NYC Falling Object Sidewalk Accidents
NYC is committed to providing pedestrians with safer streets, including plans for slow zones, enhanced crossings, ramps, and accessible mass transit routes. Unfortunately, there are numerous unplanned incidents that can occur and result in pedestrian injuries on NYC sidewalks, including the risk of falling objects.
NYC pedestrians face numerous hazards, including falling construction debris, bricks, and tree branches. These accidents often result in serious life-altering injuries or death.
If you or a loved one were injured by a falling object on a sidewalk in NYC, please contact our NYC falling object sidewalk lawyers for a free consultation!
NYC Falling Objects
Busy city streets put pedestrians in NYC at an increased risk of injuries caused by falling objects or debris. This debris could fall from a construction site, a decaying building, or objects may be negligently tossed of windows.
Falling Bricks
A 66-year-old woman was injured by falling bricks in front of her home on Morris Avenue in the Claremont section of the Bronx. The bricks were intentionally tossed out of an above building window. The woman was discovered barely conscious on the ground in front of her home and rushed to Lincoln Hospital.
Falling Tree Branches
Falling tree branches create extremely dangerous situations for pedestrians. Inclement weather, including heavy snow and ice, takes a toll on the trees throughout NYC. These conditions weaken trees and increase the likelihood of snapping tree branches.
In a video that aired on ABC 7 News teams demonstrate these dangers when branches break on the air nearly striking Eyewitness News Reporter Nina Pinda.
Construction Debris
Pedestrian injuries resulting from falling construction debris are on the rise in NYC. Trang Thuy Nguyen, a 37-year-old woman was struck and killed on West 12th street when a piece of plywood fell from a construction site.
Injuries Caused by Falling Objects
Accidents that involve being struck by falling objects are especially dangerous and pose a high risk of serious injury. The severity of these injuries is determined by the weight, construct, and height at which the object falls.
Common Injuries Caused By Falling Objects Include:
- Concussions
- Head/Neck Injury
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Death
Falling objects are also most likely to strike the head, neck, and/or shoulders, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
Other Types of Sidewalk Injuries
There are several other serious accidents that occur on sidewalks around NYC.
Defective Sidewalks
The Department of Transportation issues notices to property owners for sidewalk code violations. It is considered negligence when a property owner has received a notice and fails to repair these damages.
The city may also be responsible for maintaining sidewalks in NYC neighborhoods. In the Bronx, an ongoing lawsuit is underway as residents demand safe, accessible sidewalks. One resident has a visual impairment that makes navigating these sidewalks dangerous. The other resident involved in the lawsuit has cerebral palsy.
Serious falls can occur as a result of cracked, uneven, or otherwise defective sidewalk payment. These falls may result in broken bones, muscular ailments, and other lingering injuries.
Subway Grates
An 11-year-old boy was playing at Rudd Playground on Bushwick Avenue and Aberdeen Street in Brooklyn when he fell 25 feet into a subway grate hole. The boy was rescued by his father and other men playing on the basketball court. The boy was rushed to Kings County Hospital but there were no further updates on the extent of his injuries.
The grate was missing while reconstruction was being carried out on the playground. Parents were displeased that the only prevention tool in place was a fence. Several reports were made to the city about the dangers of the missing grate, but no action was taken before the incident occurred. The hole has been boarded up since this occurrence.
Who is Responsible for Sidewalk Accidents?
The party that is legally responsible for an accident that occurs on a New York City sidewalk will depend on the situation that occurred in your case.
Responsible Parties May Include:
- Property Owners
- City Government Organizations
- Construction Company
- Scaffolding Manufacturer
Contact an experienced lawyer to discuss the unique details of your case to determine which parties may be held liable for your injuries. Your personal injury lawyer will need to prove the responsible party was aware of the potential danger that caused your injuries and failed to correct the issue.
Construction Company Liability
Injuries that are caused by construction site debris are common in NYC. Proving liability in these cases involves investigations into several areas of the organization’s operations. Construction companies are required to follow an extensive list of OSHA regulations regarding safe practices. These practices were developed to minimize the risk of falling debris.
For example, construction companies are required to ensure that scaffolds are properly secured and that a safety net is in place in areas that are visited frequently by pedestrians.
How to Do if Injured by a Falling Object
Report all incidents of falling objects immediately to the police and applicable parties, including the building owner and/or construction company.
Reach out to the team of legal professionals immediately at Goidel and Siegel if you or a loved one has been injured by a falling object in NYC. Goidel & Siegel will work to gather evidence and fight to get you the compensation that you deserve. Call 929-593-2024 for more information.
