There are many hazards on a construction site, but falling from a great height is one of the most common causes of workplace fatalities. These accidents can happen on scaffolds or ladders, and some falls occur from the roof of a structure.
The injuries involved in these falls can be devastating and sometimes result in death. If you have questions about injuries from a Springfield construction site fall from heights, reach out to one of our construction accident attorneys right away.
In Springfield, falls from heights are one of the leading causes of serious construction site injuries. Several factors can lead to these types of accidents.
Open-sided floors and unfinished stairwells create serious fall risks. If guardrails or other forms of protective barriers are missing, a worker can easily trip and fall into a dangerous drop.
Ladders are common on construction sites but are often used incorrectly. Mistakes, such as placing a ladder on uneven ground or overreaching, can lead to a sudden fall.
Properly assembling and securing scaffolding is necessary. When it is unstable, overloaded, or missing safety features, such as guardrails, it can collapse or shift under a worker’s weight.
Employers must provide fall protection, such as harnesses, safety nets, or guardrails, for many different situations. When these systems are missing, the risk of an accident increases dramatically.
Conditions involving debris or wet surfaces, for example, can cause a worker to lose their footing and fall. When other hazards, such as missing guardrails, are present, it amplifies these risks.
Falls from heights often lead to severe injuries because of the force involved. Some of the injuries that are common in these accidents include:
Any of these injuries could prevent you from working or even derail your career. However, you may be able to seek workers’ compensation benefits after a fall from great heights in a Springfield construction site accident.
If you suffered a fall from heights on a construction site in Springfield, you could usually file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer’s insurance company. These benefits could help you recover without needing to prove fault.
Workers’ compensation typically covers all the medical costs associated with your injury. Depending on the extent of your wounds, you could continue receiving covered medical care for the rest of your life. This includes:
You might also be entitled to benefits that replace your lost wages. In cases involving long-term injuries, you may qualify for ongoing disability benefits. If you cannot return to your previous job, workers’ compensation may also provide vocational rehabilitation to help you find new work.
Fall injuries can be devastating, especially when they occur at great heights. If you are living with the consequences of a serious injury, it is important to understand your legal options. At Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C., our attorneys could explain when and how you could file a workers’ compensation claim and recover some of your losses.
We could answer your questions about a claim involving a Springfield construction site fall from heights. Reach out right away to discuss your options.
Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley
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