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Construction Falls

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

Construction Falls

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

AskTheLawyers™

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Hurt in a Slip and Fall Accident at a Construction Site?

Construction sites can present many dangers to employees if they are not carefully monitored for safety standards. It is not uncommon to hear of coworkers who have slipped, tripped, or even fallen from a high altitude. Typically, falls in a construction setting are split into two groups:

  • Falls that have occurred on the same level
  • These are falls that do not typically lead to death-related injuries
  • Falls that involve a lower level
  • Lower level falls usually lead to catastrophic injuries or even death

If you or someone you know has suffered a slip and fall injury at a construction site, it is vital to know your options for recovering compensation for the injuries or damages sustained. These types of injuries can typically lead to a lifetime need of medical aid, financial struggles, and even emotional distress. Speaking to a qualified construction accident attorney can help you ease the burden and receive restitution for the damages accrued.

Different Forms of Slip and Falls at Construction Sites

According to research conducted by the Center for Construction Research and Training, about 36 percent of all non-deadly falls that occur in construction sites involve falls that have occurred on the same level. This means that these types of falls generally involve tumbling over some form of a hazard or actually falling onto the ground. According to the same research, about 24 percent of all non-deadly falls involve ladders and about 7 percent involve scaffolds. On average, about 1 out of every 20 non-deadly falls occur from falls from a stationary vehicle. While the risk of a fall is always eminent, the greatest risk lies when a worker is utilizing either a scaffold or a ladder.

The Impact of a Slip and Fall Accident

Despite the severity of the initial fall or impact, all falls can lead to an injury. Most slip and fall accidents could lead to the following injuries:

  • Soft tissue strains
  • Broken bones
  • Cuts and abrasions
  • Contusions
  • Back injuries

On the most severe of cases, victims could suffer from a traumatic brain injury, also known as a TBI, or even a spinal cord injury, which could result in paralysis. If you or someone you know has suffered any of the mentioned injuries due to a slip and fall, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. This is true even if the injury seems minor. It is important to know that many injuries will develop over time and by seeking immediate medical attention, you will be establishing a medical record that could help you should you choose to file a claim.

Getting injured due to a slip and fall can have many consequences that involve, but are not limited to the following:

  • The inability to return to work due to the injury sustained
  • High medical costs
  • Emotional pain
  • Financial distress

If you have been injured at work, speak to a qualified attorney who can help you seek the restitution you are owed.

Identifying Unsafe Construction Site Conditions

As previously mentioned, a slip and fall risk factor will always be present in all construction sites. It is up to the management at the construction site to ensure that risk is minimized as much as possible. The following list highlights some of the unsafe conditions that place workers at the greatest risk.

  • Any area where a worker walks throughConstruction places are usually a hub for uneven walkways, obstructions such as tools left lying around, or holes. Many construction areas also utilize temporary walkways such as ladders or bridges. Other unsafe conditions include slippery floors due to dirt, oil, and water.
  • Weather conditionsNo one can perfectly predict the weather, but it is important that weather conditions are taken into consideration. Sudden rain or icy conditions could create the perfect environment for slip and fall accidents.
  • Site coordinationSince many projects are often under time constraints and pressures, contractors may fail to maintain the site’s coordination, which could result in unsafe workplace conditions. Some of these unsafe conditions may include ineffective communication, poor signage, and ineffective or poor lighting conditions.
  • Other issuesThere are other dilemmas that could lead to a construction site slip and fall. Some of these may include improper footwear or health conditions that could affect a worker’s ability to be cautious.

Seek the Support of a Construction Accident Attorney

If you have suffered a slip and fall accident due to unsafe conditions at a construction site, an experienced injury attorney can champion for your rights. Despite how careful you are, a slip and fall can happen to anyone. With the help and support of a professional attorney, you may have the opportunity to receive restitution for the injuries you sustained. A qualified attorney will help you file the appropriate claim to help cover your medical costs or even pay for other costs that could arise from the injury. This may include workers’ compensation or a third party claim.

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