Construction sites are among the most dangerous work environments that exist. Even construction workers who wear all of the required safety equipment and follow every established safety protocol are at continual risk of injury. That is, unfortunately, the reality of the construction work the nation depends on for its buildings, roads, bridges, and other essential structures.
At the law firm of Golitko & Daly, serving all of Indiana, construction accidents of all types serve as the basis of litigation expertly handled by our workers’ compensation attorneys. Among the most common types of construction accidents involve falling objects. Even construction workers who are wearing hard hats and other safety equipment can suffer serious injuries when struck by falling objects on a construction site. If you or a member of your family has suffered such an injury, our lawyers can evaluate your case and advise you of your legal rights and options. If you have been denied the workers’ compensation benefits that you deserve, we will fight to ensure that your rights are properly asserted.
About Falling Object Accidents
When people think of falling object accidents that occur on construction sites, they may immediately imagine heavy objects striking someone in the head. While this certainly can happen, many serious injuries result from comparatively small objects falling. Even a nail, nut, or bolt can cause severe injury if it falls from considerable height and strikes someone, especially if he or she is not wearing a hard hat or face shield. When larger, heavier objects fall, injuries become more likely, even if people below are properly protected. Objects often fall as a result of workers being inadequately trained or failing to use their tools properly.
Among the objects most commonly involved in falling object construction accidents are:
- Tools, including hammers, wrenches, drills, and large power tools
- Equipment, including saws and nail guns
- Construction materials, including concrete blocks, bricks, wire rope and cables, glass, and lumber
- Heavy equipment loads
- Flying debris resulting from the use of power tools
- Plumbing fixtures
- Electrical systems and equipment
When such objects fall on construction workers, any number of injuries can occur, depending on the part of the body struck by the fallen object and the level of protection, if any, afforded that part of the body. Common injuries resulting from falling objects on construction sites include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Open head injuries (i.e., injuries that occur from an object penetrating the skull)
- Eye trauma and possible blindness
- Facial injuries, including wounds, scarring, and disfigurement
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including possible paralysis
- Wrongful death
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury from a falling object while working on a construction site, you have the right to collect workers’ compensation benefits. If you have been denied this right, we urge you to arrange a case evaluation with the experienced attorneys of Golitko & Daly today.
Learn More about Construction Accidents and Falling Objects
To learn more about construction accidents involving falling objects and your rights as a construction worker, please contact our law firm today.