My Husband Died From a Construction Site Fall. What Can I Do?

Falls are the most common type of accident resulting in injuries or death at construction sites. Construction workers performing their jobs six feet or higher off the ground are at risk of sustaining serious injuries or even death should they fall. Whether falls are from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs, the injuries can be devastating. However, many falls could be prevented if appropriate safety equipment and protocols are used.

If a construction site fall occurs and a worker is seriously injured as a result, it’s critical that they speak with a personal injury attorney who can determine whether there is cause to file a liability claim against the responsible party.

What Types Of Catastrophic Injuries Result From Falls At Construction Sites?

Construction sites often have heavy equipment and may have dangerous conditions. It isn’t hard to see why workers get hurt and suffer severe injuries. Some of the most common injuries that result from a construction site fall include:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Concussions
• Neck and back injuries
• Internal organ injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Disfigurement (loss of a limb, etc.)

Workers injured by falling at a construction site often have to deal with months of pain and intensive medical treatment. Even so, some never fully recover from their injuries. For example, someone who suffers a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage may require lifelong care and treatment for paralysis or other permanent condition. Further, if an individual’s injury causes the loss of cognitive abilities, they will likely need permanent care, which can add up to millions of dollars for the family over time.

In the worst cases, construction site falls lead to death. Unfortunately, that means that the worker’s family members are deprived of the love, companionship, support, and future income. Fortunately, in Pennsylvania, family members may be entitled to compensation if a wrongful death claim can be proven.

Who Can Be Found Liable For Construction Site Fall Injuries?

In most states, including Pennsylvania, workers who get hurt on the job can seek workers’ compensation benefits. This allows them to continue to receive a portion of their income while they undergo treatment for their injuries. In these cases, it doesn’t matter if the employer or the worker is at fault for the accident; the benefits will cover medical expenses and some lost wages until the individual can return to work. However, when someone outside of the company is at fault for the injury – a vendor, outside contractor, or other third-party – or by a defective piece of equipment, the worker may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. In the event of wrongful death, the worker’s family may file suit.

Here are some examples of when someone can file a personal injury lawsuit for a construction site fall:

• The property owner causes the accident
• Another subcontractor causes the fall
• The site manager who is responsible for safety compliance on the site causes the accident
• The manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of a machine, tool, or piece of equipment (catwalks, scaffolding, etc.) that caused the fall

Ross Feller Casey Can Help With Construction Site Fall Cases

When a fall occurs at a construction site, it may be challenging to determine exactly how it happened and whether someone is at fault. At Ross Feller Casey, we can help. If you or a family member suffered injuries from a construction site fall, we encourage you to contact our office right away. We have a proven record of winning all types of personal injury cases, including those involving construction site falls.

One of our workplace injury lawyers will evaluate the circumstances of your case and let you know if you have grounds for a liability claim. We handle all our cases on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t pay a cent until we reach a settlement or win a verdict in your case.