Fall Accidents on Construction Sites

Falls are the leading cause of construction injuries and deaths in the United States. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction workers are at significantly higher risk for fatal falls than workers in other industries.

At Hulburt Law Firm, our San Diego construction accident attorneys, Conor and Leslie Hulburt, have helped numerous construction workers who have suffered severe injuries or lost loved ones due to falls on construction sites. This article explains construction fall accidents and your legal rights.

Common Types of Construction Falls

Construction workers may fall from various heights and surfaces, including:

• Falls from scaffolding - Improperly constructed, maintained, or used scaffolding is a common cause of falls
• Falls from roofs - Workers installing roofing, HVAC systems, or other roof features may fall if proper fall protection is not in place
• Falls from ladders - Improper ladder use, defective ladders, or unsecured ladders cause many serious injuries
• Falls from elevated platforms - Workers on platforms, catwalks, or other elevated surfaces may fall if proper guardrails and safety equipment are not provided
• Falls through holes and openings - Workers may fall through unprotected floor holes, skylights, or other openings
• Falls from heights while using lifts - Improperly used or maintained aerial lifts can cause workers to fall
• Falls from structures under construction - Unfinished structures without proper safety equipment pose significant fall hazards

Common Causes of Construction Falls

Construction falls are often caused by:

• Failure to provide proper fall protection - OSHA requires fall protection (guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems) for construction work at heights of 6 feet or more
• Inadequate training - Workers may not receive adequate training on how to work safely at heights
• Defective or improper equipment - Falls can result from defective scaffolding, ladders, aerial lifts, or fall arrest systems
• Poor housekeeping and site organization - Cluttered walking surfaces, slippery conditions, or unstable surfaces can cause falls
• Rushed work - When workers are under pressure to complete tasks quickly, they may take risks and shortcuts with fall protection

Legal Options for Construction Fall Victims

If you've been injured in a construction site fall, you generally have two main legal options:

1. Workers' Compensation

If you're an employee injured on the job, you're likely entitled to workers' compensation benefits regardless of fault. Workers' comp covers medical expenses and partial wage replacement, but does not compensate for pain and suffering.

2. Third-Party Liability Claims

In addition to workers' compensation, you may be able to pursue a third-party liability claim against parties other than your employer. Potential third parties include equipment manufacturers, property owners, general contractors, and other subcontractors whose negligence contributed to your fall. Third-party claims can recover full damages including pain and suffering.

How We Help Construction Fall Victims

At Hulburt Law Firm, our construction fall attorneys understand California's complex workers' compensation and construction vehicle accident laws. We help clients by:

• Investigating the cause of the fall
• Identifying all potentially liable parties including equipment manufacturers
• File workers' compensation claims
• Pursue third-party liability claims
• Gather evidence to establish negligence
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• Represent you in litigation if necessary
• Ensure you recover maximum compensation for your injuries

Related Content:

• Construction Vehicle Accidents: Legal Help for Injured Workers
• Compensation for Construction Accident Victims
• Third-Party Liability in California Construction Accidents
• Safety Regulations in California Construction
• Equipment-Related Construction Accidents

Contact Hulburt Law Firm Today

If you've been injured in a construction fall, contact Hulburt Law Firm for a free consultation. Our experienced construction accident attorneys are ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Call us at (619) 222-2222 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation today.