Construction Site Slip and Fall
Legal Representation After a Fall at a Construction Site
One of the most dangerous places to work is at a construction job site. Falls are among the most common and deadly accidents. One-third of construction accident deaths are the direct result of falls. You have the right to recover damages in cases of serious or fatal injuries sustained while working on a construction site.
Common Factors of Falls at Construction Sites
There are a number of factors that contribute to the high number of dangerous or deadly falls on construction sites. A construction site often is littered with debris and uneven surfaces, and with multiple levels of scaffolding or other structures, it is no wonder that falls are prevalent. Uncovered openings in flooring or wall openings are falling hazards, along with walkways that may not be protected as required.
Ladder and Scaffolding Falls
Ladder falls are far too frequent, whether a result of faulty ladder placement, a ladder knocked by equipment, or ladder failure. Poorly installed or maintained scaffolding can collapse, leading to serious injuries or death. Exposed material such as concrete, rebar, electrical wires, or other materials creates additional hazards that could cause a construction worker to fall and sustain severe or fatal injuries.
Construction Site Falls: Types of Injuries
Falls on construction sites can lead to serious, catastrophic, or fatal injuries. Common injuries that result from falls on construction sites include:
Permanent disability
Your employer is required to provide a safe work environment as per OSHA's regulations. Failing to do so can expose a negligent employer or contractor to a civil claim for damages related to a fall at an unsafe construction site where OSHA regulations have been violated.
Fatal Construction Falls
The Phoenix area continues to grow, with ongoing construction projects throughout the region. Not all employers are compliant and fail to provide workers with regulation safety gear, safe tools, or even scaffolding. These negligent acts are often to cut corners to save money or speed the completion of a project. Sadly, it is a construction worker and their family who pay the price for this negligent behavior.
The Fatal Four
OSHA reports on what is called “the fatal four,” the most common types of fatal accidents on construction sites, with falls at a staggering 33.5 percent of the deaths on construction sites.
Construction Accident Lawsuits
In cases in which gross negligence has led to serious injury or death after a construction site fall, it is possible to take legal action against the responsible party. A claim can be brought to cover the costs of ongoing and upcoming medical care, any necessary vocational rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A skilled personal injury attorney that has experience in construction accident law can help those looking into filing a claim for a fall at a construction site or any other construction accident-related injury.
Hazards on Construction Sites
Construction sites present a wide array of hazards, some which may already be labeled clearly and others that suddenly arise, without warning. Trip and fall or slip and fall accidents do not happen just to construction workers. You may be a contractor on a construction site, a resident of an apartment building that is being remodeled, or simple a passerby. However you were injured, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries.
Workers Compensation Benefits and Construction Accident Falls
You have a right to workers’ compensation benefits if injured on the job. Under state law, you sacrifice the ability to file a claim against your employer but gain the right to have your medical bills paid, a portion of your salary paid during your recovery, and to be retrained when necessary. In Arizona, we have a no-fault system, allowing you to receive benefits, no matter who caused the accident. Unfortunately, the benefits paid may be far from enough to cover the cost of living. It is strongly advised that you have your case evaluated by our law office, as it may be possible to file a third-party claim to recover damages far above and beyond what you will receive in workers’ comp benefits.
Negligence and Your Injury Case
The viability of the claim will be determined on whether the contractors or owners of the construction site were negligent, and if this negligence helped cause the injury. Additionally, a construction worker on the site may have more chance to claim than a social visitor to the construction site, and the invited visitor to the site would most likely have a greater ability to claim than someone who is trespassing.
Why Choose The Husband & Wife Law Team?
We understand the significance in choosing a lawyer to represent you after a serious accident. If you or someone you love has been hurt on a construction site due to a slip and fall accident, we invite you to seek the advice of Alexis and Mark Breyer. These notable construction accident lawyer have successfully represented numerous claimants throughout Arizona since 1996. They are not only experts in Arizona personal injury law, but are highly reputed by their peers, among both judges and other attorneys. As experienced construction site fall injury attorneys, we understand the importance of a serious injury claim for our clients. We offer free, non-obligatory consultation so you can decide the best course of action for your claim or claims.