Falling Objects Accidents

Struck by a falling object at work? You need a law firm that understands the impact. A tool, a piece of material, or construction debris falling from above can change your life in an instant. The sudden force can cause devastating injuries, leaving you with mounting medical bills and unable to work. At Choudhry & Franzoni Law Group, we represent construction workers and bystanders who have been seriously hurt by falling objects. We know these accidents are almost always preventable, and we fight to hold the responsible companies accountable. For a free and immediate case review, call us at 516 888 1234.

Understanding Falling Object Accidents on Construction Sites

A falling object accident occurs when any item drops from an elevated level and strikes a person below. This is not a simple accident; it is a serious safety failure. These objects can gain tremendous force, even from relatively low heights. Common falling objects include:

• Hand Tools: Hammers, wrenches, drills, or saws left unsecured on a ledge or scaffolding.
• Construction Materials: Bricks, bundles of rebar, pipes, plywood sheets, or drywall.
• Debris: Loose concrete, broken tile, insulation, or other demolition waste.
• Equipment Parts: Components from machinery or scaffolding that come loose.
• Structural Elements: Temporary guardrails, signage, or other installed items that fail.

How Do These Accidents Happen?

Falling object accidents are a clear sign of negligence on a construction site. They happen because the companies in charge ignore basic safety rules. When we take your case, we investigate to find the exact cause. Common failures include:

• No Toe Boards or Netting: Safety regulations require barriers like toe boards on scaffolding and elevated platforms to prevent materials from being kicked off the edge. Netting should catch falling tools. Their absence is a direct violation.
• Poor Material Storage: Stacking materials too close to an unprotected edge, on uneven surfaces, or in an unstable manner is asking for trouble.
• Unsecured Tools: Workers not provided with tool lanyards or tethers for work at height put everyone below at risk.
• Lack of Controlled Access Zones: Failing to properly barricade areas below overhead work is a major failure in site management.
• Inadequate Communication: When different trades work at different levels without clear signals or warnings, the risk of dropping an object on someone skyrockets.
• Defective Equipment: Buckets, hoists, or cranes that fail and drop their load due to poor maintenance or improper use.

Your Powerful Rights Under New York Law

New York has a specific law designed to protect you in this exact situation. Labor Law 240(1), the Scaffold Law, applies not just to workers who fall, but also to workers struck by falling objects.

The law states that contractors and property owners must provide proper safety devices to protect workers from gravity-related hazards. If a falling object injures you because they failed to provide things like secured scaffolding, safety nets, or tool tethers, they can be held absolutely liable. This means we can seek full compensation for you beyond basic workers’ compensation, including for your pain, suffering, and lost future earnings.

Serious Injuries Caused by Falling Objects

The impact of a heavy or fast-moving object can cause catastrophic damage. We have helped clients with injuries such as:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a hard hat, a direct impact can cause concussions, skull fractures, or lasting cognitive damage.
• Severe Head and Neck Injuries: Including damage to the spine, vertebrae, and spinal cord.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: In the shoulders, collarbone, arms, and hands as you instinctively try to shield yourself.
• Crush Injuries: To feet, legs, or torso, which may require multiple surgeries or even amputation.
• Internal Organ Damage: From the blunt force trauma of the impact.
• Permanent Disfigurement and Scarring: From lacerations and surgical repairs.

Critical Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Falling Object

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately. Do not downplay a blow to the head or body. Internal bleeding or brain swelling may not be obvious. A doctor’s report is also vital evidence linking your injury to the accident.
2. Report the Incident. Inform your supervisor, site manager, or foreman right away. Request a written accident report and keep your own copy.
3. Document the Scene. If possible, have a coworker take pictures of the object that hit you, where it fell from, and the area below. Photograph your injury and any lack of safety netting or toe boards.
4. Identify Witnesses. Get the names and contact information of anyone who saw the object fall or the unsafe conditions that led to it.
5. Preserve Evidence. If you can, keep the hard hat you were wearing. It may show the point of impact and demonstrate the force of the blow.
6. Do Not Give a Statement. The property owner’s or contractor’s insurance adjuster may contact you quickly. You are not obligated to speak with them. Their goal is to minimize your claim. Direct them to Choudhry & Franzoni Law Group.
7. Call a Specialized Attorney. Time is critical. Evidence can disappear, and memories fade. Call us at 516 888 1234 so we can start our investigation while details are fresh.

Why Choose Choudhry & Franzoni Law Group?

• We Know the Physics and the Law. We understand how these accidents happen and how to prove liability using New York’s strict safety statutes.
• We Build Strong, Clear Cases. We work with safety experts and engineers to document the violations that caused your injury, creating a compelling case for maximum compensation.
• We Handle the Stress. We deal with the insurance companies, the paperwork, and the legal deadlines so you can concentrate on your physical recovery.
• No Recovery, No Fee. You pay nothing for our services unless we win money for you. Your initial consultation is completely free.

A falling object is not just bad luck. It is a failure of safety. Let us hold the right people responsible. 

Get a Free Legal Evaluation Today

If you or a loved one was hit by a falling object on a construction site, you need experienced advocates on your side. Call Choudhry & Franzoni Law Group now at 516 888 1234. We will listen to your story, explain your rights, and outline exactly how we can fight for the compensation you deserve. We represent injured workers and victims throughout New York State, from New York City and Long Island to Albany and Buffalo.