Falling Objects
Falling debris is one of the leading causes of injury on construction sites. It’s so common, in fact, that the Occupational Health and Safety Administration has dubbed it one of the industry’s “Fatal Four.” Workers struck by a falling object is the second leading cause of death in construction, and many of these injuries are preventable.
If you or a loved one experienced a serious injury or suffered harm after an object struck you on a construction site, the law may entitle you to compensation for your injuries. Hiring a New York City construction site injury attorney as soon as possible is essential for protecting your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve.
Contact our team at (212) 222-1111 for your free case evaluation.
The Workers’ Compensation System
If you sustain an injury in a New York construction accident, your first line of defense is the workers’ compensation system. State law requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which kicks in after a workplace injury. Since workers’ compensation is “no-fault,” you won’t have to prove your employer was negligent to collect benefits. On the other hand, this also prohibits you from suing your employer for negligence. Take the following steps to collect your benefits:
- Report the injury to your employer. The law sets time limits for reporting an occupational injury, usually 30 days. However, it’s in your best interest to tell your employer about your injuries as soon as possible.
- Seek medical treatment. Ask your employer if you need to see an in-network provider. If not, you can see your own doctor. Ask for copies of your medical records to forward to your personal injury attorney.
- Schedule your free initial consultation. While you may not be able to sue your employer for negligence, there may be other factors at play. The lawyers at Frekhtman & Associates can help you explore your legal options and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Common Reasons for Falling Objects Injury
If you’ve sustained injury from falling debris at a construction site, it may be because of another worker’s negligence. Here are some of the most common reasons that debris falls on a construction site:
- A worker improperly stacks materials.
- A subcontractor drops materials or machinery.
- Improper use of tools.
- Inadequate supervision or training.
- Improper machine loading.
- Failure to follow established safety standards.
- Failure to warn of dangers.
- Breakdown or collapse of scaffolding or other structures.
Injuries from falling debris can be serious and require intensive medical treatment and care. Workers may experience bruising, lacerations, broken bones, brain injury, concussions, damage to the neck or spinal cord, and more.
Contact a New York Construction Injury Attorney
The injuries you sustain in a construction site accident can be serious and put you out of work for long periods of time. Since workers’ compensation benefits only cover a portion of your salary, you may find it difficult to make ends meet. A personal injury claim can help you find compensation for the full extent of your damages, including intangible losses such as pain and suffering. For more information on our services or to schedule a free initial consultation with our firm, please contact us.
Contact our team today at(212) 222-1111 to discuss your case with our skilled and experienced construction accident attorneys in New York City.