How Falling Debris Accidents Happen

When dropped or dislodged from a significant height, debris can quickly become a deadly projectile. Injuries from falling objects can have lasting effects on your health and finances. So how do these accidents happen?

Falling Debris at Construction Sites

Falling debris is one of the deadliest hazards at construction sites. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lists “struck by object” among its “fatal four” construction accidents alongside falls, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents. Together, the fatal four accounted for 58.6% of all construction worker deaths in 2018. Construction workers may be struck by falling debris for any number of reasons:

• Lack of proper training
• Improperly stacked materials
• Equipment malfunction
• Lack of posted warning signs
• Improperly secured load
• Failure to implement safety devices that might catch falling debris
• Oversized load
• Misuse of equipment
• Structural collapse on account of faulty materials
• Failure to follow safety protocols

Falling Debris in Public Spaces

Construction workers aren’t the only ones in danger of falling debris. You may have heard about a recent tragedy in New York City’s Times Square, in which a woman was killed by falling debris from a 17-story building. The structure had been cited for failure to maintain the terra cotta outer wall. Sadly, this is just one of many examples of falling debris fatalities involving innocent pedestrians. Building owners have a legal responsibility to make sure that their buildings are safe for use. Municipalities have developed building codes to prevent incidents like these. Yet some building owners risk the lives of their visitors and the general public by delaying or ignoring necessary repairs in order to save a few dollars.

Types of Injuries Sustained

Unfortunately, falling debris accidents can lead to severe and debilitating injuries. Even an object that weighs just a few pounds can be deadly from a few stories up. Some common injuries resulting from falling objects include:

• Broken bones
• Crushed limbs
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Neck injury
• Back injury
• Paralysis

These injuries not only cause physical pain for the victim, but they also have a tremendous financial impact. If you can’t work due to your injury, you might be at a loss for how you’ll pay your medical bills. The good news is, a falling debris attorney at Morgan & Morgan may be able to help you recover compensation for your medical expenses and other damages.

Contact Morgan & Morgan

If you are a construction worker or pedestrian who has suffered an injury from falling debris, you need knowledgeable and experienced legal minds on your side. At Morgan & Morgan, we understand how to protect injury victims: We've recovered more than $20 billion for our clients. Our attorneys can gather evidence to build the strongest case possible and help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Ready to get started? Schedule a free case evaluation. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so we get paid only if your case is successful. Contact us now.