New York Falling Debris Injury Lawyers | NY Construction Accident Attorneys

Experienced Falling Debris and Construction Accident Attorneys in New York

Construction sites, aging infrastructure, and poorly maintained properties across New York State pose serious hazards from falling debris, putting pedestrians and workers at significant risk. These incidents,  often involving bricks, tools, glass, piping, wood panels, and heavy materials plummeting from heights can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, deep lacerations, broken bones, and even wrongful death.

If you or a loved one suffered injury from falling debris in Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, or anywhere across New York State, the dedicated construction accident litigators at the Porter Law Group can help you understand your legal options and fight for maximum compensation. Our experienced team has recovered millions of dollars* for victims of complex accidents and their families.

Don't face the complex legal system alone while dealing with serious injuries. Contact our experienced premises liability attorneys today for a free consultation at 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com.

Falling Debris & Construction Accident Lawyers Serving Syracuse and All of New York

The attorneys at the Porter Law Group have extensive experience representing victims injured by unsafe property conditions, including falling debris hazards throughout Central New York. Our legal team has successfully helped countless accident victims secure justice and substantial compensation for injuries caused by construction site negligence, building code violations, and property owner failures.

Our falling debris injury practice extends to:

• Downtown Syracuse construction zones
• Residential and commercial development sites
• Building renovation projects in Syracuse's historic districts
• Infrastructure work in Onondaga County
• Construction on I-90, I-81, and other major transportation corridors
• Building demolition sites throughout New York State

If you’ve been injured by falling objects from a dangerous property, you need experienced legal representation right away. Contact us today for a free case evaluation with our construction accident attorneys.

Common Causes of Falling Debris Injuries at Construction Sites

Falling debris injuries are often preventable and result from negligence by contractors, property owners, or site managers. Our investigations frequently uncover the following contributing factors:

Property Owner and Contractor Negligence

• Failure to secure loose building materials (e.g., facades, roofing, balconies)
• Improper disposal of construction debris
• Lack of barricades to protect pedestrian and worker zones below
• Unsecured equipment or aerial loads (e.g., cranes, lifts, pulleys)
• Infrequent safety inspections or neglected enforcement of site safety protocols
• Missing or defective catch platforms and safety netting
• Inadequate training on falling object risks and safety procedures
• Violations of OSHA regulations and New York Labor Laws
• Improper scaffold construction or maintenance
• Defective equipment including cranes, hoists, and winches

When proper precautions are ignored, even small objects can become dangerous projectiles, causing devastating injuries. According to the New York State Department of Labor, falling objects account for 26% of all construction-related injuries statewide—with higher concentrations in urban hubs like Syracuse, Albany, and Rochester, where vertical construction is common.

Understanding New York's "Scaffold Law" and Falling Debris Cases

New York Labor Law §240, commonly known as the "Scaffold Law," provides enhanced legal protections for workers injured by falling objects at construction sites. This law imposes absolute liability on property owners and contractors who fail to provide adequate safety measures to guard against falling debris.

Unlike standard negligence claims, injured workers do not need to prove fault if the required safety equipment was missing or inadequate. This powerful legal provision is unique to New York State and gives construction workers a distinct advantage when pursuing compensation for injuries caused by elevation-related hazards.

At the Porter Law Group, we have extensive experience successfully applying Labor Law §240 in falling debris cases to secure maximum settlements for injured workers. Our attorneys understand the intricacies of the Scaffold Law and how to coordinate these claims with workers’ compensation benefits, ensuring you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Types of Falling Debris Injuries We Handle

Falling debris accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries due to the significant force of objects falling from heights. At Porter Law Group, we have successfully represented clients suffering from:

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions: Blows to the head can cause permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, and long-term disability.
• spinal cord damage: Impact from heavy debris can fracture vertebrae or damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
• Amputations and crushed limbs: Falling materials can crush or sever limbs, often requiring surgical amputation and long-term use of prosthetics.
• Deep lacerations and penetrating wounds: Sharp debris such as glass, metal, or tools can cause serious wounds requiring multiple surgeries and posing infection risks.
• Multiple fractures and orthopedic injuries: High-impact falls frequently cause complex bone fractures, requiring hardware implants and extended rehabilitation.
• Eye injuries and vision loss: Even small debris can lead to permanent vision impairment or blindness.
• Neck and back injuries: Damage to the neck or back can cause chronic pain, nerve damage, and long-term disability—even without spinal cord involvement.
• Wrongful death: In the most tragic cases, falling debris causes fatal injuries, leaving families with emotional trauma and financial hardship.

Victims of falling debris endure immense physical suffering and financial loss due to expensive medical treatments, prolonged recovery, and lost income. They deserve justice and full compensation for their injuries.

