Helping Texans Recover After Construction Falls
Construction often involves working at great heights, whether on scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or other elevated surfaces. While this is an inherent part of the job, it also exposes workers to significant risks of falls that can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death.
In Texas, falls from heights are one of the leading causes of severe injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. If you or a loved one has suffered a fall while working on a construction site, keep reading for more information on the causes, injuries, and legal options you may have.
Common Causes of Falls from Heights in Construction
Construction workers face numerous hazards that can lead to falls from heights. Some of the most common causes include:
- Lack of proper fall protection equipment
- Unprotected edges and openings
- Unsafe ladders or scaffolding
- Slippery or unstable surfaces
- Inadequate safety training and supervision
Types of Injuries Resulting from Falls
Some of the most common injuries resulting from falls on construction sites are as follows:
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries
- Long-term disabilities and permanent impairments such as chronic pain or neurological disorders.
The height of the fall and environmental conditions are significant factors that influence the severity of injuries.
Mounting medical bills and lost income can create devastating financial hardships for injured workers and their families. This is why you want to find out who is liable for the injury in order to possibly receive compensation.
Legal Responsibilities of Employers and Property Owners
Determining who is legally responsible is an important step. Liable parties may include:
- Employers: Under OSHA regulations and state laws, construction companies and employers have a legal duty to provide a reasonably safe work environment. Failing to follow safety protocols, provide fall protection, train workers properly, or maintain equipment can constitute negligence.
- Property owners: If a fall occurs due to hazardous conditions on the property where construction occurs, the property owner may be liable. This includes ensuring the premises are free from fall hazards and code violations.
- General contractors: As the primary overseer of the construction project, the general contractor is responsible for enforcing site safety and ensuring subcontractors’ adherence to regulations.
- Sub-contractors: When sub-contracted workers cause or contribute to a fall incident through negligent actions or faulty work, their employer can be held accountable.
- Equipment/material manufacturers: Defective or faulty equipment, such as ladders, scaffolding, harnesses, etc., that leads to falls may involve product liability claims against manufacturers.
Establishing clear liability allows for the pursuit of total compensation through workers’ comp, third-party claims, or personal injury lawsuits against negligent companies or individuals. No matter the case’s complexity, we fight aggressively to protect our clients’ rights.
Contact The Payne Law Group Today
If you or someone you love has suffered severe injuries from a fall at a construction site in the Brazos Valley, you need a law firm with proven experience handling these complex cases. At The Payne Law Group, our skilled lawyers will leverage our experience and resources to hold the liable parties accountable. We understand the life-altering impacts these accidents can have, and we fight tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation our clients deserve.
Falling from heights should never be an expected hazard for construction workers just doing their jobs. If negligence caused your life-altering injuries, we will hold the responsible parties accountable. We are committed to getting you the best outcome possible. Call us today for a consultation on your case.