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The Hidden Dangers of Workplace Falls: Protecting Workers’ Safety and Legal Rights

by | Jul 24, 2024 | Firm News, Personal Injury

Workplace falls are one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities on job sites across the United States. While many people associate these accidents with construction workers or those working at significant heights, the reality is that falls can occur in any work environment—from offices to factories to retail stores. Even a fall from ground level can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries. Employers have a legal responsibility to maintain safe working conditions and minimize fall hazards, but when safety protocols are ignored or inadequate, workers are put at significant risk.

Understanding the causes of workplace falls, the common injuries that result, and the legal rights available to injured workers is crucial for protecting your health and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Workplace Falls

Workplace falls can occur for many reasons, and in many cases, they are the result of preventable hazards. One of the most common causes is slippery surfaces. Spilled liquids, wet floors, or recently polished surfaces can easily cause workers to slip and fall, especially in environments such as kitchens, warehouses, or manufacturing facilities. Without proper signage or cleanup, these hazards create dangerous conditions for employees.

Another common cause is uneven surfaces or tripping hazards. Construction sites, industrial plants, and even office environments can contain obstacles such as loose wiring, cluttered walkways, or uneven flooring that lead to trips and falls. When these hazards are not addressed, the likelihood of an accident increases. In some cases, poor lighting can exacerbate these dangers by making it difficult for workers to see obstacles in their path.

Falls from heights are among the most dangerous and deadly types of workplace accidents. Workers in construction, roofing, and maintenance jobs are often required to work at high elevations, such as on scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops. If proper fall protection, such as harnesses or guardrails, is not provided, workers are at significant risk of falling from dangerous heights. These falls can result in life-threatening injuries or death.

Lastly, improper training or lack of safety protocols can also contribute to workplace falls. Employers are responsible for ensuring that workers are properly trained to identify and navigate fall hazards and that they follow all required safety procedures. When safety training is inadequate, workers may not be aware of the risks they face, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Common Injuries Caused by Workplace Falls

Workplace falls can lead to a wide range of injuries, depending on the height of the fall, the surface on which the worker lands, and other factors. Broken bones are among the most common injuries, especially in the arms, legs, and hips. Falls can cause fractures that may require surgery and extended rehabilitation, leaving workers unable to perform their job duties for an extended period.

Head injuries are another serious consequence of workplace falls. When workers fall, they may strike their head on the ground or nearby objects, resulting in concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Head injuries can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and long-term disabilities, and in severe cases, they can be life-threatening. Immediate medical attention is critical after any fall involving head trauma.

Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating outcomes of workplace falls. A fall from a significant height can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Victims of spinal cord injuries may face permanent disabilities, requiring lifelong medical care and rehabilitation. In addition to the physical toll, spinal cord injuries can have a profound emotional and financial impact on both the worker and their family.

Even soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains, and bruising can cause significant pain and require time off from work to recover. Although these injuries may not seem as serious as fractures or head trauma, they can still result in costly medical bills and lost income, affecting a worker’s ability to support themselves and their family.

Legal Rights After a Workplace Fall

If you’ve been injured in a workplace fall, it’s important to understand your legal rights and the compensation available to you. In most cases, workers who are injured on the job are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning that you do not need to prove that your employer was negligent in order to receive benefits. As long as the injury occurred while you were performing your job duties, you are typically eligible for compensation.

However, workers’ compensation may not cover all of your losses, especially if your injury results in long-term disability or requires ongoing medical care. In some cases, injured workers may also be able to file a third-party claim if a party other than their employer contributed to the fall. For example, if defective equipment or a dangerous condition created by a subcontractor caused the fall, the third party may be held liable for the injuries. Filing a third-party claim can provide additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages not covered by workers’ compensation.

It’s important to act quickly after a workplace fall, as there are strict deadlines for filing workers’ compensation claims and third-party lawsuits. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure that your claim is filed correctly and that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.

Seeking Legal Help After a Workplace Fall

Navigating the legal complexities of workers’ compensation claims and third-party lawsuits can be challenging, especially while dealing with the aftermath of a serious injury. Insurance companies and employers may attempt to minimize your claim, delay your benefits, or argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. This is why it’s essential to have a knowledgeable attorney on your side who can fight for your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation.

At Spagnoletti Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the challenges that injured workers face after a workplace fall. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather the necessary evidence, and work to secure the maximum compensation available under the law. Whether through workers’ compensation or a third-party claim, we are committed to helping you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace fall, contact us today for a free consultation. We are here to guide you through the legal process and help you receive the compensation you deserve.  Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.