Construction workers in California are at a high risk of being injured in fall accidents. Because these workers often work at elevated heights (e.g. ladders, scaffolding, roofs, crossbeams), a slip and fall at a construction site can cause catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction fall accident, turn to J&Y Law.
Our construction accident lawyers know how to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Generally, injured construction workers are entitled to benefits under California’s workers’ compensation program. Such benefits do not, however, cover pain and suffering, emotional harm and other losses you may have endured.
If your fall at a construction site was the result of a safety violation or third-party negligence, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit to recover damages. When you become our client, we will work to demonstrate how you were injured by someone else’s negligence and help you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve.
Because we understand the challenges you face in terms of recovering — mounting medical expenses, and lost income — you will not pay any attorneys’ fees until we win compensation for you. Please contact our office today for a free consultation with one of our construction fall accident attorneys.
Construction Falls: One of the “Fatal Four”
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), falls are the leading cause of construction accidents, accounting for more than 30 percent of construction-related deaths each year. Falls lead the so-called “Fatal Four” construction accidents, followed by:
- Struck by object (11 percent of construction accident fatalities)
- Electrocutions – (8.5 percent)
- Caught-in/between (5.5 percent, includes workers killed when caught-in or compressed by equipment or objects, and struck, caught, or crushed in collapsing structure, equipment, or material)
In any event, OSHA requires employers to provide workers with a safe environment and to properly train them on safety measures.
How J&Y Can Help with Your Construction Fall Accident Claim
When you come to J&Y, our experienced California personal injury lawyers will explain all your rights and explore all your options.
If your construction fall accident was caused by (1) your employer’s failure to provide proper training or safety equipment (e.g. harnesses, hard hats) or (2) the negligence of a third-party (e.g. a subcontractor that set-up scaffolding), you may be entitled to significant compensation.
While many construction accident claims can be settled through negotiations with an insurance company, insurers are known for paying as little as possible to construction accident victims. We have the skills and resources to get you the maximum compensation you deserve, inside or outside of the courtroom.
Common Causes of Construction Fall Accidents
Despite OSHA’s safety requirements, fall accidents at construction sites are quite common. In fact, lack of protection against falls and failing to meet general requirements for scaffolding are frequently reported OSHA violations. It should come as no surprise that the common causes of construction fall accidents in California include:
- Lack of safety equipment – Fall protection systems (e.g. guardrails, covers, safety harnesses) must be used to prevent falls on site
- Lack of safety training – Employers are required to warn employees about known job hazards and provide training on the proper use of safety equipment
- Dangerous working conditions – Construction workers who work under dangerous conditions (from unprotected heights, around worksite debris) have a high risk of being injured in falls.
OSHA has implemented a number of safety standards that require employers to prevent falls from high positions such as overhead platforms or elevated work stations or into holes in the floors and walls. If you were injured in a fall because your employer failed to meet these standards, our legal team will fight for your right to just compensation.
Common Injuries from Construction Falls in California
Construction workers can sustain serious injuries from site falls, especially from distances of six feet or more. Some common injuries caused by construction falls include:
- Fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limb (amputation)
- Permanent disabilities
- Wrongful death
Victims of construction falls may face substantial medical expenses and a costly and time-consuming recovery. Because a workers’ compensation claim will not cover all your losses, it is crucial to have the powerful representation J&Y Law provides.
Contact Our Experienced Construction Site Fall Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall injury at a construction site, J&Y Law can help. We have a well-deserved reputation as dedicated advocates of injured construction workers and a proven history of holding negligent parties accountable for construction falls.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers will leverage their negotiating and trial skills to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Above all, we will fight for compensation that considers all of your future medical and financial needs. Please contact our office today for a free case evaluation.