When you think about falls, you may imagine a minor tumble that results only in embarrassment or some bruises. However, falls can be very dangerous—especially on a construction site. These types of workplace falls can result in everything from catastrophic injuries to even death.
According to the World Health Organization, falls are the second highest cause of accidental deaths each year. More than 640,000 people die from falling accidents annually, and over 800,000 people are hospitalized. Many of those injuries and deaths occur at workplaces, especially construction sites.
If you have been temporarily or permanently disabled in a work-related fall or lost a loved one in a fatal construction accident because of someone else’s negligence, you have the legal right to seek financial compensation. A qualified catastrophic injury lawyer or wrongful death attorney like those at Wagner Reese can help you to determine the best legal path forward. Do not bear the financial burdens of a construction site accident alone.
Can Construction Site Falls Cause Catastrophic Injuries?
Can a fall on a construction site result in a catastrophic injury? The short answer is yes, very easily.
Falls are among the top 5 causes of workplace injuries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Construction-related falls can be particularly hazardous, especially when workers use ladders and scaffolding dozens of feet off the ground.
Typically, catastrophic injuries are understood to be those that result in severe long-term difficulties or symptoms for the victim. For example, if a fall results in any of the following, it may be considered catastrophic:
- Damage to the spinal cord
- Partial or total paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe injury to the head
- Disfigurement
Since there is no universal definition for a catastrophic injury, having skilled legal representation is important. Qualified personal injury attorneys will work hard to show your injury is catastrophic and to secure the maximum amount of compensation for you or your family.
5 Ways That Construction Site Falls Can be Fatal
There are many ways in which a workplace fall can be fatal. Five of the most common fatal injuries that result from construction-related falling accidents include:
- Open head trauma
- Closed head trauma
- Fatal traumatic brain injury
- Internal trauma, resulting in death
- Deadly infection resulting from internal damage
In fact, falls are the most common cause of fatal construction accidents. Over one-third (36%) of all fatal construction accidents occur as a result of inadequate or no fall protection for construction workers, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Falls often occur as a result of scaffolding or ladders collapsing, construction workers slipping on scaffolding or ladders, or workers falling from a height after being struck by a falling object.
The OSHA requires construction sites to install fall protection at six feet to protect workers, as well as install guard rails, toe boards, floor hole covers, and depending on the site, potentially safety lines and safety nets as well. They must also provide safety equipment at no cost to workers and train workers about job hazards in a language they can understand while keeping the construction site free of known dangers. When construction site managers and construction industry employers fail to do so, they can be held liable.
If you’ve lost a spouse, child, or other loved one as a result of negligent safety conditions on a construction site, you should get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible. Your family deserves compensation for what has been taken from you.
After a Catastrophic or Fatal Fall on a Construction Site
Work-related falling fatalities have been increasing in the past decade, especially at construction sites. Workers facing the highest risk of falls include carpenters, roofers, tree trimmers, and general construction workers.
After suffering a catastrophic injury from a fall at work, inform your employer immediately. After that, you should seek representation from a skilled catastrophic injury attorney.
If you fall while you’re at work or on the clock, or a family member or spouse is killed in a fall at a construction site, you may be owed financial recovery. You should not be held financially responsible for an injury caused by an employer’s negligence.
Find a Skilled Catastrophic Injury Attorney
When you or your family need legal representation after a catastrophic or fatal fall on a construction site, reach out to the Indianapolis catastrophic injury and wrongful death attorneys at Wagner Reese.
Our friendly team of experienced lawyers will build a powerful case for you. We will work hard to secure the maximum amount of compensation in your personal injury case.
Contact us for your free initial consultation. We will discuss the circumstances of your accident and help you to determine the best path forward. At Wagner Reese, we are ready to fight for you.
