Construction is an extremely dangerous profession, and unsecured objects on a job site can be deadly hazards. Construction workers must take care to shield the area below them from falling debris or clear the area before demolishing a structure. Failure to do so can cause serious injury to both workers and passersby. If you suffered serious injury on a construction site, a New York falling objects injury lawyer from Buttafuoco & Associates can help you recover compensation: 1-800-NOW-HURT.
Accidents Involving Falling Objects or Debris on Construction Sites
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control categorizes accidents from falling objects as “struck-by” injuries; in 2020, struck-by accidents accounted for 150 deaths and 14,000 injuries. In 2019, falling objects made up 27% of the struck-by fatalities.
Almost any object on a construction site can be dangerous or even deadly, given enough height. Even light objects can cause trauma when dropped as they gain velocity the longer they fall. Something as light as 1lb, such as a tape measure, can cause serious injury by falling as little as 6 feet. A 10 lb object, such as a bucket of paint, can be deadly at 20 ft. According to our construction accident lawyers serving New York, some common falling objects may include:
- Dropped tools
- Construction materials
- Demolition debris
- Broken scaffolding
- Loose crane payloads
Falling objects can cause serious injury from their impact, knock a person over, or even bury them in the rubble, creating the potential for lacerations, fractures, bruises, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage. Some of the common injuries according to our New York construction accident attorneys include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Skull Fractures
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Lacerations and Puncture Wounds
- Crush Injuries
- Wrongful Death
- Lost Limbs
- Neck and Back Injuries
- Bone Fractures
For many of these injuries, there are serious long-term consequences. When workers sustain severe injuries to a limb, their head, or their spine, it can result in life-long disability. Head trauma might lead to brain damage, impairing cognitive functions and control. Spinal injuries can result in paralysis below the injury site. Suffering any of these disabling conditions goes beyond lost wages and medical bills, diminishing your quality of life, placing stress on yourself and your family.
In these cases, the negligent party must be held accountable for the injuries they caused, and victims provided the compensation they are owed. As you can imagine, proving fault in these cases can be complicated, so working with a falling objects injury lawyer serving New York is essential.
Falling Object Accident Prevention
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created safety measures to prevent many of these incidents. Some common and effective safety measures include:
- Securing tools when using them at an elevated height with lanyards or tethers.
- Installing safety netting below working areas
- Securing and checking crane payloads before lifting
- Placing barriers on edges where objects might fall
- Storing construction materials or tools away from edges, according to OSHA requirements for different construction types
- Requiring hard hats on job sites
- Barricading areas near demolition sites
- Providing clear warning signage and sufficient safety training
Seeking Compensation for an Injury from a Falling Object or Debris
The first step to recovering damages for your injury is to report the accident to your employer. Most businesses in New York must legally carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees. This coverage will take care of your medical expenses related to the injury and pay you a portion of your wages. This coverage, however, may not match the true amount of the damages from your injuries. In the case of permanent disability or death, these benefits are rarely enough to cover a lifetime of damage and loss.
In many cases, however, you are eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit, especially when a third party is involved. This type of claim requires evidence of negligence and fault of another party, while a workers’ compensation claim does not. This is why it’s important to consult with an experienced New York construction accident lawyer to learn about your legal rights. An attorney can help you gather evidence and negotiate a fair settlement that you deserve.
We offer free case reviews and information regarding your legal rights to work injury benefits, disability pay, and more.
For support and answers to your legal questions after a serious construction accident, contact Buttafuoco & Associates at 1-800-NOW-HURT.