The Most Common Causes of Construction Site Falls

By Dallas Personal Injury Attorney on May 30, 2023

Falls are the leading cause of death in construction, as stated by OSHA. In 2020 in the U.S., 351 out of 1,008 construction worker fatalities were caused by falls to a lower level. These deaths are preventable. The most frequently cited violations of OSHA safety standards in 2021 were for fall protection in the construction industry.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Construction Site Falls?

Falls from heights can cause a range of severe injuries, including fractured bones, head trauma, brain injury, spinal cord damage and paralysis, internal organ damage, and death. Common causes of construction site falls include:

• Unsecured or defective ladders
• Improperly installed or unsecured scaffolding
• Improperly guarded scaffolding
• Unprotected or unmarked wall openings, floor holes, and ledges
• Unguarded elevator shafts
• Defective stairways
• Debris causing slip or trip and fall accidents
• Lack of safety equipment

How Can Construction Site Falls Be Prevented?

Most construction site falls could be prevented if OSHA safety standards were followed. Tips for preventing falls on job sites include:

• Providing and using appropriate fall protection equipment
• Providing training to workers on safe work practices and the proper use of equipment
• Conducting regular safety inspections and promptly addressing any hazards
• Properly installing and securing scaffolding and other equipment
• Keeping work surfaces clear of clutter
• Installing covers over holes immediately when no work is being performed at the hole
• Performing as much work as possible on the ground to reduce the number of workers exposed to falling

What Are the Legal Considerations of Construction Site Falls?

Construction site owners and contractors have a legal duty to provide a safe work environment. Workers who are injured in construction site falls may be able to seek compensation for their injuries. Surviving family members of workers killed in construction site falls may be entitled to file wrongful death claims against responsible parties.

Workers’ compensation benefits will only cover medical expenses related to a workplace injury and reimburse you for a portion of your lost wages. The total costs of a construction site fall may far exceed benefits from workers’ comp. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit against parties that caused your accident and injuries through negligence. Potentially liable parties may include your employer, a third-party contractor, a manufacturer, or others.

Personal injury lawsuits are based on negligence. To recover damages, you must prove that the at-fault party created an unsafe work environment through careless or reckless actions or failed to act with reasonable care in the execution of that party’s duties. You must also prove that the injuries you sustained directly resulted from the at-fault party’s breach of duty.

Damages for a construction site fall will depend on the nature and severity of the injuries sustained. Common damages include past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, loss of future earning potential, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Our Dallas workplace accident attorneys can assess the full extent of your damages and advise you of your options under the law.

Why Choose Us for a Construction Site Fall Injury Claim?

At The Lenahan Law Firm, we only represent the severely injured. We have a reputation for honesty, caring about our clients personally, and representing only those we believe in. Our firm has secured notable results for our clients in negotiations, litigation, and at trials. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us nothing until we recover compensation for you. If you have been severely injured or lost a loved one in a construction site fall, contact our Dallas wrongful death lawyers or personal injury attorneys at (214) 295-1008.