Types of Compensation for Falling Debris Accident Victims

Victims injured by falling debris in New York may be eligible for significant financial compensation, depending on the severity of the injury and liable parties involved. Porter Law Group aggressively pursues all available damages, which typically include:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses: All past and future medical costs, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, specialist consultations, medication, and medical equipment
• Rehabilitation costs: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation services
• Lost income: Compensation for wages lost during treatment and recovery
• Diminished earning capacity: Future income lost due to permanent disabilities
• Home modifications: Costs to make a home wheelchair-accessible or safer post-injury
• In-home care: Professional assistance or caregiving expenses required for daily living

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and discomfort from injuries
• Emotional distress: Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in previously enjoyed activities
• Permanent disability: Compensation for lifelong limitations
• Disfigurement and scarring: Compensation for permanent visible injuries
• Loss of consortium: Impact on marital relationships and family dynamics

Wrongful Death Damages

For families who have lost a loved one, Porter Law Group can pursue wrongful death compensation, which may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support from the deceased
• Loss of parental guidance for children
• Loss of companionship and consortium
• The deceased's pain and suffering before death 

Pursuing Compensation for Falling Debris Accidents

You may be eligible to recover compensation through multiple legal avenues, depending on who was responsible for your falling debris injury.

Property Owner Liability

If your injury resulted from a property owner’s failure to properly maintain their building, you may have a premises liability claim. Property owners in New York have a legal obligation to maintain safe conditions and prevent foreseeable hazards. Violations of state building codes and safety inspection requirements can establish negligence and liability in these cases.

Construction Site Liability

If falling debris from a construction site injured you while you were walking by, working nearby, or visiting, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the general contractor, subcontractors, or other responsible parties. These cases often involve multiple defendants and complex liability questions that our attorneys are well-equipped to handle.

Workers' Compensation and Third-Party Claims

Construction workers injured by falling debris are typically entitled to workers' compensation benefits, regardless of fault. However, these benefits often do not fully cover medical costs, lost wages, and long-term suffering. Our attorneys can identify potential third-party claims against equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, or property owners to secure additional compensation beyond workers' compensation.

Labor Law §240 Claims

As discussed earlier, New York's "Scaffold Law" offers powerful legal protection for injured construction workers. If you were struck by a falling object on a worksite, you may have a strong claim under this statute, which imposes strict liability on property owners and contractors for failing to provide proper fall protection systems. Our attorneys are experts at leveraging this law to hold responsible parties accountable.

No matter who may be at fault, you need experienced legal representation to:

• Evaluate the strengths of your case
• Determine all responsible parties
• Accurately calculate your total damages
• Aggressively pursue maximum compensation
  

The Porter Law Group has recovered millions of dollars* for injured victims across Syracuse and throughout New York State by combining skilled negotiation with strong litigation tactics.

Hurt in a Construction Accident in New York?

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Why Choose Our New York Construction Accident Lawyers

The lawyers at the Porter Law Group have decades of experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by catastrophic injuries. We have obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in courts throughout the State of New York. We are a state-wide firm that handles cases with a hometown feel.

Our clients come to us looking for guidance and answers. With seasoned trial lawyers, the Porter Law Group has the resources necessary to help you navigate the most complex cases, against goliath insurance companies that will stop at nothing to prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve.  

You only get one chance to choose the best lawyer for you and your family. Hire the lawyers most recommended by former clients and local attorneys, and the firm that delivers superior results. 

When you or a loved one’s life has been devastated by a serious personal injury in New York, don’t hire a lawyer without calling the Porter Law Group to learn why so many of our clients are thankful they trusted us with their case in their time of need.     

Frequently Asked Questions About Falling Debris Injuries

How long do I have to file a falling debris injury claim in New York?

In New York State, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of injury. However, if your claim is against a government entity, you may be required to file a Notice of Claim within just 90 days. Workers' compensation claims must typically be filed within two years, but you should notify your employer immediately after the injury. Because these deadlines can vary based on your circumstances, it's crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Who is liable for my construction site falling debris injury?

Multiple parties may share liability for falling debris injuries, including:

• Property owners
• General contractors
• Subcontractors
• Construction managers
• Equipment manufacturers
• Architects and engineers
• Material suppliers
• Governmental entities responsible for inspections

Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify all potentially liable parties and maximize your recovery.

What compensation can I recover after being hit by falling construction debris?

Your compensation will depend on the severity of your injury, the impact on your livelihood, and the available insurance coverage. Victims of serious falling debris injuries may be entitled to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, disability, and diminished quality of life. In catastrophic cases, settlements or verdicts can reach millions of dollars.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. New York follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule, meaning you can recover compensation even if you were partly at fault, though your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our attorneys work to minimize any attribution of fault to maximize your compensation.

Contact a New York Falling Debris Accident Lawyer Today

If you suffered life-altering injuries from improperly secured construction debris or building materials, the Porter Law Group can help you pursue maximum compensation. Our premises liability attorneys conduct thorough investigations before aggressively confronting negligent developers, contractors, crane operators, property owners, and property managers.

Whether through a negotiated settlement or a court trial, we are prepared to exhaust every legal avenue to bring you justice. With a proven record of securing substantial settlements and awards for catastrophically harmed victims facing stacks of medical bills alongside permanent disability and trauma, we know exactly how to build winning cases.

If you were injured by falling debris in Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, or anywhere in New York State, don't wait to seek legal help. Evidence disappears quickly, and legal deadlines are strict. Call 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com today for a free, no-obligation consultation with our construction accident attorneys.

*Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.