Falling debris isn’t just dangerous. It can be deadly. Construction workers are at constant risk of being injured by a brick, a dropped tool, unsecured sheet metal, or other items that fall on them while they are working. One moment of negligence from someone above can cause a lifetime of consequences for someone below.
If you’ve been hurt by falling debris on a New York or New Jersey construction site, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The experienced construction accident lawyers at Hofmann & Schweitzer are here to help you understand your rights and hold negligent parties accountable.
What Types of Falling Debris Cause Injuries on Construction Sites?
Falling object injuries happen when tools, materials, or structural components aren’t adequately secured. Common culprits include:
- Tools. A wrench, hammer, paint bucket, drill, or other tool dropped from just one story can cause a serious injury.
- Bricks and masonry. A cinder block can come loose during demolition or be knocked from an upper floor during construction.
- Metal pieces. Pipes, rebar, or steel framing can slip from a worker’s grip or fall from a lift when improperly loaded.
- Wind-borne debris. Plywood, ductwork, and loose panels can become airborne, especially at higher elevations where wind speeds increase.
- Dropped construction loads. Pallets of materials or heavy equipment can fall from cranes or scaffolding if not properly secured.
- Bagged or bulk materials. Sand, concrete mix, or gravel stored at height can spill or collapse onto workers below.
- Flying projectiles. Power tools can send nails or debris flying unexpectedly, particularly when operating on open floors.
- Collapsing structures. Partially completed scaffolds or floors may give way, dropping materials—or people—onto those below.
Any of these falling debris accidents can result in significant injuries.
What Injuries Do Falling Objects Cause on Job Sites?
The impact of falling debris can be catastrophic. Injuries may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries. Even lightweight objects can cause concussions or more severe brain injuries, especially when dropped from multiple stories.
- Spinal cord injuries. A blow to the back or neck can lead to paralysis or long-term nerve damage.
- Deep lacerations. Shattered glass, jagged metal, or exposed rebar can slice through skin, muscle, and even bone.
- Eye injuries and vision loss. A single nail or shard of debris can permanently damage eyesight.
- Fractured bones. Arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones are commonly broken in these incidents—and may never fully heal.
Tragically, some workers are killed on impact.
Can I Sue If Falling Debris Injured Me on a Construction Site?
In New York and New Jersey, injured construction workers may be eligible to file a third-party injury claim in addition to collecting workers’ compensation.
You may be able to sue for:
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future lost wages
- Medical bills not covered by workers’ comp
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma
Potentially liable third parties include:
- General contractors who failed to enforce safety protocols
- Subcontractors whose negligence caused the accident
- Property owners who didn’t maintain safe conditions
- Equipment manufacturers, if defective tools or harnesses were involved
What Laws Protect Construction Workers in New York and New Jersey?
New York and New Jersey have laws that help injured construction workers protect their rights after a work-related accident.
In New York, these laws include:
- New York Labor Law §240 (Scaffold Law). This law gives special protections to workers injured by gravity-related incidents, such as being struck by falling debris. Contractors and property owners may be held strictly liable, meaning the injured worker doesn’t need to prove negligence.
- New York Labor Law §241(6). This law requires compliance with specific safety rules outlined by the Industrial Code and allows for additional third-party claims.
- New York Labor Law §200. This law is more general and applies when a worker is injured due to unsafe work conditions or improper supervision.
New Jersey doesn't have an exact equivalent of New York’s Scaffold Law, but injured workers may still pursue third-party lawsuits if they are hurt by falling debris.
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) violations often play a key role in falling debris injury claims. If your injury was caused by a violation of OSHA fall or debris protection standards, this can be strong evidence of negligence.
What Should I Do After Being Hit by Falling Debris on a Construction Site?
Here’s what to do to protect your health and your rights:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Even if symptoms seem minor, internal injuries may not show up right away.
- Report the incident to your supervisor. This creates a paper trail and is often required for any claim.
- Document everything. Take photos, get names of witnesses, and keep your helmet or damaged gear.
- Don’t sign anything from the insurance company. Especially not a release of liability.
- Call an experienced construction accident lawyer. You may have rights beyond workers' compensation—and deadlines to act.
Construction accident cases often require experienced lawyers who understand site operations, union concerns, OSHA regulations, and complex liability laws.
At Hofmann & Schweitzer, we’ve represented construction workers for over 40 years. Our attorneys fight for:
- Full and fair compensation beyond workers’ comp
- Accountability from negligent contractors and owners
- Justice for families in fatal injury cases
Whether you’re a union ironworker hit by a wrench in Midtown, a roofer struck by a falling pipe in Newark, or another injured New York or New Jersey construction worker, we know how to build strong cases, and we don’t back down.
