Injuries resulting from slips, trips and falls are common among construction workers and are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims in the construction industry.
Falls in construction are generally divided into two categories: falls on the same level and falls to a lower level.
Falls on the same level usually cause non-fatal injuries, while falls to a lower level may cause serious injuries or death.
Many slip-and-fall accidents are due to dangerous job site conditions. When a dangerous condition that results in a fall is caused by a property owner, a general contractor, a subcontractor or another non-employer third party, the injured worker may have the right to file a lawsuit for damages.
The successful recovery of damages in a third-party lawsuit does not affect a worker’s right to workers’ compensation benefits.
At Joye Law Firm, our attorneys are committed to helping injured construction workers obtain the compensation they’re entitled to. You’ve worked hard and don’t deserve to be treated like a “little guy” by your employer or an insurance company.
Joye Law Firm is prepared to provide you with personalized representation, treat you with respect and stand up for your rights. For a free claim review, call Joye Law Firm or contact us through our online contact form.
Types of Construction Site Slips and Falls
Thirty-six percent of non-fatal falls at construction sites involve falls on the same level, such as tripping over an obstacle and falling onto the floor or ground. Around 24 percent of non-fatal falls involve ladders, and 6.5 percent involve scaffolds. About 1 in 20 non-fatal falls are falls from a non-moving vehicle.
Slip and fall injuries commonly include things such as broken bones, soft-tissue strains and contusions. Falls can also result in more serious harm, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis.
Construction workers suffer fatal falls from ladders and scaffold with roughly the same frequency. They also fall to their deaths from building girders and non-moving vehicles.
Falls at ground level, while typically associated with non-fatal injuries, are responsible for 7.1 percent of deadly falls involving construction workers.
Fall Risk Factors at Construction Sites in South Carolina
Zurich Insurance Group, an insurer and risk engineering firm, identifies the following slip and fall accident risk factors:
- Walking surface conditions, such as uneven surfaces, potholes, cracks, temporary bridges and walkways, curbing, muddy soil, and changing elevations, routes and conditions.
- Environmental conditions, including rain, snow, ice, soft soil and truck traffic.
- Obstructions, such as debris, materials, tools, portable equipment, cables, hoses and power cords.
- Site-coordination issues, which may include poor communication and coordination of changing conditions, signage and lighting.
- People issues, such as carrying heavy and awkward loads or objects, wearing improper footwear or muddy shoes, and the use of chronic pain medication and other health issues that can impact a worker’s balance.
Read about other common causes of accidents at construction sites.
Talk to a South Carolina Lawyer About Your Fall at a Construction Site
There are many specific ways that a South Carolina construction accident attorney can help you obtain compensation for a workplace injury. Remember that the opposition will have legal representation. Without a lawyer of your own, you risk being compensated unfairly or not at all.
If you were denied benefits, are considering a third-party lawsuit or simply want to make sure that you understand your legal rights and options, call Joye Law Firm now or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.
Sources:
- The Center For Construction Research And Training: Work-Related Fatal and Nonfatal Injuries among U.S. Construction Workers, 1992-2008
- Zurich Services Corporation: Reducing slips, trips and falls in the construction industry
