If you sustained injuries from materials, tools, or equipment falling from height around a construction site, you may face significant medical bills, lost wages, and long-term complications. Understanding your legal rights and the compensation you may pursue with guidance from a construction accident lawyer in New York is crucial to protecting your future after such an incident.
A construction accident attorney in New York can help you explore your options and determine an ideal path forward. The Law Office of Frank J. Cassisi, P.C. explains the legal options available to those injured by falling debris on New York construction sites.
Understanding Injuries Caused by Falling Debris on Construction Sites
Falling object accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries that change lives in an instant. The severity of these injuries often depends on the weight of the object, the height from which it fell, and which part of the body sustained the impact.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord damage that may lead to paralysis
- Fractured bones, particularly skull and vertebrae fractures
- Neck and shoulder trauma
- Severe lacerations and crush injuries
- Vision loss or permanent eye injuries
- Internal organ damage
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fatality rate for construction workers was the highest among all industry sectors in 2023 at 1,075 deaths. These injuries can prevent you from returning to work and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
What To Do After a Construction Accident Injury in New York
First, seek medical attention even if you believe your injuries from falling debris are minor. Some conditions, like concussions or internal injuries, may not show symptoms immediately.
Document everything about the incident while details remain fresh in your memory. Take photographs of the accident scene, the debris that caused your injury, and any visible wounds if you can.
Report the accident to your supervisor or site manager as soon as possible. Workers should report work site accidents through appropriate channels, while non-workers should notify the site manager to create an official record of the incident.
Filing Claims for Falling Object Accidents and Legal Options for Injured Workers in New York
New York provides multiple pathways for injured construction workers to seek compensation. Workers’ compensation offers benefits regardless of fault, covering medical expenses and partial wage replacement. This system provides crucial support during recovery without requiring you to prove negligence.
However, workers’ compensation may not cover all your losses, including pain and suffering or wage replacement. In certain situations, you may also file a personal injury claim against third parties whose negligence contributed to the accident.
According to the 2021 NYC Buildings Construction-Related Injuries and Fatalities report, the city documented 20 material failure or falling accidents in 2020, causing 25 workplace injuries. Property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, or equipment manufacturers may be liable if their actions or failures caused the debris to fall. A construction accident lawyer in New York can investigate your case to identify all responsible parties and potential sources of compensation.
Construction Site Safety and Injury Compensation Under New York Labor Law
Exposure to harmful environments and slips, falls, and trips accounts for 28% of fatal workplace incidents in New York City, with 19 incidents each in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. New York Labor Law Section 240, known as the Scaffold Law, specifically addresses gravity-related hazards on construction sites. It requires property owners and contractors to provide adequate protection against falling objects and other elevation-related dangers.
Under this law, if proper safety measures were not in place when falling debris injured you, property owners and general contractors may face strict liability. You do not need to prove they were negligent, only that something or someone violated the law and that you suffered injuries because of it. This legal pathway allows you to pursue compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits, including damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and full lost wages.
Pursuing Compensation for Falling Debris Injuries With a Construction Accident Attorney in New York
Building a strong case requires gathering comprehensive evidence that demonstrates how the accident occurred and who bears responsibility. A construction accident lawyer in New York can investigate the site, review safety records, and identify violations of OSHA regulations or state labor laws. Your attorney will handle all communications with insurance companies and fight against tactics that minimize or deny valid claims.
Legal representation ensures you meet all filing deadlines, which vary depending on the type of claim you pursue. Workers’ compensation claims require notice to your employer within 30 days, and you must file the claim within two years. Personal injury lawsuits against third parties have a three-year statute of limitations, while claims against government entities require a notice of claim to be filed within 90 days of the date of the accident, and a lawsuit commenced within one year and ninety days from the date.
The Law Office of Frank J. Cassisi, P.C. Protects Your Rights After Construction Site Injuries
We provide dedicated legal representation for construction workers and others injured by falling objects throughout New York. Our firm investigates every aspect of your case to identify all parties who may bear responsibility and all sources of compensation available to you, including understanding New York Scaffold Law protections.
If you have injuries from falling debris on a construction site, contact the Law Office of Frank J. Cassisi, P.C. at (516) 294-5050 to speak with a construction accident lawyer in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions About Falling Debris Accidents
These questions address common concerns about falling debris injuries on construction sites.
What Objects Commonly Fall on Construction Sites?
Tools, building materials, scaffolding components, concrete, improperly secured crane loads, and demolition debris commonly fall and strike workers or bystanders below.
Can I Sue My Employer for a Falling Debris Injury?
You cannot sue your employer directly, but you may file a workers’ compensation claim and potentially pursue a third-party lawsuit against a property owner, contractor, or equipment manufacturer.
How Can a Construction Accident Lawyer in New York Help With My Falling Debris Case?
An attorney investigates the accident, identifies all liable parties, gathers evidence, handles insurance negotiations, and seeks favorable compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
