New York City construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces in the country. Risks include working with cranes, scaffolds, and heavy machinery, and some of the most devastating accidents involve falling objects.
Whether it’s a dropped tool, unsecured building materials, or debris from overhead work, falling objects cause catastrophic harm. Every year these injuries result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, bone fractures, wrongful death, and other horrible consequences.
The NYC construction accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP (WRSMH), have been successfully representing injured workers for decades.
The Dangers of Falling Objects
Falling equipment injuries on construction sites are often the result of negligence, inadequate safety procedures, or lack of site coordination. One of the leading causes is poorly secured tools or materials. When items are left on scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms without guardrails or toe boards, they can easily fall and strike workers below.
Another frequent problem is lack of communication between contractors and subcontractors, leading to overhead work being performed without adequate warning or barricades.
Equipment failure, such as broken straps, worn rigging, or defective cranes and hoists, can also result in heavy machinery or components being dropped.
Improper handling of materials contributes to falling object injuries, especially when workers feel rushed. Failure to establish and enforce safety protocols can also leave workers exposed to preventable hazards.
The Scaffold Law
New York’s Labor Law 240(1), commonly known as the Scaffold Law, provides unique protections for workers injured by falls or falling objects. The law clearly places liability on property owners and general contractors when a worker is injured due to hazards such as:
- Falls from heights (ladders, scaffolds, roofs)
- Objects falling from above that should have been secured
If a falling object caused an injury and proper safety measures were not in place, the party responsible can be held strictly liable.
Who Is Liable for Falling Object Injuries?
If someone other than your employer is responsible for your injuries, you have the right to file a third-party personal injury claim or lawsuit. This allows injured construction workers to seek damages that go well beyond the available benefits in a workers’ compensation claim.
Property Owners
Under Labor Law 240(1), property owners who hire contractors are responsible for providing a safe worksite, even if they are not directly supervising day-to-day work. They cannot delegate away this duty.
General Contractors
General contractors bear a responsibility to ensure that appropriate safety devices are used, such as nets, harnesses, or secure storage for tools and materials.
Subcontractors
Subcontractors may face third-party liability if their negligence contributed to the accident. For example, failing to secure their equipment or improperly stacking materials.
Defective Equipment Injuries
Manufacturers and equipment vendors could be liable if an injury was caused by defective equipment such as a faulty hoist or broken safety device.
Injuries Caused by Falling Objects
Falling object accidents on construction sites cause a wide range of serious injuries. At WRSMH, LLP, we have represented construction workers who suffered from:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): When an object strikes a worker’s head, it can result in a concussion, brain bleeding, or long-term cognitive impairment.
- Skull Fractures: A direct impact to the head can fracture the skull, often requiring emergency surgery and resulting in permanent neurological complications.
- Facial Injuries: Tools or debris can cause broken facial bones, eye trauma, or dental damage, sometimes leading to vision loss or disfigurement.
- Neck and Spinal Injuries: A heavy object can compress or damage the spine, potentially leading to herniated discs, nerve damage, or paralysis.
- Shoulder and Collarbone Fractures: Workers often suffer broken clavicles or dislocated shoulders when hit on the upper body by falling tools or materials.
- Rib Fractures and Chest Trauma: Falling objects can break ribs or cause internal injuries, such as punctured lungs or organ damage.
- Crush Injuries: Large or heavy objects may crush limbs or torsos, potentially resulting in amputation or permanent loss of function.
- Secondary Injuries from Falls: The force of impact may cause a worker to fall from a platform or ladder, leading to additional fractures or head injuries.
Steps to Take After an Injury Occurs
If you’ve been injured on a construction site in New York City, take these steps to protect yourself:
- Seek immediate medical attention – Document your injuries.
- Report the accident – Notify your supervisor or site manager.
- Document the scene – Take photos of where and how the accident happened.
- Collect witness statements – Coworkers can support your timeline.
- Contact a construction accident attorney –Skilled attorneys can evaluate your case and pursue all forms of available compensation.
Reasons to Choose Our Firm Over Other NYC Construction Accident Lawyers
At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, we bring superior expertise to the table:
- Over 50 years of experience advocating for injured New Yorkers.
- Over $2 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements.
- Named one of the Best Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report.
- Several WRSMH attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers magazine.
Our firm has successfully represented countless workers injured by falling objects, scaffolds, and other preventable hazards. We know how to manage personal injuries claims, hold owners and contractors accountable, and pursue compensation for our clients.
Speak With an Experienced Construction Accident Lawyer in New York City
If you have been injured by a falling object on a New York City construction site, don’t wait. The experienced litigators at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP are ready to fight for justice.
Call (212) 986-7353 to schedule your free consultation today.