Keetick L. Sanchez, Esq. Discusses the Danger of Falling Objects on Worksites in New York

Queens, NY -- For most of us, the concerns of being injured by falling objects as we move about our day are minimal. But for those who work in the construction industry in New York City, those dangers are a daily concern. Keetick L. Sanchez, as an experienced New York falling objects lawyer, sees these kinds of injuries often and understands the unique dangers of working on a construction site in the city.

“The construction industry is one of the most dangerous in the country, but New York City presents very unique dangers with our huge buildings and crowded sites,” explained Ms. Sanchez. “OSHA has a list of what they call their ‘fatal four’ of accidents that cause the most fatalities on a worksite, and one of these is ‘struck by’ accidents. One of the categories of these accidents is accidents that are caused by falling objects. While OSHA is very clear about what measures need to be taken on construction sites in order for workers and visitors to be kept safe, New York has taken this even further with our labor laws that protect workers from unsafe worksites and sets out very explicit safety protocols.”

New York Labor Laws, Sections 200, 240, and 241 set out specific safety requirements, responsibilities, and rights for those who run, own, or work on busy job sites. Section 240, otherwise known as New York’s controversial “scaffolding law” sets out strict liability and responsibilities of owners and contractors that cannot be delegated elsewhere. When accidents happen on a worksite in New York, owners and contractors are held strictly liable for them, regardless of who else was involved. While this law has proven to be unpopular with owners and contractors, it gives workers very strong rights when they have been injured on a worksite.

Falling objects, equipment, and materials create a significant threat to workers on a worksite. While anything falling from a height can cause significant injuries, the higher the fall and the heavier the object, the more severe the injury. If a falling object accident was due to unsafe conditions, the owner or contractor can be held legally liable.

“Many of these falling object accidents can result in lifelong disabilities and even death to a worker,” continued Ms. Sanchez. “Fortunately, we have these strict labor laws that hold owners and contractors accountable and ensures that they are strictly liable if their worksite is unsafe. If a worker has been injured or killed on a site and evidence shows that the proper precautions weren’t in place, these owners and contractors know that they will be held financially responsible for any damages. These can include things like all medical costs, physical therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a worker has been killed on a site, the family members may be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the owner or contractor.”

Keetick L. Sanchez, Esq. is an experienced New York falling objects lawyer and the founding attorney at K.L. Sanchez Law Office. To learn more about her, visit her website at https://accidentlawyer-queens.com/construction-accident-attorney/falling-objects-lawyer/.