Falling Debris: A Dangerous Hazard in Construction Zones

Both workers and pedestrians can be injured by falling debris in construction zones, a very popular hazard that causes injuries for many each year. Let’s take a close look at the statistics in New York alone: In only five years, 59 people were struck by debris in NY construction zones. In fact, in some of these cases, lives were lost because the injuries were so severe, such as one woman who was struck by a piece of flying plywood when walking past a work zone.

Why do these accidents typically happen in the first place? They can happen for a variety of reasons: merchandise not being stored properly, truck loads not being secure, negligence by others, and scaffolding collapses. When debris falls on a worker or pedestrian, they could sustain serious or life-threatening injuries. This could lead to a variety of damages, from medical expenses, to lost wages from missed work, to pain and suffering by the devastating effects they must now endure.

Who is Liable for These Injuries?

No matter what the construction injury, somebody is always liable. You could find liability in a contractor, subcontractor, or the owner of a site. The matter will usually fall under contract law and the language within the contracts, most of the time. Whoever breached their duty of care in your case will owe you compensation for your injuries. If a construction company did not keep a site safe and it was their duty to do so, they could suffer the consequences. However, it is critical for you (the injured party) to be able to show that somebody’s negligence actually caused the harm. Perhaps a construction company allowed pedestrians to walk too closely to a construction site and they were injured – this is directly related and they could be liable.

If you lost time at work due to your injury, are suffering emotionally from the pain that your injury has caused, or you have a decreased quality of life due to the injuries, then it may be time to speak to a personal injury attorney about your case. We are here for you no matter what construction injury you have received. Call us today for more information on how we can help.