If you suffered a fall-related injury while working on a construction site in Houston, you should seek legal advice from an experienced Houston construction site fall lawyer. Construction sites are inherently dangerous places to work. With an array of heavy tools, building materials, and multiple contractors performing various tasks at the work site, there is a high risk of injury or even death in the event of an accident.
After you’ve been injured on a construction site in Houston, you need a construction accident attorney from The Callahan Law Firm. We can help you explore your options and determine the best course of action for pursuing compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us online today for a free legal case review.
Why You Need Our Houston Construction Fall Attorney
At The Callahan Law Firm, we understand how traumatic construction site falls can be and how important it is for victims to receive the maximum compensation they deserve. Our team of dedicated Houston construction site fall lawyers are prepared to handle the complicated legal process for you and fight for the best possible result. We have decades of experience helping construction site fall victims pursue compensation for their injuries.
Causes of Falls at Construction Sites in Houston
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction workers accounted for 46 percent of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in a recent year. Workers in Houston may suffer severe and sometimes fatal injuries due to falls from elevated heights and falls on the same level.
The following are some of the most common causes of construction site falls in Houston:
- Poorly secured ladders or scaffolding
- Uneven or slippery surfaces
- Unprotected ledges or holes
- Poor lighting
- Debris
- Overloaded materials
- Lack of safety equipment, including harnesses, helmets, and guard rails
- Working at heights without proper training
Common Injuries from Construction Site Falls
Falls from ladders, scaffolding, and other construction site locations can cause significant injuries, often with life-altering effects. The most severe falls can even result in death. Common injuries from Houston construction site falls include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
Who Is Liable for a Construction Fall in Houston?
When a construction worker in Houston suffers injuries on the job, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy against the employer for the injured worker if the employer participates in the system. However, many employers in Houston are non-subscribers to workers’ compensation insurance, meaning they did not carry workers’ compensation insurance at the time of the incident and as a result can be held liable when their negligence causes or contributes to a worker’s fall injuries.
A personal injury lawsuit may also be an option when the injury results from the negligence of a third party. In Houston, potentially liable parties for a construction site fall may include the employer (if a non-subscriber), the construction site owner, prime contractors, general and sub-contractors, architects and engineers, and manufacturers.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), general and sub-contractors must provide workers with a safe work site and to give notice of any hazards. Contractors could be liable for contracted work and for the work they delegate to subcontractors. Architects and engineers could also be held liable for construction site falls, depending on their role in the project and contribution to the accident. Entities that design, manufacture, market and distribute a defective product that injured someone could be held liable. Those parties could be wholesalers, manufacturers, and retailers.
Potential Compensation for Construction Site Fall Victims
In a construction site fall personal injury claim, injured victims may be able to recover compensation for all their losses. In a construction site fall case, elements of damages that can be sought include the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
Tips for Preventing Falls on Construction Sites
Construction site falls can occur in a split second, so the best way to prevent falls is through proper safety procedures and training. By taking the necessary precautions, employers can protect workers from unnecessary risks and injuries.
To prevent falls on construction sites:
- Locate adequate fall protection equipment and verify it is correctly installed and maintained according to OSHA regulations.
- Get training on the proper use of fall protection equipment and be familiar with the dangers of working at heights.
- To the extent possible inspect any scaffolding, ladders, and other equipment you’re using to make sure they are secure and in good condition.
- Secure tools and materials to prevent them from falling off elevated surfaces.
- Use guardrails around elevated work areas to help minimize fall risks.
- Place warning signs around potential hazards to alert other workers to the potential danger.
- Confirm the workplace is properly illuminated to reduce fall risk due to poor visibility.
- Clear walkways of debris or obstacles.
- Make sure that any open holes or other potential hazards are blocked off or marked clearly.
- Monitor weather conditions that could affect the stability of the work environment.
- Wear appropriate footwear for working at heights.
OSHA Fall Protection Requirements
Falls are a leading cause of severe injuries and fatalities among construction workers. As a result, OSHA has created fall protection regulations to protect workers from the dangers of falls. OSHA regulations require employers to establish fall protection systems whenever a worker is more than six feet above the ground.
Employers are legally responsible for ensuring that their worksites meet the OSHA requirements for fall protection. The requirements include guarding holes in flooring, securing handrails, and providing guardrails, toe boards, safety harnesses and lines, safety nets, and stair railings. Workers should be trained adequately on each worksite to identify potential fall hazards, including wet or slippery surfaces, elevated platforms, open pits or tanks, and low-hanging objects. Floors in work areas should be clean and relatively clutter-free to reduce the chances of a worker slipping or tripping. Additionally, employers should conduct regular inspections to identify new hazards and take corrective action as needed.
Contact Our Texas Construction Accident Lawyers Today
At The Callahan Law Firm, our experienced construction accident attorneys are dedicated to advocating for Houston construction workers injured in falls at job sites. We can investigate the circumstances of your claim, determine who is liable, and fight for the total compensation you deserve.
If you were injured in a fall at a construction site in Houston, contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and options in a free consultation.
