Struck by Object

Hiring An NYC Attorney If You’re Struck By An Object While On Duty

A fire is a chaotic and hazardous environment. Although the public doesn’t often think about it, among the many risks that NYC firefighters face is being struck by falling objects. In fact, we’ve represented injured firefighters who have been injured by falling lumber, air conditioners, and glass, to name a few. Barasch & McGarry wants all injured firefighters to receive the full compensation they deserve. We thoroughly investigate the facts surrounding your accident and aggressively pursue the best possible remedy.

Serious Injuries Threaten Life, Health And Career

According to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association, nine percent of firefighter fatalities are the result of being struck by objects. Often, the object delivers a crushing blow, but a lesser head injury can render a firefighter unconscious and increase the risk of death from burning, smoke inhalation and asphyxia. Serious injuries from falling objects include:

• Concussion and brain injury
• Broken bones
• Eye injuries
• Hearing loss
• Internal trauma
• Neck and spine injury

Our attorneys consult qualified medical experts to discern the full extent of your injury to best assure that you receive full compensation for your losses.

It was a pleasure to work with Barasch & McGarry. We are also so appreciative of the time you personally spent with us sharing your knowledge and information that can benefit us today and in the future. You are truly part of the FDNY Family!

R.B.
FDNY Firefighter

Liability For Injuries When Firefighters Are Struck By Objects

Your ability to sue and recover damages depends on how the facts of your injury fit into firefighter law. Scenarios that allow you to sue include:

• Legal Violation — If a landlord violated the law, and that violation caused an object to fall injuring a firefighter, the firefighter may sue the landlord under General Municipal Law § 205-a. This can come into play, for example, when a building that is not up to code collapses.
• Premises Liability — If the landlord did not correct a hazard, such as an object high up in a precarious position, and that object fell, injuring the firefighter, the firefighter may bring a negligence cause of action under General Obligations Law § 11-106.
• Defective Helmet — If a poorly manufactured helmet fails to protect a firefighter from the force of an object the helmet is designed to withstand, the firefighter may have a cause of action against the manufacturer under a theory of products liability.
• Fire Department Liability — Fire departments are granted sovereign immunity and cannot be sued for judgments made on the scene about how to fight a fire. However, when orders that violate an accepted and immutable rule of firefighting lead to firefighter injuries, the department may be liable.

We consult capable forensic experts to create an accurate picture of how your injury occurred. Once we establish which parties are at fault, we pursue your case aggressively to a favorable conclusion.

Our Attorneys Represent Firefighters Struck And Injured By Falling Objects

If you’ve suffered a line-of-duty injury, Barasch & McGarry is ready to fight for you. Take advantage of our free consultations and speak to one of our committed and concerned injury attorneys.