The Hidden Danger on Construction Sites in New York
Everyone knows how dangerous car accidents can be. After all, it is hard to underestimate the amount of damage a 2,000-pound vehicle can do. In fact, according to some estimations, even a small car has the potential to hit an object at 2,833 pounds of force per square inch. But did you know that even a minor construction accident has the potential to be that dangerous as well?
It might sound ridiculous, but it is the truth. If an eight-pound wrench falls from 200 feet, it can have the same exact force of impact as a small vehicle. This should be alarming news for everyone, especially residents of New York state.
Falling objects have caused accidents from the dawn of time. Construction workers (and the companies they work for) know this and act accordingly—at least, the good ones do. Unfortunately, you can never guarantee that everyone will always be on their best behavior. Plus, it is still possible for even the most careful construction worker to have a slip-up. Perhaps that is why the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that over 50,000 people are struck by falling objects every year.
Furthermore, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has officially designated falling objects as one of the top four leading causes of construction accident-related deaths. And survivors of such accidents may still suffer in other, serious ways—like traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injuries, loss of sight, and more.
Causes of Falling Object Accidents
We know these facts and figures are shocking. The good news is that most construction accidents involving falling objects, like most accidents in general, are totally preventable. The 
bad news is that not everyone knows how to take the proper precautions. That is why education is the number one way to empower yourself and keep yourself safe.
There are many different things that can cause a falling object accident. For example, it may be just as simple as a construction worker accidentally dropping a tool. Or it can also point to more serious issues of workplace safety, such as inadequate or improper securing of loads being lifted. There may also be a lack of signage notifying passersby about work that is occurring overhead.
In any case, if you have been injured in a construction accident that was a direct result of someone else’s negligence, you are likely entitled to seek out legal help and compensation. Construction workers who are hurt on the job may be entitled to both files a personal injury claim and collect worker’s compensation benefits. Even members of the general public may be entitled to open up a personal injury case.
Seeking Legal Help
If you or a loved one have recently been involved in a construction accident, you have the right to seek legal help and compensation from a New York personal injury lawyer. Contact the law firm of Gattuso & Ciottoli, PLLC any time day or night at (315) 314-8000 for a free consultation drawing on over 50 years of combined legal experience. Our offices are based in Syracuse and we proudly serve the Central New York area, including Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn. Let us fight for you.