In almost every major city across the United States, towering buildings and skyscrapers shape the iconic skyline. New York City, in particular, is a famous place many people like to visit.
Today, construction companies undertake numerous projects at significant heights within the city and beyond. Ensuring these projects’ safety is paramount, demanding strict adherence to established guidelines to prevent accidents.
Construction-related falling objects stand out prominently among the various causes of fatalities in New York. It’s essential to recognize that these incidents aren’t just accidents; they often happen because of negligence or carelessness.
In such cases, seeking the expertise of a New York City construction accident lawyer becomes imperative. They can assist you or your loved ones in pursuing rightful compensation for the damages inflicted by the negligent party.
With the support of an experienced falling objects accident lawyer, you can easily navigate the legal process and get fair compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial damages.
These lawyers specialize in holding those who have been carelessly responsible. They ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
What are Construction Falling Objects?
In a construction setting, workers utilize various tools and equipment to carry out tasks efficiently. However, even seemingly tiny objects can pose significant dangers when they fall from heights.
These objects, known as falling objects, can potentially cause devastating damage and severe injuries to workers and bystanders.
Various items can fall on construction sites. These items include hammers, nails, screws, scissors, wrenches, power tools, measuring tools, squares, and levels. Even though they are small, these objects can cause serious harm when they fall from high places.
Thankfully, construction crews now prioritize safety and use adequate measures to reduce risks from falling objects. Safety protocols and equipment are essential for protecting workers’ and the public’s well-being.
Construction sites use safety measures like personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats to protect the head from falling objects. Additionally, we strategically position safety nets and barricades to catch or redirect falling objects, reducing the potential harm they may cause.
Furthermore, construction crews have adopted improved practices for securing tools and materials at heights. We use tethering systems, tool lanyards, and tool bags with attachment points in elevated work areas to prevent objects from falling.
These measures are designed to minimize the risk of objects becoming hazardous projectiles. We also regularly inspect equipment, work areas, and tools to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Construction crews can significantly decrease the chances of objects falling and keep everyone involved in the construction process safe. This can be achieved by following these practices and promoting safety awareness.
What Causes Falling Objects at Construction Sites
As dynamic environments as they are, construction sites have multiple factors that can contribute to the occurrence of falling objects. Some common factors that can lead to falling objects at construction sites are:
Unsecured Tools and Equipment:
A prominent source of falling objects is a failure to secure tools, equipment, and materials properly. Items not securely tied or stored may become dislodged or accidentally knocked off elevated platforms, endangering workers below.
Inadequate Storage and Handling:
Improper storage and handling procedures might also result in things falling. The possibility of products falling and hurting themselves increases when stacked carelessly, loaded unevenly onto shelves or racks, or placed on unstable surfaces.
Vibrations and Structural Movement:
Vibrations caused by heavy machinery, equipment, or nearby construction activities can dislodge previously secure objects. Additionally, structural movement in buildings or scaffolding can cause things to shift or fall if improperly secured.
Adverse Weather Conditions:
Extreme weather conditions, such as high winds, storms, or heavy rain, can increase the likelihood of objects becoming dislodged or blown off elevated surfaces. These conditions make it even more crucial to secure materials and equipment properly.
Equipment Malfunction:
Equipment malfunction or failure can result in unexpected drops or releases of objects. Defective hoisting mechanisms, malfunctioning cranes, or faulty rigging systems can cause loads to fall, posing a severe hazard to workers and bystanders.
N.Y. Labor Laws
Labor Law 240, also called the scaffold law, protects construction workers hurt by falls or falling objects at high worksites.
Enacted in the late 19th century, Labor Law 240 aims to hold property owners and contractors responsible for maintaining safe working conditions and ensuring the proper use of safety equipment.
The primary focus of Labor Law 240 is to address accidents and injuries that occur at elevated heights, such as falls from ladders, scaffolds, or other elevated platforms.
The law recognizes the inherent risks of working at heights and imposes a high liability standard on property owners and contractors to ensure worker safety.
Labor Law 240 holds property owners and contractors liable for “gravity-related” accidents.
This means that if a construction worker is injured due to a fall or being struck by a falling object at an elevated worksite, the property owner or contractor may be held liable for the injuries, regardless of whether they were directly at fault for the incident.
The statute places a duty on property owners and contractors to provide proper safety devices and equipment to protect workers from falls or falling objects. This includes providing and maintaining suitable scaffolding, hoists, ladders, harnesses, or other necessary safety devices.
Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of providing proper training and supervision to ensure workers use the equipment correctly.
Labor Law 240 is unique compared to similar laws in other states because it imposes strict liability, meaning that a worker injured in a fall doesn’t need to prove negligence by the property owner or contractor.
This provision has been the subject of ongoing debate and controversy, with arguments made for its necessity in protecting workers and its potential impact on construction costs and insurance rates.
The rigid liability provision, according to the law’s critics, drives up insurance prices for construction projects and deters investment in the state. Supporters emphasize worker safety and argue that the law encourages property owners and contractors to prioritize safety. They also believe that the law promotes the provision of proper training and equipment.
It’s important to note that the interpretation and application of Labor Law 240 can vary, and having a New York falling objects lawyer’s expertise can help you understand the law’s implications and requirements.
Who’s Liable For My Injuries After I’m Struck By a Falling Object?
In the aftermath of a falling object accident, it is crucial to conduct a thorough investigation to determine liability. Such incidents can involve multiple parties, making it essential to ensure a fair and comprehensive examination.
To navigate this complex process and safeguard your interests, seeking the assistance of a falling object accident lawyer can provide valuable support.
A skilled falling object accident lawyer can actively participate in the investigation, working diligently to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze the accident’s circumstances.
Their expertise enables them to identify the potentially liable parties and evaluate their roles in the incident. By engaging a lawyer, you can confidently believe the investigation is conducted impartially and with your best interests in mind.
Furthermore, a falling object accident lawyer can help monitor the outcome of the investigation. They possess the legal knowledge and experience to assess the findings, ensuring that all necessary factors are considered and accounted for.
Their vigilance ensures that your rights are protected and any potential avenues for fair compensation are pursued.
The liable parties may include:
- The main contractor of a construction project
- A negligent owner
- A negligent landlord
- Architect or Engineer of a construction site
- A public entity
- Manufacturer of a defective product
Types of Injuries from Falling Objects
Usually, these injuries are fatal because of the force of the impact on the person on the ground. Sadly, most cases our lawyers handle involve families who have lost a loved one in a falling object accident, mainly because the falling objects strike the head or shoulders.
They can suffer from injuries:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Concussion
- Eye injuries
- Spinal Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Disfigurement
Contact an NYC Falling Object Injuries Lawyer
The Ward Law Group has assisted numerous injured individuals and their families for over a decade. They have achieved considerable success in delivering justice to hundreds of people. Our skilled lawyers handle falling object accidents and develop a winning strategy to secure the highest compensation.
Our commitment is to support you and your family, seeking justice and easing any financial burden you may face. We can’t replace your loved one, but we want to help you find closure and move on while remembering them.
Contact us at 855-DOLOR-55 for a FREE consultation on your case. You can also send us a message in our online chat.