Dealing with Work Injuries from Falling Objects and Equipment

Understanding the Danger at Construction Sites

A remarkable 2.9 million nonfatal injuries were reported in the workplace in 2016 per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Sadly, many of these accidents could have been prevented had the individuals responsible for maintaining proper safety regulations had performed their job. When an employer, property owner, manager, contractor, equipment maker, subcontractor, or other party fails to keep their workers safe and a worker is injured or killed as a result, the responsible party can be held liable for damages. The Shelton Law Firm works diligently on behalf of the victims of these accidents to secure compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Why Are Falling Objects Such a Hazard at Construction Sites?

Construction sites are inherently dangerous and require strict adherence to protocol to ensure worker safety. Unfortunately, a lack of training and supervision often leads to falling objects and equipment. Other common examples include:

• Unsecured materials: During the course of work, employees move tools and other materials around. When working at an elevation, this becomes a serious risk. Heavy or sharp items that are carelessly placed can fall, causing serious injuries to the innocent parties walking, sitting, or standing below. Workers must stay aware of their surroundings and place their tools and materials in a safe location to avoid accidents.
• Insufficient barricades: It is imperative to block off dangerous areas. Typically, there are designated, barricaded hard-hat zones within construction sites that prevent accidental entry. If a barricade was never put up or was knocked down, it can have deadly consequences. The construction manager or property owner can be held liable if barricades were not in place at the time of an accident.
• Faulty equipment: To avoid failure, equipment must be maintained. If it is not, liability may fall on the owner of the equipment, the manufacturing company, or the property owner.

Any of these factors can contribute to a dangerous or even fatal accident.

Common Injuries

There are many types of injuries that commonly occur due to falling objects and equipment at work sites, such as:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Head, face, and neck injuries
• Partial and total paralysis
• Fractured or broken bones
• Nerve damage
• Cognitive dysfunction

Any of these can severely impact your ability to work in the future. If a worker is killed by a falling object, their family is often left to struggle with considerable financial difficulties.

Determining who is responsible for an accident is not always easy, so you need a professional on your side.

Proving Liability

The Shelton Law Firm can secure compensation on your behalf for past and future medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and occasionally punitive damages, as well. We will sort through the facts of your case to determine who the responsible party is, whether that is the site owner, manager, manufacturer, or another party. We will work to prove that they had a responsibility to keep the work site safe, that they breached that responsibility, and that their failure caused your or your loved one's injury.

Determining who is responsible for an accident is not always easy, so you need a professional on your side. After representing work injury clients for more than 40 years, attorney Michael E. Shelton knows the best way to present and argue your case.

Discuss Your Case with a Lawyer

If you were injured at work by a falling object or piece of equipment, contact The Shelton Law Firm. We will fight to secure proper damages on your behalf. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact us online or call (713) 807-0700 today.