What are some common mistakes that cause construction site falling object accidents?

There are a number of possible mistakes that cause construction site falling debris injuries. Below are some of them:

·         Insufficient barricades

·         Insufficient signage

·         Failure to inspect equipment

·         Failure to secure tools and equipment

Liability for Construction Site Injuries Caused by Falling Objects

Construction sites are dangerous due to the very nature of the work undertaken there. When construction activities are carried out in the middle of cities, with little separating them from the lives of pedestrians on the surrounding sidewalks, they cause a serious threat to pedestrians. They can cause injuries to pedestrians walking by the construction sites. Many of these accidents are caused by the negligence of the construction companies.

A number of possible mistakes can lead to falling debris injuries at construction sites. Below are some of them:

·         Insufficient barricades

·         Insufficient signage

·         Failure to inspect equipment

·         Failure to secure tools and equipment

Liability

Pedestrians injured due to construction site falling objects may be able to sue the construction companies for their injuries. In order to win such a lawsuit, they must prove the following three elements:

·         that the defendant had a duty to keep a construction site safe

·         that the defendant breached that duty

·         that the breach caused harm

Proving negligence of the construction company is very important in ensuring a successful injury claim.

What are the benefits covered under workers’ compensation program?

Under a workers' compensation program, an injured employee is entitled to:

Medical Care: The injured has the right to receive compensation for all medical treatment to help cure the effects of the work-related illness or injury. This may include compensation for medical bills, prescriptions and even round-trip mileage to the hospital.

Temporary Disability: In the event that the injured party must take time away from work due to medical reasons, he or she is entitled to temporary disability payments. The injured is entitled to receive two-thirds of average weekly gross pay every two weeks.

Permanent Disability: If the injured worker is permanently disabled as a result of the injuries, workers' compensation may also cover permanent disability payments. The amount and rate usually depend on how much limitation the injury has placed on activities of the injured as well as his or her age, occupation and earnings at the time of injury.

Vocational Rehabilitation: If the injury prevents the injured to return to his or her former job, vocational rehabilitation offers assistance in finding and training for a new job.

Construction Accidents and Workers’ Compensation

If you have been injured on a construction site, depending on your employment situation and the extent to which your employer is responsible for your injuries, you may be eligible to collect workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a special type of benefit to which an injured worker is entitled, including lost wages and medical expenses. It is like a safety net for workers when they are injured while on the job. The law requires every business to have workers' compensation insurance to cover its employees in the event of construction accidents.

Under a workers' compensation program, an injured worker is entitled to:

Medical Care: The injured has the right to receive compensation for all medical treatment to help cure the effects of the work-related illness or injury. This may include compensation for medical bills, prescriptions and even round-trip mileage to the hospital.

Temporary Disability: In the event that the injured party must take time away from work due to medical reasons, he or she is entitled to temporary disability payments. The injured is entitled to receive two-thirds of average weekly gross pay every two weeks.

Permanent Disability: If the injured worker is permanently disabled as a result of the injuries, workers' compensation may also cover permanent disability payments. The amount and rate usually depend on how much limitation the injury has placed on activities of the injured as well as his or her age, occupation and earnings at the time of injury.

Vocational Rehabilitation: If the injury prevents the injured to return to his or her former job, vocational rehabilitation offers assistance in finding and training for a new job.

What are the types of lawsuit family members can bring after the death of a loved one in a construction accident?

As a family member of the deceased, two potential lawsuits can be brought against the responsible parties:

Wrongful death action: This lawsuit is filed to sue for harm that was caused to family members as a result of the loss of his or her loved one.

In this lawsuit, he or she may argue that:

·         His or her loved one died due to somebody else’s negligence.

·         He/she left behind close family members.

·         His/her death caused losses, including loss of financial support, loss of love and emotional support, and loss of quality of life.

Survivor action: In this lawsuit, he or she may make the following argument:

·         His or her loved one died because of somebody else’s negligence.

·         The negligence caused pain and suffering to him/her one before he/she died.

·         Had he/she survived the accident, he/she would have received compensation for the pain and suffering.

What are some common mistakes that cause falling object accidents at construction sites?

Some common mistakes that cause falling objects at construction sites are:

·         Insufficient distance between pedestrians and construction sites

·         Insufficient warning signs

·         Failing to secure tools and other equipment, causing a high risk of the equipment falling

Accidents Due to Falling Objects at Construction Sites

A week back my brother, who was working at a construction site, was seriously injured in a tragic accident. A falling object - a piece of iron rod - fell on him, injuring his spinal cord. He is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. Can the construction company be held responsible for the accident?

Yes, the construction company can be held responsible for the accident. Like a personal injury case, a falling object accident involves negligence or carelessness. In order to file a successful claim against the company, you must prove the following points:

·         It was the construction owner’s duty to maintain a safe area within the construction site.

·         The construction owner broke that duty of care.

