Falling Objects Lawyer
Although most of us go about our day not worrying about being injured by a falling object, this is not the case for those who work on New York’s busy construction job sites. Falling objects are one of the leading causes of injury and death on busy worksites. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has named “struck by object” as one of its notorious “fatal four” of all workplace fatal accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by an object in New York, you should get the legal guidance of an experienced New York falling object lawyer. At K.L. Sanchez Law Offices, P.C. | Car Accident Lawyer and Construction Accident Attorney, we may be able to help.
Our personal injury legal practice is dedicated to holding parties accountable who cause injuries or fatalities to individuals due to negligence or carelessness. As experienced falling objects lawyers, we understand the complicated federal and state laws surrounding work-related accidents and injuries and diligently represent those who have been harmed in these incidents. We are here to help anybody looking for a construction accident lawyer, a workers compensation lawyer, or anyone else who may have been injured on a construction site in New York.
For a free consultation with falling objects attorney Keetick Sanchez,
call (646) 701-7990
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Falling Object Hazards on Construction Sites
Here in New York, we are known for our immense buildings and skyscrapers. Although our skyline represents so much of what we are known for in our city, these large buildings can represent unique dangers for those who work on or near these sites each day. A falling object on these worksites can produce tremendous force upon impact, which can lead to serious injuries or even death.
OSHA is very clear about what measures need to be followed on these sites to ensure the greatest safety for all involved. And yet, in 2019 alone, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 2.8 million injuries and 5,333 fatalities occurred among private industry employees. When this happens, the party responsible for the accident may be held accountable for the costs associated with the injuries and fatalities. If you have been hurt by a falling object on a construction site, don’t wait. Call to speak with a talented Queens accident lawyer today (646) 701-7990
What Are “Stuck-By” Accidents
OSHA categorizes “struck by” accidents as four different types of accidents. They are:
- Accidents caused by falling objects
- Accidents caused by swinging objects
- Accidents caused by flying objects
- Accidents caused by rolling objects
About 52,000 people are injured each year due to falling objects on a worksite in the United States. This comes to about 143 injuries per day.
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What is Considered a “Falling Object” Accident
Falling objects cause a significant threat to workers each day. While anything falling from a height can cause injuries, they get exponentially more severe as the height of the fall increases. Typical equipment that can fall on a job site can include:
- Power tools such as nail guns and power drills
- Hand tools such as hammers and saws
- Scaffolding
- Cinder blocks and bricks
- Metal bars such as rebar
- Railings and other metal fittings
- Support beams
- Ductwork
- Cables and wires
- Anything that is being hoisted
- Construction debris
OHSA requires that contractors and owners must protect workers by meeting all construction standards, providing personal protective equipment, providing adequate training for all equipment and vehicles, and ensuring that all operators and workers have the correct qualifications to operate equipment.
New York Labor Laws
In addition, here in New York City, we have specific labor laws that protect workers on job sites:
- New York Labor Law Section 200 — This law requires that a work site must be “constructed, equipped, arranged, operated, and conducted as to provide reasonable and adequate protection to the lives, health, and safety of all persons employed therein or lawfully frequenting such places. All machinery, equipment, and devices in such places shall be so placed, operated, guarded, and lighted to provide reasonable and adequate protection to all such persons.”
- New York Labor Law Section 240 — Section 240 of the New York Labor Law is also called the “scaffolding law.” All scaffolding that is more than 20 feet from the ground requires a safety rail, fastening that prevents swaying, and the ability to hold four times the weight of the people and objects placed on it. Under this section of the law, a worker can hold an owner or contractor liable if they were injured from falling or by a falling object.
- New York Law Law Section 241 — Section 241 specifically concerns building demolition and excavation safety. This section outlines what provisions must be taken for any construction, demolition, or excavation on a job site and what safety equipment must be provided.
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Injuries Caused by Falling Objects
Falling objects can cause injuries from minor to catastrophic, depending on the weight of the object and the height it has fallen from. These can include
- Lacerations and bruises
- Fractures
- Back and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Permanent disabilities
- Fatalities
Unfortunately, many of these injuries may result in disabilities that the victim will have to deal with for the rest of his or her life. In addition to the financial burden of an accident, serious injuries can also affect the victim emotionally and psychologically. If evidence shows that the correct safety precautions were not taken and resulted in an accident, the owner or contractor can be held liable for any costs and damages resulting from the accident and injuries.
What Benefits Can You Expect From a Falling Objects Lawsuit?
If you have been injured in a falling object accident, you may be able to recover damages from your injuries, such as
- Medical costs, surgeries, doctor’s visits, medications, specialty medical devices, rehabilitative care
- Future medical costs that may result from the injury
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Lost wages
- Any reduction in your future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Although an injury claim can proceed through workers’ compensation insurance, it takes away your ability to hold the employer accountable. Sometimes, these injuries happen to those who are not direct employees of the contractor or owner. There also may be several parties that can be held liable for the accident. It is critical to seek the legal guidance of a falling objects lawyer before you accept any settlements with workers’ compensation.
Get Legal Assistance From an Experienced Falling Object Lawyer in New York
If you or a loved one has been injured on a job site due to a falling object, you should speak with an experienced falling object lawyer to understand your legal rights and options. At K.L. Sanchez Law Office, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case and what you are entitled to in compensation for your injuries.