Construction Site Falls in NY: Who Is Responsible?
On December 15, 2022 by 
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It goes without saying that falls are dangerous. They can cause severe injury, pain, and even death. In New York, they are one of the most common fatal injuries sustained by those who work in construction.
If you or someone you love works in New York’s bustling construction business, it’s vital to understand what a fall can mean for your future and your rights. Here is what you need to know about New York construction falls, your rights, and what you can do if a fall happens to you.
Falls Related to Construction
There are several different types of falls that are related to construction that can result in significant injury or death. They include:
Falling Objects
Debris, such as drywall or tiles, or objects, such as tools, can easily fall on construction sites. If an object hits you, it can cause significant injury. However, the labor laws in the state help to protect workers, stating that the construction company or contractor is supposed to provide safeguards to protect workers from falling objects. If that is violated and a person is injured, then the owner or contractor may be liable for the injuries sustained by workers.
Falls From Height
A fall from any height is scary and can lead to injury. Every worker on a New York construction site is supposed to have safety devices in place to help keep them from falling – whether it’s falling by a hundred feet or 1,000 feet. If a construction worker is harmed because of a fall and they were not given adequate safety devices to protect them, then the contractor or owner can be held responsible.
Tripping Falls
Trips, slips, and falls can be quite dangerous on a construction site and may be caused by unsafe work conditions. If a construction worker is hurt on the job as a result of a labor law violation, then the building owner or contractor will be held liable for any damages.
Injuries From Construction Falls
There are many different types of injuries that can be sustained as a result of a fall on a construction site. They include:
- Bone fractures
- Head trauma
- Muscle tears, sprains, and strains
- Herniated or bulging discs in the back
- Joint dislocation
- Injuries that result in paralysis
It is also not uncommon for workers to suffer from some psychological conditions after a fall, such as:
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Depression
- Substance abuse
- Acute stress disorder
What Should You Do
If you are involved in a fall on a construction site, the first thing you should do after getting proper medical attention is contact an experienced attorney to help you with your case. You will likely have insurance agencies attempting to contact you, but you shouldn’t make any statements to them without consulting with an attorney, or you may say something that could damage your case later on.
You have rights as an injured worker in New York, and it’s vital to understand what those rights are, determine who is responsible for your injuries, and seek compensation that is owed to you because you were injured through no fault of your own. Insurance companies are not on your side, but an attorney you bring onto the case is – and you need their help if you want to be reimbursed for what you’ve gone through.