Compensation for Injuries Caused by Falling Objects at Tampa Construction Sites

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines falling objects as significant “fall hazards,” stating that they can cause potentially fatal injuries. Even when construction workers wear hard hats, these objects can cause severe head injuries and skull fractures. If the object is heavy enough, it may completely crush a worker. If an incident like this has harmed you or your family member, you might be considering a workers’ compensation claim in Tampa. What are your next steps?

Why Are Falling Objects at Construction Sites So Dangerous?

 Falling objects are dangerous for various reasons. First, construction workers may not be able to see or hear falling objects until it’s too late. Not only do these objects fall at high speeds, but most workers also tend to look forward rather than up. Combined with the typical noisiness of an average construction site, falling objects can be described as “silent killers.”

These hazards can be especially dangerous at high-rise construction sites. If an object falls from the top of a major high rise, it may reach “terminal velocity” before reaching the ground floor. When even a small, light object reaches terminal velocity, it may impact a worker down below just like a bullet. While a hammer might not kill a worker when it drops a few feet, this object can cause catastrophic injuries with enough time to reach terminal velocity.

How Can Construction Sites Mitigate the Threat of Falling Objects?

 OSHA recommends several steps to mitigate the threat of falling objects. An obvious safety upgrade is a net that protects workers down below and catches falling objects. Another standard step is to ensure all workers are wearing hard hats on construction sites. That being said, studies have shown that hard hats are relatively useless in certain situations involving falling objects. A lightweight, plastic helmet can only do so much to protect a worker. Heavy objects can completely crush workers or cause catastrophic head injuries.

Can I Sue if Someone Dropped Something on Me at a Construction Site? 

Workers’ comp laws in Florida prevent you from suing your direct employer – even if they negligently dropped something on you. This is why workers’ comp is described as a “no-fault” system – you recover compensation regardless of who’s to blame.

That being said, you may pursue a direct personal injury lawsuit if a third-party contractor dropped an object on you. Speak with your lawyer to learn more about this option, as it would theoretically provide more compensation than a workers’ comp claim.

Can a Tampa Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me? 

Even a small, light falling object can cause catastrophic injuries at a construction site. If you’re recovering from an accident like this, consider speaking with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Tampa. With help from The Franco Law Firm, you can pursue the financial support you deserve. Your claim could cover all of your medical costs – plus ongoing wage benefits. If you lost a family member to this type of construction accident, you can also pursue death benefits and compensation for funeral expenses. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Source:

 osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.759