Department of Buildings Issues Its Most Serious Violation After a 300-Pound Terracotta Stone Breaks a Worker’s Ankle at 129 Franklin Street
GREENPOINT, NEW YORK (November 7, 2026) – A construction worker was injured in a falling stone accident at a job site at 129 Franklin Street in Greenpoint.
Kings County officials are saying that the accident was documented in a violation the Department of Buildings served on Tuesday, November 3. The worker on the site was installing some type of terracotta stone that weighed 300 pounds.
The stone was suspended roughly 3 feet in the air when it fell down and struck the worker on his leg. The force of the impact caused the worker to suffer a broken ankle. Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim.
He was transported to a local area hospital to receive treatment. A full investigation by OSHA remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Greenpoint Falling Stone Accidents
New York gives construction workers some of the strongest protections anywhere when gravity-related hazards cause an injury. Labor Law § 240(1) requires owners and contractors to furnish hoists, slings, blocks, braces, ropes, and similar devices that give workers proper protection during building work. Under the statute, general contractors and property owners can be held strictly liable for gravity-related accidents. This includes accidents when a worker falls or is struck by a falling object. When any heavy load is being set into place, several factors can help determine legal responsibility.
- Hoisting System: It matters whether the hoisting system functioned as intended or broke apart inadvertently.
- Installation Plans: Installation plans and design drawings related to the setup should also be examined.
- Qualified Supervision: Whenever any heavy piece of equipment is being set into place, a qualified person should be on site to help direct operations.
- Permit Records: Any permits or violation records related to the operation should be carefully reviewed.
Courts have made it clear that even short drops can trigger protections covered by New York’s scaffold law. Consider, for example, Wilinski v. 334 East 92nd Housing Development Fund Corp. (2011). That claim involved a worker who was struck by two unsecured metal pipes that fell a distance of roughly 10 feet. In particular, the court held that it did not matter that the objects were on the same level that the worker was on. The worker was still able to pursue a claim under New York’s labor laws.
Investigating Falling Stone Accidents in Greenpoint
We at GLK Law wish a full and speedy recovery to the construction worker hurt at the Franklin Street job site in Greenpoint. We hope this case leads to accountability and to stronger rigging and installation practices that keep other workers from being struck by falling materials. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a New York construction accident? You may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Our team of experienced construction accident attorneys is here to support you. We’ve recovered over $1 billion for our deserving clients and will do everything in our power to help get you the best outcome possible. You are always welcome to reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
