Brooklyn Falling Debris Accident Lawyers
Injured by Falling Debris? Contact Our Brooklyn Construction Accident Lawyer
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falling debris is one of the most common causes of construction worksite injuries. In fact, OSHA lists getting struck by a heavy object as one of the industry’s “fatal four,” meaning it is one of the leading causes of fatal injuries.
If you have been injured by falling material or debris, you could be entitled to compensation. New York law provides many avenues for getting the compensation you need, but an attorney is indispensable at identifying the correct path to take.
Why Debris Falls at Construction Sites
Debris often falls on construction sites due to the negligence of workers. For example, debris often falls because of:
- Careless or improper machine loading
- Improper stacking of materials
- Scaffolding collapse or partial failure
- Unsafe use of tools
- Defective equipment or restraints
Sometimes, these mistakes are compounded by errors made by an employer, such as a failure to follow government safety standards or refusal to offer adequate supervision or training. Other accidents could have been prevented had proper warnings been given to construction workers, who could avoid the area where debris was likely to fall.
Falling Debris Injuries
Even small objects, such as a hammer, could become dangerous when it falls from a great height. Many people who are struck by debris suffer traumatic injuries, such as:
- Fractures, including skull fractures
- Bleeding in the brain (intracranial hemorrhage)
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Crush injuries
These injuries warrant immediate medical attention to determine the extent of the injury. A simple knock to the head, for example, could actually cause bleeding and swelling in the brain, which might prove fatal if not immediately treated.
If you have been injured, promptly notify your supervisor of the injury. This not only protects your right to workers’ compensation benefits, but it also protects your coworkers who might also be injured by falling debris.
Safety Equipment & Falling Debris
A hard hat is a common piece of personal protection equipment at construction sites. Much as a helmet is designed to protect the head and brain from injury during a bike accident, a hard hat is supposed to provide similar protection to construction workers.
If a worker was not provided the necessary equipment, or if the equipment was worn out and defective, then injuries can be much more serious than they otherwise should have been. Remember to hold onto your hard hat and other equipment after an accident so that an attorney can look at it.
Speak with a Brooklyn Construction Accident Lawyer Today
Falling debris injuries are some of the most serious that our clients suffer, forcing many of them to miss months from work as they try to recover. To determine whether you are entitled to benefits or if you can bring a lawsuit, speak with one of our lawyers today.
Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman has an impressive track record in construction accident cases, and we can help you, as well. For a free consultation, call us today at 917-268-0344 or fill out our contact form.
