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One moment, you’re focused on installing beams, laying concrete, or managing materials. The next, a sudden impact knocks you to the ground. A piece of unsecured equipment, a broken scaffold, or crumbling masonry fell from above, striking you with devastating force. You’re left injured, unable to work, and facing a mountain of medical bills. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone and have legal options.
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we stand with injured construction workers and their families. If falling objects in a construction site in Peekskill caused your injuries, we can help you determine whether a third party—such as a contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer—can be held accountable for your damages.
Why Falling Debris and Objects Are So Dangerous in Construction
Workplace accidents can lead to various injuries, and contact with objects and equipment is a major contributor to these incidents. Statistics show that injuries resulting from contact with objects and equipment are the third leading cause of work-related fatalities. The consequences of these accidents frequently lead to severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, fractures, and internal bleeding.
Common Causes of Falling Objects in a Construction Site
These accidents can occur in various ways but are typically caused by the following:
- Unsecured tools and equipment left on ledges, scaffolds, or high surfaces;
- Faulty rigging or hoisting failures, causing materials to drop unexpectedly;
- Crane and lifting accidents due to improper operation or defective equipment;
- Collapsing structures or debris from demolition or unstable buildings;
- Improperly secured loads falling from trucks, scaffolding, or forklifts; and
- Lack of proper safety netting or barriers to catch falling debris.
When safety precautions fail, injuries from falling objects can lead to severe and sometimes fatal injuries. New York laws protect injured workers, but finding who is responsible needs a detailed investigation.
New York Laws Protecting Construction Workers from Falling Object Injuries
New York is one of the few states with strict laws protecting construction workers from gravity-related accidents like falling debris. Several legal frameworks may apply to your case.
New York’s Scaffold Law
Under New York’s Scaffold Law, property owners and general contractors can be strictly liable for injuries to a worker due to inadequate falling object protections. If an object falls due to improper hoists, pulleys, scaffolding, or safety devices, the liability falls squarely on the property owner or contractor—regardless of fault.
General Negligence & Premises Liability
New York’s labor laws establish that worksites must be kept reasonably safe. If a contractor or site manager knew or should have known about a hazard, they may be liable under negligence laws. For example, if bricks routinely fell from an unsecured scaffold and the contractor did nothing to correct the issue, you may have a valid premises liability claim.
Product Liability for Defective Equipment
If you suffered an injury due to a defective hard hat, malfunctioning hoist, or improperly designed scaffold, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. New York’s strict product liability laws hold manufacturers accountable for producing unsafe equipment.
What About Workers’ Compensation?
While workers’ compensation offers medical benefits and partial wage replacement, it does not encompass full lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages. This highlights the importance of seeking additional compensation through third-party liability claims. Our firm doesn’t handle workers’ compensation, focusing on third-party liability claims to help injured workers pursue higher compensation.
Establishing Fault in a Peekskill Falling Object Injury Case
Winning a construction falling objects injury lawsuit requires proving liability. Our legal team builds cases using evidence such as:
- Safety records and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violations at the construction site;
- Witness statements from coworkers and bystanders;
- Site surveillance footage and photos of the hazard;
- Inspection and maintenance logs for hoists, cranes, and scaffolds; and
- Expert testimony on construction safety standards and best practices.
Because New York law often favors injured workers in gravity-related accidents, a well-documented claim can result in substantial compensation.
How Our Peekskill Falling Debris Injury Lawyer Can Help
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we adopt a firm yet compassionate stance when handling construction injury cases. We advocate for you by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation to determine third-party liability;
- Gathering evidence from OSHA reports, worksite records, and industry experts;
- Negotiating forcefully with insurance companies to secure maximum compensation; and
- Taking your case to trial if necessary, leveraging decades of legal experience.
You’ve spent your career building for others—now it’s time to build your case. For over 60 years, we’ve stood up for injured workers in Peekskill and New York. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing. Reach out to us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Falling Objects in Peekskill
What If the Construction Site Had Safety Nets but Missed the Falling Object?
Even with safety measures, you may still have a valid claim if they failed to prevent injury due to negligence. The adequacy and maintenance of safety equipment are always factors.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for Injuries from Falling Objects in New York?
Under New York’s statute of limitations, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if a government entity was involved, you may need to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
Can Family Members Sue for Wrongful Death If a Worker Dies from a Falling Object?
Yes. Under New York Estates, Powers & Trusts Law, families can file a wrongful death lawsuit if a construction worker dies due to falling debris or unsafe working conditions. Compensation may cover funeral costs, lost income, and the pain and suffering endured by the deceased.
How Does the Injury Location Within Peekskill Impact My Case?
Although New York State labor laws generally apply to all injury cases, specific site conditions and local rules can affect your case. For example, sites near the Hudson River may have increased wind-related risks.
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