·         The construction owner failed to exercise that duty of care, which caused injury.

·         The victim suffered injuries from the falling object. 

What are some common construction accidents, and how can you avoid them?

The following are some common construction accidents, along with some tips on how to prevent them:

Fall: Since many types of construction work are carried out at a considerable height, accidents happen often. A fall can result in broken bones, concussion and sometimes even death. To avoid a fall, use sturdy and secured scaffolding to elevate a platform. Always install a guardrail system and ensure to use a secure safety net or a personal fall arrest system to minimize injuries, should a fall occur.

Electrocution: Exposed electrical wiring on a job site poses a significant risk to the people who may come in contact with it. To reduce the risk of electrocution from the exposed wires, all wires must be labelled clearly and correctly.

Accident from falling objects: Falling objects such as tools, materials and debris pose a serious threat to workers. They can result in some serious injuries like concussion, broken bones and even traumatic brain injury. To prevent injuries from falling debris, make sure to wear hard hats at all times.

Heavy machinery accident: Heavy machinery can lead to serious injuries like broken or fractured limbs, disfigurement,  amputation, etc. To avoid an accident, a worker must be properly trained.

Slip and trip: A construction site is a busy place where numerous materials and substances are being moved around, resulting in untidy and uneven surroundings. Oil and grease spillages can cause some serious injuries, especially when it rains. To avoid slip and trip injuries at a construction site, the walkway and work area should be kept clear of obstructions at all times. 

Common Construction Accidents and Ways to Prevent Them

Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs. When compared to other dangerous work environments, construction sites have the highest rate of injuries. Workers are constantly in danger of falling from heights, getting hurt by falling debris, suffering from electrocution, etc. However, accidents and injuries can be avoided if you stay alert and follow some safety guidelines.

Here are some common construction accidents, along with some useful tips on how to avoid them:

Fall: A fall is one of the most common accidents that take place at a construction site. Since many types of construction work are carried out at a considerable height, accidents happen often. A fall can result in broken bones, concussion and sometimes even death. To avoid a fall, workers must use sturdy and secured scaffolding to elevate a platform. Always install a guardrail system, and make sure you use a secure safety net or a personal fall arrest system to minimize injuries, should a fall occur.

Electrocution: Exposed electrical wiring on a job site poses a significant risk to workers working around them. Hundreds of construction workers die each year because of electrocution. To reduce the risk of electrocution, the exposed wires must be labelled clearly and correctly. The wires must also be kept out of high traffic areas to minimize the risk of electrocution.

Accident from falling objects: Falling objects such as tools, materials and debris pose a serious threat to workers. They can result in some serious injuries like concussion, broken bones and even traumatic brain injury. To prevent injuries from falling debris, make sure to wear hard hats at all times.

Heavy machinery accident: Heavy machinery is an important component of a construction industry. It is vital for the completion of many construction jobs. However, heavy machinery can lead to serious injuries like broken or fractured limbs, disfigurement, amputation, etc. To avoid an accident, a worker must be properly trained.

Slip and trip: A construction site is a busy place where numerous materials and substances are being moved around, resulting in untidy and uneven surroundings. Oil and grease spillages can cause some serious injuries, especially when it rains. To avoid slip and trip injuries at a construction site, the walkway and work area should be kept clear of obstructions at all times. Any slippery surface should also be reported immediately to the manager, so that the hazard is dealt with at the earliest.

Common Construction Accidents

My brother will be soon taking up a construction job. I know how dangerous a construction site is. What are some common construction accidents that occur, and how can they be prevented?

Construction workers are constantly in danger of falling from heights, getting hurt by falling debris, becoming a victim of electrocution, etc. However, accidents and injuries can be avoided if you stay alert and follow some safety guidelines.

Here are some common construction accidents, along with tips on how to avoid them:

Fall: Since many types of construction work are carried out at a considerable height, accidents happen often. They can result in a broken bones, concussion and sometimes even death. To avoid a fall, use sturdy and secured scaffolding to elevate a platform. Always install a guardrail system and make sure you use a secure safety net or a personal fall arrest system to minimize injuries, should a fall occur.

Electrocution: Exposed electrical wiring on a job site poses a significant risk to the people who may come in contact with it. To reduce the risk of electrocution from the exposed wires, all wires must be labelled clearly and correctly.

Accident from falling objects: Falling objects such as tools, materials and debris pose a serious threat to workers. They can result in some serious injuries like concussion, broken bones and even traumatic brain injury. To prevent injuries from falling debris, make sure to wear hard hats at all times.

Heavy machinery accident: Heavy machinery can lead to serious injuries such as cuts, bruises, loss of body parts, etc. To avoid such an accident, a worker must be properly trained to use the machinery.

Slip and trip: A construction site is a busy place where numerous materials and substances are being moved around, resulting in untidy and uneven surroundings. Oil and grease spillages can cause some serious injuries, especially when it rains. To avoid slip and trip at a construction site, the walkway and work area should be kept clear of obstructions at all times. 

