A fall from any height can result in serious or fatal injuries that can impact the rest of your life and the lives of those you love. If you have been injured by a fall from heights, especially while on the job, you need to understand your rights regarding workers’ compensation benefits.
With a fall-related injury, it is important to act as quickly as possible, because there is important evidence that needs to be preserved and documented at the scene of the accident. Employers will often try to cover up the catalyst which led to the fall or injury to alleviate their liability.
If you have suffered a fall from heights while working, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer at Work Injury Rights for a free case review at 954-833-5226.
Construction Industry Falls
The majority of the falls from heights that occur on the job stem from the construction industry. Working on ladders, cranes, and roofs leads to a greater risk of falling. Those falls can result in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), internal injuries, spinal cord damage, and more. Even simple falls from a few feet can result in significant damage and the possibility of a lifelong condition.
Falls while working a construction job are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims in the United States. Companies have strict guidelines that must be adhered to in order to ensure the safety of their workers, but those regulations are often not followed. If you have been injured in a fall from heights at a construction site, the Work Injury Rights legal team can help investigate the circumstances surrounding your fall and determine whether your employer was at fault.
Employers often make mistakes in their preventative measures, including:
- Failure to inspect the equipment used (ladders, fall protection equipment, etc.)
- Failure to fit harnesses on individual workers
- Failure to follow weight limit guidelines
- Avoiding unsafe scaffolding or grounds
- Protecting workers from debris
- Prohibiting workers from standing on scaffolding guardrails
Other Industries: Fall From Heights
While construction is the leading industry when it comes to on-the-job fall-related injuries, there are other employees who are also at risk. These include roofers, painters, tree service workers, window washers, utility workers, and more. Anyone who works in an industry where they must utilize ladders or stand on a raised surface is at risk of injury or even death from a fall.
Receiving Workers’ Compensation Benefits After a Workplace Fall
If you have been injured in a fall from heights, you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits – whether you work part-time or full-time. Your length of employment is not a factor.
If you were injured on the job, you need to immediately report the incident to your supervisor and seek medical attention. Even if you do not think your injury is significant, you need to get properly checked out by a medical professional. Sometimes, adrenaline masks the pain you feel, and some injuries do not reveal themselves until a few days later. Having a medical record is imperative to your case if it escalates to that point.
If you are unable to work at all while you are recovering from your injuries and/or rehabbing them, you’ll receive Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. If you are working in a temporary position and making less money than you were before your accident, you may be able to get Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits as well.
If the injuries from your fall result in permanent disability or you cannot work again, you are eligible to receive Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits to compensate. If a loved one was killed from a fall from heights, the spouse or the dependent children are eligible to receive death benefits. These will provide for the funeral and burial expenses as well as provide some money to help compensate for the loss of income.
It’s important you contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to help you through the legal process and get you the compensation you deserve.
What Do I Need to Do Next to Receive Compensation for My Fall From Heights Accident?
Trying to file for workers’ compensation is difficult, as the regulations are extremely specific and complex. Hiring an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer will help to ensure you receive your benefits as soon as possible. By removing some of the financial stress, you will be able to focus on your recovery – both mentally and physically. Allow the legal team at WorkInjuryRights.Com™ to help you collect the compensation you deserve!
Suffering with the Pain of a Fall from Heights Accident? Call Work Injury Rights Today at 954-833-5226 for a Free Consultation!
