Falling Debris Workers’ Compensation Claims

If you’ve been injured on the job because of falling debris, you likely have many questions, namely about whether you’re entitled to compensation. Continue reading and reach out to the seasoned Jersey City workers’ compensation lawyers here at Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A. to learn more about falling debris claims and how our team can help you fight for the benefits you need.

Where is Falling Debris Most Common?

Falling debris hazards occur most frequently in industries where work is done at height or where materials are being hoisted, stacked, cut, or demolished. The construction sector leads in such risks. That said, transportation and warehousing, manufacturing, demolition, roofing, and industrial maintenance jobs also carry significant risks from falling objects or structural collapse. In these fields, even when fatalities do not occur, serious injuries often arise from tools, equipment, debris, or building materials that are loose, improperly secured, or falling from scaffolds, cranes, upper stories, roof tops, or conveyors.

Injuries Caused By Falling Debris

Injuries from falling debris can vary greatly in severity, but some of the most common injuries we see include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Facial injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Internal organ injuries
• Fractures
• Crush injuries
• Amputations
• Soft tissue damage
• Cuts, lacerations, and puncture wounds
• Psychological trauma

The Importance of Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

Seeking medical treatment right after a falling debris accident is essential. Even if injuries appear minor at first, some conditions, such as brain swelling, internal bleeding, or spinal injuries, may worsen rapidly and become life-threatening.

Documenting your condition through timely medical records provides essential evidence for your workers’ compensation claim. In New Jersey, an employer must pay for all necessary medical treatment for injuries that arise out of and in the course of employment. Delayed treatment can be used by insurers to argue that your injuries are not serious or work-related. Prompt medical attention also helps establish when the injury occurred, how serious it is, and when you were first seen by a medical professional.

Filing Your Falling Debris Injury Claim

After your injury, do everything in your power to take the following steps:

• Report the injury at once. You technically have 90 days to do so, but do not wait. It’s always best to do so immediately.
• Seek medical care and keep records of your treatment and bills.
• File a formal workers’ compensation claim petition with the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation within two years of the date of injury or the date of last payment of compensation, whichever is later.
  • If your employer or its insurer has paid for medical treatment or temporary disability benefits, those are considered payments that can suspend the statute of limitations–that is, the “clock” runs from the date of the last payment, not necessarily from the accident date.
• If your claim is disputed or denied, it may proceed to hearings before a Workers’ Compensation Judge. You may be awarded temporary disability, permanent disability, medical benefits, or death benefits if applicable.
• Hire a lawyer. While you’re not required to hire an attorney, having a seasoned Jersey City workers’ compensation lawyer in your corner can make a world of difference in having your benefits approved.

Contact Our Firm for Assistance With Falling Debris Claims

If you have suffered injuries due to falling debris at work, our firm is here to help. Contact Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A. for a free initial consultation today so we can fight for the benefits you deserve and need to heal.