Falling Objects & Debris Injuies

Site Debris | Trash | Construction Materials | Falling Debris |

Worker Slips and Falls | Injured Bystanders

Construction sites are full of perils, and falling objects or debris cause accidents that are common in this industry. Tragically, such accidents can result in serious injuries and often cause death for workers or passersby who are below.

Gravity-related injuries at construction sites are covered under New York Labor Law Section 240, also known as the "Scaffold Law." The New York legislature enacted the Scaffold Law due to the hazardous and serious nature of injuries sustained. It is a well-known fact that the construction industry involves dangerous work, and great risks are inherent and prevalent in this field. Large and heavy objects falling from heights cause imminent death in many cases.

Through the Scaffold Law, workers who suffer, or families that have lost loved ones through gravity related injuries, have the legal right to seek compensation for personal injuries, past and present pain and suffering, and expenses such as medical bills, lost wages and lost future income.

Typically in such cases, the property owner and contractor are held strictly liable. If a scaffold fell and workers who were on the scaffold or persons below suffered serious injury, the scaffold owner may also be party to a lawsuit.

Types of Falling Objects and Debris Accidents

While New York City is known for towering high rise buildings, there are even more numerous small construction projects. Many smaller projects also pose risks for workers due to accidents caused by falling objects and debris. The Scaffold Law protects workers and passersby at many different types of construction sites.

Falling objects and debris accidents frequently involve:

• Dropped equipment and tools
• Roof or ceiling collapse
• Scaffold collapse
• Falling concrete, rebar, beams or other construction materials or debris
• Objects falling through holes in construction site floors
• Objects falling through open elevator shafts

Negligence can lead to falling objects and debris accidents. Examples of negligence include:

• Untrained or improperly trained workers
• Failure to secure equipment and tools
• Failure to follow safety standards
• Structural collapse caused by use of faulty materials
• Careless or improper storage of supplies and materials
• Exceeding restrictions when lifting heavy loads
• Failure to follow safety precautions or use devices that protect against falling objects and debris

Find Out How Our Lawyers Can Assist You with Your Construction Site Accident

Financial burden is often an issue with a serious construction site accident or wrongful death. Sackstein Sackstein & Lee, LLP offers a free consultation where you can discuss the details of the injury or family death with our attorneys, and they will explain your legal rights to recover compensation for damages. Our legal team will work diligently to recover compensation and protect your interests.

Find out how we can help.

Call us toll free at 888.519.6400, or contact us in Garden City at 516.248.2234, or in Flushing-Queens, Brooklyn or the Bronx at 718.539.3100. You can also fill in our contact form, and we will get in touch with you.