Fall from Heights Accident Lawyer
Falling from heights is one of the chief causes of death in the construction industry. In fact, it’s one of OSHA’s Fatal Four causes of death for construction workers and contractors. Even if a fall from heights accident isn’t fatal, the construction worker could still sustain serious, often catastrophic injuries that could affect their ability to earn a living or even care for themselves without assistance.
If you or a loved one have been seriously or fatally injured in a fall from heights accident, we can help. The Joel Bieber Firm is a skilled construction site injury law firm that can help you pursue a case against a negligent foreman or construction site owner. Call today for a free consultation.
Types of Construction Zone Falls from Heights
Construction sites are fraught with hazards, and workers can fall in many situations. A contractor or construction site owner is responsible for ensuring that all workers have the right safety gear for their jobs and that the safety gear is functional and not damaged. This includes scaffolding, safety straps, and harnesses for working in elevated locations.
Some of the riskiest situations for a fall from heights include:
Roofing and Roof Repairs
A roof is often unstable when it is damaged or being built. Therefore, the surface is more dangerous to work on.
Crane Accidents
Cranes require skilled operators to properly maneuver these heavy pieces of construction equipment. But even with the best training and experience, a crane operator can still fall from the lift.
Falls from Scaffolding
Many construction sites use scaffolding. Scaffolding is crafted with safety railings and harnesses for workers. But the flimsy metal structures still topple or become unsteady.
Elevator Shaft Accidents
Whether the worker is repairing an elevator or installing one, it’s rare that someone walks away from a 20+ foot drop.
Holes in Upper Floors of Construction
Tripping or falling through unfinished flooring may cause the worker to fall through the unsteady flooring and drop many stories down.
These aren’t the only manners in which construction workers may fall from a height — just some of the most common ones. Regardless of how a construction worker falls, the resulting injuries are often the same.
Injury Risks in a Falls from Heights Accident
Falling from heights, even just a few feet, can have unpredictable results. Some people are able to walk off a fall, while others may be rendered permanently disabled. The effects of a fall from heights accident can affect every part of the body, from broken bones to concussions.
Victims commonly suffer from the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or brain damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft tissue damage, including torn ligaments or muscles
- Back, neck, and spine injuries
- Partial or total paralysis
- Internal organ damage
Unlike other types of construction accidents, a fall often causes damage to multiple parts of the body, which means that a victim’s recovery may be long and painful, with no guarantee that the victim will fully recover.
Treating fall injuries may require a lengthy hospital stay, surgery, implanted medical devices like a rod in a bone, and physical or occupational therapy to regain their abilities. Medical bills can quickly add up, and even with workers’ compensation benefits, many fall injury victims may still experience serious financial losses.
A negligent construction site owner or foreman is legally responsible for the accident and your resulting injuries. Your attorney can examine the circumstances of your falls from heights accident and injuries and apprise you of your options to file a suit for damages. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Your Legal Options After a Falls from Heights Accident
You would get compensation if your construction site owner, foreman, or another party was negligent. A judge decides if they were reckless and created unsafe conditions. In addition, you could get damages if another party caused your falls from heights accident. This includes anyone who contributed to the accident.
Workers’ compensation benefits only cover so much. Workers comp benefits cover your accident injuries. In addition, you get a partial wage benefit while you’re out of work recovering. However, these benefits may not cover providing financially for you and your family if you’re permanently unable to work or if you require care in a long-term care home like a nursing home or memory care facility. Economic damages mean the actual, calculated amount you lost.
A construction accident injury lawsuit also provides for non-economic damages like:
- Pain and suffering if your injuries left you in a lot of pain
- Emotional trauma from the experience
- Loss of enjoyment of life if you are not able to do activities you once did
- Scarring and disfigurement if your body or face is permanently changed
It’s hard to put a dollar value on pain or suffering. But you still may get financial compensation for it. It’s part of what you’re entitled to after a construction accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
In some cases, like when a construction site owner deliberately cuts corners for safety measures or a co-worker deliberately engages in unsafe behavior, your case could also be eligible for punitive damages. Not every case has these. For example, a judge assesses punitive damages if they determine that the at-fault party’s actions were especially out of line.
Do You Need Help After a Construction Site Fall Injury?
If someone you love was injured or died from a fall from heights, we can help. After the accident, you’re likely hurt, worried about providing for your family, and unsure of the right steps. Let our construction accident injury attorneys guide you through the accident suit process and advocate for you. Contact The Joel Bieber Firm today for a free initial consultation.