Getting hit by falling debris isn’t rare. In fact, “struck by object” is one of OSHA’s “Fatal Four” types of construction deaths. And NYC sees more of these injuries than almost anywhere else in the U.S.
Just last October, a 54-year-old construction worker, Paulo Couto, tragically lost his life when a piece of equipment fell and struck him in the head while he was working on an underground water sewage system near 31st Street and 34th Avenue.
In 2023 alone, federal data shows that 738 workers were killed after being hit by equipment or falling objects on the job. Another 885 died from falls, including 725 who fell from heights. These accidents happen more often than people realize—and they’re often preventable.
What’s in This Guide:
- Common Objects That Can Cause Falling Debris Injuries
- Common Injuries Caused by Falling Objects
- What To Do If You’re Hit at Work
- Your Employer’s Legal Responsibilities
- Who’s Liable When Someone Gets Hurt
- OSHA Rules That Could Strengthen Your Case
- Compensation You May Be Entitled To
- How Long You Have to File a Claim
For a free legal consultation call 212-977-2020
Common Objects That Can Cause Falling Debris Injuries
From unsecured tools and bricks to full scaffolding or ceiling materials, the objects that fall on job sites vary, but the danger is the same. We’ve seen workers and pedestrians injured by:
- Loose tools or materials
- Collapsing scaffolding
- Buckets, pipes, and hardware
- Construction equipment
- Falling building debris
- Ceiling collapses
- Broken signage or lights
What Is the Most Common Injury on a Construction Site?
Even a small item dropped from height can hit with serious force. We’ve seen:
- Brain injuries and concussions
- Crushed limbs or bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal bleeding
- Paralysis
- Death
These injuries can be life-changing. Learn more about your rights after a serious construction injury.
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What To Do If You’re Hit At Work
Getting hit by something at work isn’t just painful; it can throw your whole life off track. If it happens, here’s what you should do:
- Get medical help immediately. Don’t wait. Even a minor-looking injury can turn serious fast, especially with head or spine trauma.
- Call a construction accident lawyer in NYC workers trust. Before talking to your boss, your HR rep, or any insurance company, get legal guidance. What you say early on can affect your entire case.
- Document everything. Snap photos of the scene. Write down what hit you, who was there, and where it happened. If there were any witnesses, get their names too.
- Notify your employer. In most cases, you’ll need to report the injury within 30 days to file a workers’ comp claim. But ideally, do this after speaking with your lawyer first.
Depending on the situation, you may be eligible for:
- Workers’ compensation (“workers’ comp”) – Covers medical bills and part of your lost wages. You don’t need to prove fault, but benefits are limited.
- A personal injury lawsuit – If someone outside your company (like a contractor or property owner) was negligent, you might be entitled to a separate payout.
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What Must Your Employer Provide to Protect You from Falling Objects?
Under OSHA and New York Labor Law, your employer must:
- Install guardrails and netting
- Require hard hats
- Mark hazardous areas
- Secure all tools and equipment properly
- Provide fall protection training
Under New York Labor Laws 200 and 240, property owners and contractors must keep worksites safe. If they don’t, and you’re hurt, they’re on the hook.
Are You Liable if a Contractor Gets Hurt?
Not usually. If you were injured as a worker, liability often falls on the:
- Site owner
- General contractor
- Subcontractor
- Equipment supplier
- Property manager
And if you were a bystander or pedestrian, not a worker, your case may fall under New York’s premises liability laws, which require property owners to maintain reasonably safe conditions for the public.
What Are the OSHA Rules on Falls and Falling Objects?
OSHA requires employers to prevent “struck-by” hazards using:
- Toe boards
- Canopies
- Debris nets
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
They also outline strict rules for scaffold safety and dropped-object prevention.
If your employer or contractor ignored these rules, they could be held accountable.
What Compensation Can You Get?
In a workers’ comp claim, you may get:
- Medical treatment
- About 2/3 of your lost wages
- Disability benefits
- Death benefits for surviving family
In a personal injury lawsuit, you may also recover:
- Full lost wages
- Future lost income
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages
How Long Do You Have to File?
- Workers’ comp: Report your injury in 30 days; file your claim within 2 years
- Personal injury lawsuit: File within 3 years from the date of the injury
But the sooner you start, the stronger your case.
Call a New York Construction Accident Lawyer Who Gets It
At Chaikin Trial Group, we fight for injured workers and everyday New Yorkers across Long Island and the five boroughs:
- Manhattan
- The Bronx
- Brooklyn
- Queens
- Staten Island
We’ve gone up against construction companies, building owners, and insurance giants—and won. We’ll help you understand your rights, guide your next steps, and fight to get the full payout you deserve.
Contact us for a free consultation. No pressure. No obligation. Just answers.
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Legal Disclaimer: If you believe this information is relevant to your situation, please contact our office directly to schedule a consultation. Mr. Chaikin is licensed to practice law in New York. The blog herein is not legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship with Chaikin Trial Group. The blog is in the form of legal education and is intended to provide general information about the matter within the question.
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