Falling Objects

Specific labor law provisions protect those injured by falling objects in New York City. New York City is known worldwide for high-rises, skyscrapers and other immense structures. While such buildings have become a treasured part of our architectural landscape, the unique dangers they pose have led to specific provisions in our legal landscape. At Segan, Nemerov, Singer & Sonin P.C., we understand these laws and can help leverage them to recover maximum compensation for clients injured by falling objects on construction sites and elsewhere.

Almost any falling object poses a significant threat to construction workers

In New York City, Labor Law Section 240 specifically protects workers from the hazards of falling objects on worksites. While an object falling from any height can cause serious injury, the severity of those injuries can grow exponentially when greater heights are involved. Certain objects that often fall on New York City construction sites include:

Hammers, sledgehammers and other tools
Power tools
Bricks and cinderblocks
Metal fittings and railings
Rebar or other metal bars
Sheet metal
Ductwork
Support beams
Wires or cables
Construction debris
Lumber, concrete and anything else being hoisted

In cases where evidence and testimony show safety precautions were not taken to secure such objects from falls, the contractor, owner or agent responsible for the site is liable for resulting injuries. Additional laws address liability in cases where a worker, not an object, falls from a height. Under the law, construction workers may be entitled to recovery if the accident occurs as the result of gravity which causes the accident or injury. Segan, Nemerov, Singer & Sonin P.C. know the law and how to apply it in a variety of circumstances.

Help navigating the protocols of workplace and construction injury cases

When the injured party in a construction accident is employed by the allegedly negligent party, the claim normally proceeds through the workers’ compensation process. This process exists in every state as a way of arbitrating and settling injury cases brought by employees against their employers as efficiently and non-confrontationally as possible. However, an owner or general contractor may be liable to the injured person for the accident and injuries sustained.

In many workplaces, and especially construction sites, there may be more than one employer present. Many times, the negligent actions of one employer can injure workers who are not their employees. In such cases, any resulting personal injury actions normally proceed both as third party claims and workers comp claims.

Procedures and protocols differ distinctly between a workers’ compensation claim and a third party claim. The first step in determining which type of action to bring is understanding which parties are legitimately responsible for your injuries. At Segan, Nemerov, Singer & Sonin P.C., our personal injury lawyers leverage decades of experience to help our clients make precisely this determination.

Do Not Delay in Contacting a New York City Construction Accident Attorney

New York City labor laws protect against the hazards of falling objects, which can lead to head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, neck and back injuries, broken bones and death. If you or a loved one has been injured in such a case, contact the personal injury lawyers at Segan, Nemerov, Singer & Sonin P.C. either online or at (212) 696-9100 today.

Areas of Practice

Almost any falling object poses a significant threat to construction workers

Help navigating the protocols of workplace and construction injury cases

Do Not Delay in Contacting a New York City Construction Accident Attorney

Falling Objects Blog