices
  • Lack of warning signs
  • Failure to use safety devices to catch falling debris
  • Oversized loads

Construction workers are not the only ones in danger. New York pedestrians are at risk too. For example, The New York Daily News reported that falling debris killed a prominent local woman. Workers on the 17th story of an office building had inadvertently dropped a brick that fatally struck the woman in the head.

Types of Injuries from Falling Objects

Falling objects can leave victims with life-altering injuries. A small object that weighs a few pounds can have deadly force when it reaches the ground from an extreme height. When workers wear proper safety gear, it can mitigate potential injuries. According to OSHA, falling objects cause the second-largest number of accidents at construction sites in New York. Workers may not have the proper protection or guardrail when they make an error. The only accident more common than accidents caused by falling objects, according to OSHA, is workers falling from scaffolds. The most common injuries caused by falling objects include:

  • Bruises
  • Broken bones
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Brain injuries, including concussions
  • Lacerations
  • Paralysis
  • Permanent disability
  • Death

Construction site accidents don’t start and end with physical injuries. A victim may also suffer financial damage following such an accident. A back injury, for example, may prevent a victim from going to work while medical, hospital, and therapy bills mount. A falling object can also leave a victim with emotional pain and suffering. This type of unquantifiable personal injury makes it challenging for someone to go back to life as normal. If you have experienced anguish, anxiety, or depression because of a fallen debris injury, contact Halperin & Halperin, P.C. for a free case evaluation.

Collecting Evidence After Construction Accidents

Your number one priority should be safety. Make sure the danger is under control and that other members of your staff stay back and out of harm’s way. If you sustain a severe injury, seek immediate medical attention. If you do not need medical attention, document the construction site. Take photos of the fallen object, your wounds, and the building. Account for everything related to the case. A law firm will use these images to bolster your case when it comes to seeking compensation.

New York Labor Law §240

New York Labor Law §240 protects construction workers who sustain severe injuries due to falling debris. The statute, also known as the scaffolding law, says companies and contractors are responsible for their workers’ well-being. They are liable for any incident from the moment that scaffold goes up until the project is over. New York Labor Law §240 provides a roadmap to workers’ compensation benefits following a falling debris accident. Construction sites can be hazardous, even with precautions in place. The statute even includes safety guidelines so companies can reduce the chance of personal injury.

Accessing Workers’ Compensation

Worker’s compensation protects businesses and their staff following construction site accidents. It offsets potentially devastating costs from medical and hospital bills. It can also provide money for lost wages, funeral expenses, and treatments. Exceptions to the rule do exist. Staff might not earn compensation if they were intoxicated at the construction site or dropped objects intentionally. Many insurance companies do not cover falling debris cases if employees start a fight. A law firm can help you navigate your options. That might include seeking workers’ compensation on top of legal action. Talk with a Halperin & Halperin, P.C. attorney to see what options work best for you.

What Falling Object Attorneys Can Do for You

The law is complicated. No one expects a construction worker to understand all the intricacies of the legal system. Falling object attorneys provide everything they need to seek appropriate compensation following an accident. A lawyer understands how to build a robust case. They will collect evidence, interview witnesses, sources, and read the pertinent city, state, and federal law. A lawyer will cull essential resources to help a worker prove the story in court. Lawyers can also be expensive. If you suffer an injury caused by falling debris, you might balk at the idea of a lawsuit and representation. Fortunately, some law firms offer contingency fees, which means that you only pay out-of-pocket costs if you earn compensation.

Contact Us

Have you been injured by falling objects or a piece of debris? We want to hear from you. At Halperin & Halperin, P.C., we’re dedicated to getting our clients a fair shot in court. Get started with a free case evaluation by one of our knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorneys. You can contact us by phone at (212) 935-2600 or visit our midtown firm in-person to schedule your appointment. You can also follow us on Facebook for more information.