Struck by a Fallen Object?

Fallen objects are a leading cause of injury on or near construction sites. While debris can fall from any high area, such as a shelf or a rooftop, the construction industry sees the greatest share of this type of accident.

Construction Site Safety

The law requires construction workers and companies to take precautions to prevent foreseeable harm—to workers and visitors as well as to people simply passing nearby. The key concept here is foreseeability. If a condition exists that a reasonable person could see is likely to cause someone to be hurt, the person or company responsible for that condition could be liable for damages if someone is injured.

For example, if heavy tools are left unsecured on a high ledge, it’s easy to see that they might fall and cause an injury. However, no one would be able to predict an earthquake that sends debris raining down upon workers and bystanders. Unsecured tools are an example of negligent behavior, while the earthquake is unforeseeable—and unpreventable.

Mistakes That Can Cause a Fallen Object Injury

When construction companies or workers don’t take reasonable steps to prevent injury, the law holds them accountable for injuries that result from their lack of care. Such mistakes may include:

• Failure to secure equipment when not in use
• Insufficient warning signage
• Barricades that are too close to hazardous areas
• Failure to enforce the use of safety gear

Have You Been Injured by a Falling Object?

If you are injured by something falling from above, the law may be able to help. If someone’s careless or reckless behavior led to your injury, you could be eligible to collect compensation for your expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering. Working with an experienced construction accident lawyer can help you determine if you should file a claim for damages.

Not sure? We’d love to help. Give us a call at (212)2281331 or contact us by email to speak to an experienced lawyer about your case, free of charge.