Slip and Fall Construction Accidents
Regardless of where a person works, there is potential for an accident or injury to occur. However, that risk is especially high for individuals working in the field of construction. Among the many types of accidents that can occur on a construction site, slips and falls are very common.
Slip and fall construction accidents can result in serious or catastrophic injuries, as well as substantial financial damages. Victims of slip and fall construction accidents in the Houston, TX, area can work with construction accident attorney Michael E. Shelton to hold liable parties accountable for their losses.
Causes of Slip and Fall Construction Accidents
There are two types of slips and falls that can occur on a construction site - one is same level falls, meaning that a person slips or falls on the floor or ground, and the other is falls to a lower level, meaning that someone slips or falls off of one level and lands on a lower level or the ground below. While there are various factors that can contribute to slips and falls at construction sites, most have one thing in common: they are the result of another person or party’s careless or reckless actions.
The most common causes of slip and fall construction accidents include:
- Wet or uneven flooring/ground surfaces
- Obstacles, such as debris, equipment, machinery, cords, etc., in pathways or walkways
- Poorly maintained equipment (ladders, scaffolding, etc.)
- Neglect to follow standard safety practices
- Poor construction site communication and/or coordination
Potential Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can be very harmful to workers in the Houston area. If a slip or fall occurs at a single level, injuries tend to be less severe. Unfortunately, falls to a lower level can result in catastrophic or fatal injuries. Potential slip and fall injuries include:
- Contusions
- Soft tissue damage
- Broken bones
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury
- Traumatic neck or back injury (including paralysis)
Slip and Fall Damages
The physical effects of a slip and fall accident are one obvious type of slip and fall damages, but there are several others. Slip and fall construction accidents can result in pain, emotional trauma, and financial losses stemming from:
- Medical expenses
- Cost of therapy and/or rehabilitation
- Cost of necessary medical devices, such as crutches, wheelchair, etc.
- Cost of future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of wage earning potential
Who Is Liable for Accident Damages?
If dangerous work conditions lead to a slip and fall construction accident, then liability for the accident falls on the employer, property owner, general contractor, or non-employer third party who is responsible for maintaining the construction site. Even if a construction worker contributed to their own accident, they should be due compensation from their employer’s workers comp insurance. Attorney Michel E. Shelton helps his Houston clients prove accident liability, so that accident victims receive the financial compensation they are due for the full extent of their losses.
Get In Touch
If you have been injured in a slip and fall construction accident, attorney Michael E. Shelton can help you explore your right to financial compensation. Send us a message online at your earliest convenience, or call (713) 807-0700 to discuss the details of your case.
