Falling object injuries can occur at any place where work is performed or objects are stored above where people are working, congregating, or passing through. Furthermore, falling object injuries can also occur or when objects or merchandise are stored above shoulder-level. Despite this relatively simple mechanism of injury, falling object injuries can result in catastrophic injuries or even death. If you have been injured due to a falling object set in motion by the negligence or reckless disregard of another, contact the personal injury attorneys of Sullivan & Galleshaw.
Falling Object Injury to Pedestrians
When pedestrians are walking along the sidewalk, they expect their journey to proceed uneventfully until they reach their destination. Unfortunately, a falling object injury can occur whether you are walking down a busy city street or strolling through a more relaxed neighborhood in a borough or in the suburbs. For instance, while walking down a city street a window washer could potentially drop a tool or a personal item. The item would then fall several or many stories and strike an individual walking below. Similarly, a building resident could throw unwanted items out of a window which then rain down onto the people below.
Injury to Workers and Construction Workers
Construction sites are one of the most likely locations for a falling object injury. Actions that can increase the likelihood of a falling object injury at a construction site include:
- The failure to post adequate, clear warning signs at a construction site.
- The failure of workers, supervisors & visitors to wear protective equipment such as hard hats, safety googles, or face shields.
- The failure to perform an inspection of construction equipment & machinery.
- The failure to provide adequate training on the proper use of equipment & machinery.
- The failure of workers to properly secure hand held tools and personal effects.
- The failure to adequately secure construction sites during working hours and overnight.
- The failure to use appropriate safety devices to prevent falling objects and debris.
- The failure to follow proper securement procedures for materials on hooks and ropes while using cranes and hoists.
These negligent or careless acts can create dangerous conditions for workers, contractors, subcontractors and any other individual who comes onto the work site. Supervisors should work to minimize or eliminate the risky behaviors identified here.
Injuries to Shoppers
Even a location seemingly as benign as a retail store or a warehouse club store can result in a serious injury due to a falling object accident. Consider a simple supermarket or big-box retailer. Many times goods and products are stacked on shelving that can reach heights of 10 or more feet. If the products are arranged improperly they can fall from the shelves creating something of an avalanche of products or goods. Similarly warehouse club stores and home improvement depots are typically equipped with industrial shelving that reach heights of 30 feet or more. Goods that fall of shelving of this type can have time to accelerate to relatively high speeds and can cause serious head injuries or death.
Work with us if you have been injured by a falling object
The personal injury attorneys of Sullivan & Galleshaw fight for individuals injured due to negligent or reckless conduct by another. When you work with a Sullivan & Galleshaw attorney you can rest assured that you will be working with an experienced lawyer that is responsive to your concerns. To schedule your free and confidential personal injury consultation, call 718-843-0300 or contact us online.