Construction sites can be dangerous for workers and pedestrians who walk by. One of the primary causes of injuries to bystanders and employees is objects or materials that fall from the construction site. Some of the main causes of falling objects from building sites include:
- Unsecured materials or tools;
- Distracted workers;
- Uneven workspace;
- Lack of guardrails or safety nets; andÂ
- Lack of worker training.
If you have been injured as a result of falling objects or debris, you may be able to sue the construction company, premises owner and contractors. Construction companies have a duty to ensure that a construction site is safe to workers and pedestrians. If the construction company breaches that duty, you may have a cause of action for negligence.
In 2013, it was reported that nationwide there were approximately 8,000 injuries from workers struck by falling objects and 23 of those cases were fatal. Some of the main objects that fall from the sites include hard hats, tools such as hammer, wrenches, screw drivers, rulers but also materials including concrete, wood and paint buckets. Although some of these objects may be small, the force when it falls from several or a few hundred feet above the ground can be enormous.
Employers can prevent these injuries by providing warning signs, barriers and barricades around the work site as a deterrence to pedestrians or workers to walk around the area. If you have been injured as a result of falling objects in a construction site, you may be entitled to the following compensation:
- Past medical expenses;
- Future medical expenses;
- Physical impairment;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earning capacity;and
- Pain and suffering.
Our law firm has extensive experience assisting clients who have been injured in a variety of personal injury cases. We work with some of the best experts in the industry to ensure that your case is properly handled. Please call our law firm for a free consultation.