Construction areas are filled with potential hazards that could lead to a grave accident. If you or a loved one are in the construction industry, you are likely all too familiar with the daily risks that working on these job sites can bring.
Falling objects in construction areas are one of the leading causes of injuries and death in these work zones. An attorney can fight to help you get justice if you were injured this way while working in a construction area. In addition to workers’ compensation benefits, you may be entitled to multiple types of financial recovery.
Top Hazards Posed by Falling Objects in Construction Areas
Falling objects on a construction site can be debris from ongoing projects. Debris can include materials ranging from steel to wood to drywall to concrete. When debris falls, particularly as these materials often travel from a great height, any construction workers in the vicinity could be struck and seriously injured.
Sometimes, this debris isn’t created by construction materials but by equipment like power or hand tools that are not properly attended to or are accidentally knocked from their perch, falling onto passersby below. Sometimes, falling objects in construction areas are simply the result of a freak accident. In other situations, this kind of terrible incident may be traced back to someone’s negligence. Situations where debris falls and injures a worker that could indicate negligence may involve but are not limited to:
- Lack of proper safety gear
- Inadequate warning signs
- Poor worker safety training
- Unsecured tools and equipment
- Overloaded forklifts or equipment
- Malfunctioning tools or equipment
- Inadequate inspection of construction areas
- Faulty or inadequately inspected securing mechanisms like hooks and chains
Injuries from falling debris or objects can be severe and even life-threatening. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and paralysis are commonly reported in these instances.
Neck, knee, and back injuries, as well as broken bones, may also ensue when a construction worker is struck by falling debris. Lacerations, scarring, and musculoskeletal injuries are also commonly reported in falling object accidents on construction sites.
Falling Object Compensation for Construction Workers
When falling objects hit a worker in a construction area, they will likely have a viable claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Any company in Missouri that operates in the construction industry and has even one employee must carry these benefits.
Workers’ compensation benefits could help you pay for several costs related to your injury. For instance, you could recover disability payments if your injury prevents you from returning to work temporarily or permanently. You could also claim medical benefits for expenses related to your treatment.
You can’t typically sue your employer, even if you think their actions contributed to their injuries. However, workers’ compensation laws do not prevent you from suing a negligent third party whose actions led to a falling object construction accident.
So, if a company or person’s negligence played a role in your accident, you may have just cause to pursue a personal injury case against them. A construction accident attorney can explain your legal options and help you pursue all forms of compensation available.
A Lawyer Can Help If A Falling Object Injures You in a Construction Area
An attorney who is deeply familiar with the legal intricacies of construction law can maximize your chances of achieving a favorable result after a falling debris worksite accident. Hiring an experienced construction accident lawyer can help ensure your case goes as smoothly as possible.
Whether you are seeking workers’ compensation benefits for injuries caused by falling objects in construction areas or want to file a personal injury claim, you can rest assured that the insurance company will do everything possible to avoid paying the full value of compensation. Insurance companies want to protect their bottom line, but skilled legal professionals can leverage the negotiation and courtroom tactics required to pursue the best possible outcome. Contact us today to find out more about starting your construction accident case.
