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One moment, you’re securing scaffolding. The next, a rogue steel beam plummets, shattering not just bone but your sense of security. You did everything right—you wore your helmet, followed safety protocols, and remained aware of your surroundings. But safety isn’t always in your control when others fail to secure equipment or construction debris properly.
Now, you’re facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and time away from work. What happens next?
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we help injured workers hold negligent third parties accountable for falling object injuries in Mount Vernon. If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to falling debris, you may be entitled to significant compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
Understanding the Risks: Falling Objects in a Construction Site and Injuries
Construction sites are dynamic and complex by nature. With its mix of urban renewal and ongoing projects, Mount Vernon’s persistent concern about falling objects is that any unsecured item, from tools and materials to structural components, can become a projectile. These incidents are not merely accidents; they often stem from negligence, a failure to uphold the safety standards designed to protect workers.
According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falling objects cause over 15,000 fatal and nonfatal injuries each year, often due to improperly secured materials, tools, or structural failures.
Common causes of falling debris accidents include:
- Unsecured tools and equipment. Wrenches, hammers, and other tools left unattended on scaffolding or ladders can fall, striking workers below.
- Loose building materials. Bricks, metal rods, and concrete chunks often fall due to poor stacking, high winds, or structural instability.
- Scaffolding and ladder failures. Workers on lower levels are at serious risk when scaffolding collapses or a ladder falls.
- Crane and hoist malfunctions. Improperly secured loads can shift or detach, creating a catastrophic situation for those working below.
The injuries from construction falling objects can be severe, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even with a hard hat, a heavy object striking the head can cause life-altering brain damage.
- Spinal cord injuries. Falling debris can lead to paralysis or other permanent mobility issues.
- Broken bones. Fractures, especially to the arms, legs, or ribs, are common when struck by falling materials.
- Internal injuries. Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and other serious complications.
When these accidents occur, knowing your legal options is crucial.
Who Is Liable for Falling Object Injuries in Mount Vernon?
New York State offers essential protections for individuals harmed by falling objects on a construction site. The Scaffold Law holds contractors and property owners strictly liable when falling objects cause injuries due to inadequate safety protections. This law applies specifically to workers engaged in the construction, demolition, repair, or alteration of buildings where hoists, pulleys, ladders, and other height-related safety devices are required.
If a failure to provide or adequately maintain these safety measures leads to your injury, you can hold the responsible parties accountable, regardless of their direct involvement in the incident.
Potentially liable parties include:
- General contractors and property owners. Responsible for maintaining a safe work environment, properly securing debris, and enforcing safety regulations.
- Subcontractors and equipment operators. Negligence in handling tools, materials, or heavy machinery can result in falling object hazards.
- Manufacturers of defective equipment. Faulty safety harnesses, cranes, or scaffolding components can contribute to accidents.
To establish a strong case, you must demonstrate the following:
- Duty of care. The property owner or contractor had a legal obligation to ensure a safe working environment.
- Breach of duty. They failed to uphold this duty by neglecting to provide adequate safety equipment or enforce safety protocols.
- Causation. This breach directly caused your injuries.
- Damages. You suffered measurable losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Like the rest of New York, proving negligence requires meticulous documentation and a deep understanding of state and local applicable laws.
Why Workers’ Compensation May Not Be Enough
While workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and lost wages, it often falls short of fully compensating victims for their pain and suffering. This is where third-party liability comes into play. You can file a personal injury claim if your injuries are caused by someone other than your employer, such as a subcontractor or property owner. For example, if a subcontractor’s crane operator drops a load of materials, causing your injury, you can pursue legal action against that subcontractor. It is essential to know that workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, and third-party liability is a fault-based system.
If a third party’s negligence caused your injury, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit for additional damages, including:
- Past and future medical costs,
- Lost wages and future earnings,
- Pain and suffering, and
- Loss of quality of life.
Our firm focuses exclusively on third-party liability claims to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
How Our Mount Vernon Falling Object Injuries Attorney Can Help
Securing compensation for falling object injuries requires a seasoned Mount Vernon falling debris injury lawyer. At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we understand the complexities of construction site accidents and the importance of thorough investigation.
From the moment you contact us, our team gets to work. We analyze every detail—interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and consulting industry experts to build the strongest case possible. Insurance companies often try to minimize claims, but we fight back, using decades of experience to secure the full compensation you deserve
Our firm uses its deep knowledge of New York personal injury and labor law and extensive experience within Mount Vernon’s construction landscape to aggressively advocate for your rights. If you cannot reach a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Regain Your Footing and Seek Justice with Us
For more than 60 years, Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers have relentlessly advocated for injured workers in Mount Vernon. We understand that a single accident can upend your life, and we won’t let negligent parties get away with it. Let’s take action together. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation to begin building your case.
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