Construction sites are a common sight in Baltimore, MD, but they are also the scene of many accidental falls. If you fell on a construction site, you may have the right to pursue compensation from the person or entity responsible for the harm you have suffered.
The Baltimore construction accident lawyers at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers can explain your legal rights and options during a free consultation. Contact us today at (410) 837-2144 to learn more.
Table of Contents
How WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After Falling on a Construction Site in Baltimore, Maryland
The dedicated attorneys at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers have over a century of combined legal experience and focus exclusively on personal injury claims.
We are not afraid to go up against large corporations or insurance companies after a devastating construction accident. We fight fiercely for our clients, who can access us any time, day or night.
We want to help you with every aspect of your construction injury claim, including:
- Investigating the accident
- Identifying all parties who contributed to the accident
- Gathering evidence of liability and the full extent of your damages
- Reviewing all applicable insurance policies
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Advising you of your rights and options through each stage of the case
Contact our Baltimore construction accident attorneys today to get started on your path to recovery.
How Common Are Falls on Construction Sites?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading reason for work-related fatalities of construction workers. In 2019, 401 construction workers died after falling, representing more than one-third of the total 1,102 total fatalities that occurred that year.
Additionally, the construction industry has more falls than any other industry and represents more than half of fatal on-the-job falls in all industries each year.
Injuries that Follow Construction Site Falls
Falls – especially those from heights – can cause serious injuries, such as:
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures
- Internal injuries and internal bleeding
- Soft tissue injuries
Seek prompt medical attention after a fall to begin receiving the treatment you need. Then, contact a skilled construction accident lawyer in Baltimore who can help determine how the accident occurred and could have been prevented.
Common Causes of Construction Site Falls in Baltimore, MD
Workers can fall at construction sites for many reasons, such as:
- Lack of warnings about dangerous areas
- Cluttered workspaces
- Unguarded or unmarked edges or holes
- Improperly constructed scaffolding
- Unguarded elevator shafts
- Liquid spills not cleaned up
- Lack of fall protection equipment
- Lack of safety training
- Defective scaffolding or ladders
It is important to determine what caused the accident to identify who may be responsible for it.
Who Is Responsible For Construction Site Falls?
Who is responsible for a construction site fall depends on how the accident occurred and whose negligence led to the conditions that caused the fall.
Some common defendants in construction accident cases include:
- Property owners – Property owners are responsible for making their premises safe. If they create conditions that cause your injury, you may be able to make a claim against them for the harm you’ve suffered.
- General contractors – General contractors are typically responsible for managing their construction sites and keeping them safe for subcontractors and workers under their watch.
- Product manufacturers – If the accident was caused by defective scaffolding, a defective ladder, or other defective product, the manufacturer of that product may be responsible for the harm you’ve suffered.
An experienced lawyer can gather evidence to determine all of the potentially liable parties.
Ways to Prevent Construction Site Falls in Baltimore, MD
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says that construction site falls are preventable.
OSHA recommends that employers follow these steps to prevent falls:
- Plan ahead – Employers are encouraged to plan their projects to ensure the job can be completed safely, identify the tasks that need to be completed, identify potential hazards, and determine which safety equipment will be necessary.
- Provide the right equipment – Employers must provide fall protection to workers who are six feet or more above a lower level. This may include personal fall arrest systems, harnesses, and anchors. Employers are also responsible for making sure this equipment properly fits the worker and regularly inspecting it.
- Train workers – Every worker who will use the fall protection equipment should be trained on how to use the equipment properly.
When an employer or contractor fails to properly plan for the construction project, provide the right equipment, or train workers, they may be responsible for the injuries that result.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Baltimore Construction Accident Lawyers After Falling on a Work Site
If you were injured in a fall while working on a construction site, you could be owed considerable compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. After you’ve suffered a serious injury, you need a strong ally in your corner who is not afraid to fight for the justice and accountability you deserve.
Contact WGK Personal Injury Lawyers for help with your construction injury claim.
