Brick Fell from a Building and Hit Me in New York — What Are My Legal Options?

If a brick fell from a building and hit you in New York, you have the option of filing a personal injury claim against the party whose negligence caused the accident. These claims allow you to pursue a wider range of damages than if you only file a workers’ compensation claim.

Our NYC falling object lawyers will take action on your behalf, regardless of your legal status or if the at-fault party resists paying just compensation.

Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Falling Brick

Your first concern after a construction accident should be your health. Protect yourself and your legal rights by:

• Getting medical treatment and following all of your doctor’s instructions.
• Documenting the accident scene by photographing your injuries, the brick, the building, and the worksite.
• Recording witness names and phone numbers so we can locate and interview them.
• Reporting your injury promptly to preserve your ability to file for workers’ comp.
• Speaking to our attorneys so we can inform you of your rights, collect evidence, and review your options.

You have a limited time to take legal action after a workplace accident. Any delay in seeking care, reporting the accident, or consulting a law firm could limit your options for pursuing compensation and holding the negligent party accountable. We urge you to act promptly and to come to us with questions or concerns.

Understanding Workers’ Rights Under New York Labor Laws After a Falling Brick Injury

You have two main options for pursuing compensation after a work-related injury. Your first option is to file for workers’ compensation, which is available to all New York construction workers.

Your second option is to take action against a negligent or statutorily obligated party. You have the right to do this under the New York Scaffold Law, which protects you against falling object accidents and falls from elevated heights. The law states that the following parties must prevent fall-related accidents by providing reasonable and necessary protection:

• Contractors
• Certain building owners and their agents
• Construction company owners

Appropriate protection against falling bricks may include protective gear like helmets and safety netting, barriers blocking off areas where debris is likely to fall, and work safety training.

The above parties bear absolute liability for accidents involving falling bricks. If you were injured in such an accident, you can file a workplace injury lawsuit.

Workers' Compensation

Workers’ compensation benefits typically include coverage of necessary medical care and a portion of your lost wages. You can continue to receive these benefits until you are able to return to work full-time. Those who suffer a permanent injury or who lose a loved one in a work accident could qualify for additional benefits.

Note that all workplace accident reports must be submitted to your employer in writing. Failure to do so could affect your claim, so do not hesitate to file or to get legal advice if you are unsure of what to do.

Filing a Lawsuit

If you got injured at work, you can sue a third party for negligence in addition to pursuing workers’ compensation. A legal action allows our NYC construction accident lawyers to pursue more types of damages than are available through a workers’ comp claim, including but not limited to:

• Past and future pain and suffering
• Lost job benefits, including union benefits
• Reduced quality of and loss of enjoyment of life
• Lost wages not covered by workers’ comp

Many personal injury claims end in a settlement. Others end up at court, where we go to trial, which may result in a jury award.

Call Now for a Free Consultation

Contact Oresky & Associates, PLLC, at (718) 993-9999 for a free, confidential consultation today. Our attorneys are ready to start protecting your rights.

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Common Injuries to Pursue Compensation for After Being Hit by a Falling Brick

A falling brick could cause temporary and/or permanent injuries that affect how you earn a living, interact with loved ones, and participate in social events or activities. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Concussions
• Cuts and lacerations

Receiving an official diagnosis as soon as possible after a work accident is vital for several reasons. Only by determining the exact nature and severity of your injuries can your doctor recommend the right treatments to help you.

In addition, the seriousness of your injuries will dictate how much compensation you receive. As a general rule, the more severe your injuries are, the more money you could be entitled to.

Statute of Limitations for a Brick Falling Off a Construction Site

You have a limited time to act on your right to pursue compensation for a workplace injury. If you plan to file a workers’ compensation claim, this deadline is as short as 30 days: you must report your accident within that time period to protect your right to benefits. The personal injury statute of limitations may vary depending on your circumstances, so it is important to consult with our lawyers as soon as possible.

In addition to meeting legal deadlines, acting quickly lets us gather evidence before it is deleted, degraded, or lost. This makes it easier to prove your injuries are serious and that they were caused by a workplace accident.

Our law office is available 24/7 to evaluate your situation and guide you through the next steps. The earlier you hire us, the more we may be able to do for you.

Get Justice After a Falling Brick Injury

Oresky & Associates, PLLC, has been protecting the rights of injured workers for over 30 years. During this time, we have won over $500 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients.

To learn more about your legal options if a brick fell from a building and hit you in New York, contact us at (718) 993-9999 today. We are ready to start working from the moment you call. We charge nothing until we recover compensation for you.