Legal•Info

Construction Falls Overview

Introduction
Construction is one of the most dangerous jobs in existence. There are a number of different dangers that construction workers face on a daily basis, No. 1 being the risk of a fall. Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry, and make up one-third of the nation's construction site accident deaths. In order to prepare workers for the rigors and dangers of the job, many construction firms run regular safety classes with the hope that the classes will result in heightened awareness for the on-site workers.

Unfortunately, these safety courses are too brief to cover everything, and aren't specific enough to make sure every detail is covered. Many workers do not consider all of the risks around them every day, and do not realize that one wrong move can make a huge difference in their lives. If you or a loved one have been the victim of a fall at a construction site, you may be able to sue the employer for damages because of the injuries you or your family member have sustained. If you are considering taking legal action, read through this brief overview to make sure you have all of the facts.

Construction Falls
Any job at a construction site puts someone at high risk for injury, either from an action they do or at the fault of someone else. Construction workers should always be aware of their surroundings and the potential dangers that they face. Consider the average construction site: it is most likely littered with debris, with unsafe surfaces all over, and has multiple levels of shaky scaffolding that are used by dozens of workers each day. If the site is not properly maintained, there is a large risk for something to go wrong. In addition to these dangers, workers are often located very high above the ground, on ladders, scaffolding, or on lifts. This is perhaps the most dangerous part of construction work, as there is such a great risk for falling.

Falling is perhaps the fear that construction workers have; the danger of falling actually increases over time, as construction workers become too comfortable and confident with their tasks and surrounding environment, and fail to take necessary precautions when it comes to risks such as these. The less care a worker takes, the more likely he or she is to fall. Therefore, a construction worker's risk of falling increases with his or her experience.

Coping
Injuries from construction falls can be very severe, resulting in death or permanent paralysis. Either way, the fact that someone has fallen while on the job is not something to take lightly. Injuries like these leave construction workers unable to do their jobs, resulting in loss of income for their families. The most important step to take following a fall and subsequent medical care is to contact a lawyer or attorney if you feel that the reason for the fall was a result of your employer's negligence. It is the responsibility of the jobsite managers to ensure the safety of the employees at all times. If they failed to keep you safe, you may be able to sue your employer or site owner for damages.

Legalities
If you are considering taking legal action against your employer or another related party, contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is the best action you can take. There are many lawyers in each state who specialize in construction site accidents such as yours, and they will know the necessary steps to take for the suit. They will know the system in and out, resulting in a proper defense for your case. Be sure to tell your lawyer any details you can remember; the more evidence you have, the more likely you are to win your case. In doing this, you'll not only be fighting for your rights and safety, but for the safety of construction workers everywhere.