Who can be held liable for construction accidents?

The following parties may be held liable for accidents at construction sites:

·         Property owners

·         General and sub-contractors

·         Architects and engineers

·         Manufacturers of construction machinery or equipment

Liability for Construction Accidents

Determining liability in construction accidents can become complicated because of the large number of persons involved in a construction project. The number of possibly liable parties depends on how large the project is. Below is a description of the possible liable parties in a construction accident.

General contractors and subcontractors

These people have a legal obligation to ensure that construction sites are safe for workers. It is their duty to warn workers of possible construction site hazards and hazards in the work they are performing. Workers safety is their prime responsibility. When accidents happen because of their failure to perform their duty, they may be held liable for the accidents.

Property owners

It is the duty of property owners to keep and maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition. When someone is injured on their property, they will be liable if they knew, or should have known, of the hazardous condition in question.

Architects and engineers

Architects and engineers can be held liable for construction accidents if they fail to meet safety standards in their designs. They have the responsibility of avoiding construction accidents by ensuring that their plans are not defective. It is their duty to ensure compliance with code regulations and ensure site inspections from time to time.

Manufacturers of construction machinery or equipment

Such people can be held liable if accidents are caused due to defective or faulty design and manufacture of certain machinery or equipment. The product liability law states that manufacturers of construction machinery or equipment have a duty to design products that are reasonably safe for use.

Construction Accident

My brother works with heavy machinery at a construction site. He was severely injured due to the malfunctioning of a machine. We are planning to file a lawsuit. Who can be sued for the accident?

When construction accidents occur, determining liability can become complicated because of the large number of persons involved in a construction project. The number of possibly liable parties depends on how large the project is. The following are the parties who may be held liable:

·         Property owners

·         General and sub-contractors

·         Architects and engineers

·         Manufacturers of construction machinery or equipment

How can one establish fault in a construction accident caused by a falling object?

Like most personal injury cases, a construction site falling object accident involves negligence or carelessness. This type of case is usually directed at the construction company for negligence. In order to win a negligence case, the plaintiff must provide evidence relating to the following four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damage. He/she must prove that:

·         The construction owner had a duty to maintain a safe area within the construction site.

·         The construction owner broke that duty by not taking steps and measures to ensure safety of the construction area.

·         The construction owner’s failure to exercise reasonable care caused the injury.

·         The victim suffered damages from the falling object.

Falling Objects Causing Construction Accidents

Falling objects at construction sites can be dangerous. They can cause serious injuries to employees as well as passers-by. Construction companies should protect their employees and innocent bystanders from harm from falling objects. Objects at construction sites may fall for many reasons, but in most cases this happens because of carelessness, negligence or rule-breaking. Common reasons for falling objects at construction sites include:

·         Insufficient distance between pedestrians and construction sites

·         Insufficient warning signs

·         Failing to secure tools and other equipment, causing a high risk of the equipment falling

Common injuries sustained in construction accidents involving falling objects

·         Bruises

·         Broken bones

·         Paralysis

·         Neck and back injuries

·         Lacerations

·         Traumatic brain injury

·         Permanent disabilities

·         Death

Objects that commonly fall and cause accidents

Some of the objects that commonly fall and cause serious injuries include:

·         Tools such as hammers, sledgehammers and power tools

·         Bricks and cinder blocks

·         Metal fittings and pieces of metal railings

·         Rebar or other metal bars

·         Pieces of metal, sheet metal and duct work

·         Support beams

·         Wires or cables

Proving fault

Like most personal injury cases, a construction site falling object accident involves negligence or carelessness. This type of case is usually directed at the construction company (owner) for negligence. The elements of negligence are duty, breach, causation, and damage.

In order to file a successful lawsuit, a victim must prove that:

·         The construction owner had a duty to maintain a safe area within the construction site.

·         The construction owner broke that duty by not taking steps and measures to ensure safety of the construction area.

·         The construction owner’s failure to exercise reasonable care caused the injury.

·         The victim suffered damages from the falling object.

Construction Accidents Due to Falling Objects

My brother has been in the construction industry for almost 2 years now. A week back, he was struck by a piece of iron rod which fell on him, injuring his spinal cord. Currently, he is undergoing treatment. I would like to know if we can hold the construction company responsible for the accident.

Yes, you can hold the construction company responsible for the accident. Like most personal injury cases, falling object accidents involve negligence or carelessness. A construction worker or pedestrian who is injured by a falling object may sue the construction company. In order to be successful in a lawsuit caused by a falling object, you must prove that:

·         The construction owner had a duty to maintain a safe area within the construction site.

·         The construction owner broke that duty by not taking steps and measures to ensure the safety of the construction area.

·         The construction owner’s failure to exercise reasonable care caused the injury.

·         The victim suffered damages from the falling object.