Here in New York City, the number of pedestrians usually outstrips the number of drivers. Car accident cases aren’t the only dangers those pedestrians face.
Falling objects, including ice, household items, air conditioners, construction debris, scaffolding, and tree branches can also create numerous hazards. What can you do if you take major injuries from falling objects?
Injuries from Falling Objects
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Back injuries
- Sprained knees and ankles
- Lacerations
- Bruises
- Fractures
Sadly, death is another outcome of many falling object cases. When this happens, the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased may pursue a wrongful death claim instead of a personal injury claim. If your loved one has died as a result of a falling object, please reach out to our office right away to get help.
Steps to Take When Struck by a Falling Object
Start with obtaining medical attention. Your first priority is to see to your health.
While waiting for help to arrive, if you are awake and alert enough to do so, take the following steps:
- Take photographs of the fallen object, the overhead area, and the general area.
- Get the names and numbers of any witnesses who saw the object fall on top of you.
- Take note of any surveillance cameras that might be in the area. Photograph those, as well, for easy reference.
Act fast to get a lawyer! Surveillance footage, in particular, can be harder to get the longer you wait. By involving a lawyer quickly, you increase the chances that your attorney will be able to obtain footage that will serve as vital evidence in your case.
Who is the responsible party?
The responsible party is generally the entity in control of the property from which the fallen object came. That can be the owner of the building, construction company, or even the apartment if the object was a household item. If maintenance work was under way, say on an air conditioner that then fell, then the HVAC company might be at fault.
Fortunately, it’s not your job to figure out who to notify and pursue. That’s your attorney’s job. From there, that party’s insurance company will generally pay the claim.
These individuals can be held accountable for their negligence if they failed to provide the proper safety protection or devices, continued to work in unsuitable conditions, mishandled equipment, or otherwise failed to take reasonable precautions.
Get Help Today
As with all personal injury cases, you only have a short period of time (two years) to pursue a claim. You must act even faster if the city is the responsible party, as you must notify the city within 90 days that you intend to pursue a claim.
Reach out to our office to schedule a free case review today.
See also:
What to Do If You Are Injured in an NYC Elevator
What Can Go Wrong With an NYC Pedestrian Accident Case?
How is Pain and Suffering Calculated in NYC?
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Meet Mr. Richman
SCOTT B. RICHMAN, ESQ.
Mr. Richman is the Managing Member and Founder of Richman Law Firm PLLC. In his role as Managing Member, Mr. Richman oversees the day-to-day operations of the firm and handles the litigation of the most complex legal matters across a vast array of practice areas and disciplines.
