in Accidents at Work

5 Ways Construction Site Falls Can Result in Death

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5 Ways Construction Site Falls Can Result in Death

A fall is a very common type of accident. When most people think about falling, they generally picture minor falls that might result in bruising, mild strains and embarrassment. However, fall accidents can be dangerous, and they can be very hazardous when they occur on a construction site. Falls while working on construction sites can cause catastrophic injuries or death. If you have suffered serious injuries in a fall accident while working on a construction site or have lost your loved one because of this type of incident, you should speak to an experienced construction accident attorney at Raynes & Lawn as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

Prevalence of Construction Site Falls

According to data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, falls are the leading cause of death on construction sites. In 2019 alone, falls accounted for 36.4% of the reported deaths among construction workers with 401 fatalities out of a total of 991 reported work-related construction accident deaths. Workplace fall accidents at construction sites also injure thousands of more workers each year.

Falls on construction sites can result in catastrophic injuries and permanent disabilities. They are especially dangerous when workers perform work several feet off of the ground on scaffolding or ladders.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries from Construction Site Falls

Some of the types of catastrophic injuries that people might suffer when they fall while working at construction sites include the following:

Five Ways Falls on Construction Sites Can Result in Death

Falls on construction sites can result in death in many ways. Five of the most common types of fatal injuries in falls on construction sites include the following:

  • Closed head trauma
  • Open head trauma
  • Severe traumatic brain injury
  • Fatal internal injuries
  • Systemic infection from internal organ damage

Falls on construction sites frequently occur when a ladder or scaffolding collapses, workers slip on ladders or scaffolding, or workers are struck by falling objects, causing them to fall from height.

Because of the dangers associated with working at height, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires construction sites to have fall protection installed at six feet to protect construction workers. They are also supposed to install guard rails, floor hole covers, toe boards, and safety nets or safety lines, depending on the particular site. Construction companies must provide safety equipment to construction workers at no cost to the workers, and they must conduct training sessions about job hazards and safety protocols so that workers can understand what to watch for and the safety measures they should follow. When construction companies fail to follow the safety rules established by OSHA, and workers are injured or killed, the companies can be liable. An experienced construction accident attorney can review your case to determine whether the negligence of the construction company was responsible for your loved one’s fall and death.

What to Do After a Fall

Construction site fall accidents have been increasing in recent years. Workers who have the highest risk of falling include roofers, general construction workers, carpenters, and tree trimmers.

If you are injured in a fall while working at a construction site, you should immediately tell your employer and seek medical care. After receiving treatment for your injuries, you should then talk to an experienced construction accident attorney. If you fall and are injured while you are working, or your close family member is killed while working at a construction site, you might be entitled to monetary compensation by filing a legal claim against the responsible parties.

Talk to a Construction Accident Attorney

Fall accidents at construction sites are common, and they also can be catastrophic or fatal. If you have suffered disabling injuries because of a work-related fall or have lost your loved one in a construction site fall accident, you should speak to the experienced construction accident attorneys at Raynes & Lawn.

Our attorneys can carefully review what happened and work to build the strongest possible case of liability to help you with your claim. We will fully investigate your case to identify all of the potentially liable parties and sources of recovery. To learn more about your legal options and the merits of your case, call us today for a free case evaluation at 1-800-535-1797.

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