The most common injuries caused by falling objects on construction sites include:
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Lacerations, and
- Internal organ damage
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), struck-by incidents accounted for 20% of all non-fatal construction injuries in 2022, with 89 workers losing their lives due to falling objects or equipment. These incidents are among the 4 leading causes of fatal injuries in the construction industry.
The responsibility to prevent such incidents falls on employers, contractors, and site managers who are legally obliged to ensure worker safety. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable for your injuries.
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Common Injuries Caused by Falling Objects
The severity of falling object injuries often depends on factors like the object's weight, falling height, and point of impact. Here are the most common injuries you may suffer:
1. Head and Brain Injuries
| Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) | Falling objects striking the head can lead to TBIs, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage that affects memory, cognition, and physical coordination. These injuries can require extensive treatment and can be life-threatening. |
| Skull Fractures | Even with proper head protection, the force of a falling object can cause skull fractures that may lead to permanent disability or cognitive impairments. |
| Facial Injuries | Falling objects can also result in facial trauma, causing disfigurement or impairments like vision or hearing loss. |
2. Neck and Back Injuries
| Spinal Cord Damage | If a falling object hits the neck or back, it could lead to spinal cord injuries that cause partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. Even less severe impacts can cause chronic pain, herniated discs, and long-term mobility issues. |
| Herniated Discs and Nerve Damage | Herniated discs can result from such impacts, leading to severe discomfort and limited movement, often requiring prolonged medical intervention. |
3. Broken Bones and Other Injuries
| Multiple Fractures | Construction workers often sustain fractures in their arms, legs, or ribs when struck by heavy tools or debris. These injuries may require surgery and a lengthy recovery period. |
| Crushed or Amputated Limbs | The impact from heavy falling objects can cause severe crushing injuries or even require amputation. |
| Internal Organ Damage | Heavy blunt force trauma can damage internal organs like the liver, spleen, or lungs. These injuries may not always be immediately visible but can have life-threatening complications if untreated. |
Types of Falling Objects on Construction Sites
Nearly any object on a construction site can become a deadly hazard if it falls from height. Common falling objects include:
| Tools | Hammers, wrenches, drills, and other hand tools are frequently involved in falling incidents when not properly tethered. |
| Materials | Items like bricks, lumber, metal pipes, and steel beams can fall from scaffolding or cranes, posing severe risks. |
| Equipment Parts | Larger equipment, including power tools and heavy machine parts, can fall due to improper securing or malfunction. |
| Debris | Broken concrete, loose wood scraps, and discarded materials can cause injuries if not adequately managed. |
Does the Size of the Falling Object Matter?
The danger of falling objects isn't always obvious - even small or lightweight items can be deadly when they fall from a high enough height.
For example, a one-pound tape measure that fell fifty floors at a Jersey City construction site proved fatal when it struck a delivery driver's head. This tragic 2014 incident demonstrates how even common, lightweight tools can become lethal as an object's force of impact increases dramatically with height.
Even small items like nuts, bolts, or nails can cause serious injury when falling from significant heights. An object weighing just 2 pounds falling from 150 feet can be deadly, while heavier items can be fatal from much lower heights.
These types of incidents underscore why safety nets and tethering tools are critical in preventing serious or fatal injuries on construction sites.
Causes of Falling Object Accidents
Most incidents involving falling objects are preventable. They are often caused by:
- Improper Securing of Tools and Materials
Tools and materials need to be appropriately secured at heights. Failure to do so can easily result in items falling onto workers below.
- Lack of Safety Nets, Toe Boards, or Guardrails
Safety measures, like toe boards on scaffolding and guardrails around open edges, can prevent objects from falling. Missing or damaged safety equipment often contributes to accidents.
- Poor Housekeeping
Accumulated debris on elevated surfaces significantly raises the risk of falling object incidents.
- Insufficient Worker Training
Workers must receive proper training to handle materials safely and mitigate the risks of falling objects. Rushing to meet deadlines or inadequate oversight can exacerbate these risks.
Your Employer's Responsibility in Preventing Falling Objects
Your employer must provide a safe working environment and take steps to prevent falling object incidents, such as:
- Providing fall protection equipment
Hard hats, safety nets, toe boards, and guardrails are crucial for preventing falling objects from striking you.
- Ensuring proper use and maintenance of equipment
Your employer must train you on how to use tools and equipment safely and maintain them to prevent malfunctions that could lead to falling objects.
- Implementing a debris management plan:
Regular cleaning and proper disposal of debris can reduce the risk of objects falling from cluttered, elevated surfaces.
- Providing adequate training:
You should receive thorough training on identifying and mitigating falling object hazards specific to your work site.
If your employer fails to meet these responsibilities and you are injured by a falling object as a result, they may be liable for your damages.
Steps to Take After a Falling Object Injury
If you are injured by a falling object on a construction site, take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:
| Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention | Go to a doctor right away, even if your injuries don't look too serious. Some injuries, like TBIs and internal organ damage, may not show symptoms right away. |
| Step 2: Report the Incident | Notify your employer as soon as possible and ensure an official accident report is filed. This is crucial for any potential compensation claims. |
| Step 3: Document Everything | Record details of the incident, including photographs of the scene, medical reports, and any witness accounts. These will be helpful in any compensation claim. |
| Step 4: Consult an Expert Attorney | An experienced construction accident attorney can help you explore your options beyond workers' compensation, especially if there was third-party negligence. |
Need a Falling Object Accident Attorney?
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How A Falling Object Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Construction industry data show that certain groups face higher risks than others when it comes to struck-by incidents. For instance, workers aged 35-54 account for 42.4% of all fatal injuries, while those over 55 face an even higher fatality rate - 1.6 times higher than their younger colleagues. Hispanic workers are particularly vulnerable, with a fatal injury rate 1.2 times higher than non-Hispanic workers.
All the more reason to consult a construction accident lawyer. An expert attorney will:
- Thoroughly investigate your accident to identify all liable parties and gather evidence to support your claim.
- Aggressively negotiate with insurance companies and other parties to secure a fair settlement for you.
- Pursue third-party liability claims against negligent manufacturers, property owners, or contractors who may have contributed to your injuries.
- Represent you in court, if necessary, to fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Get Professional Legal Support After a Construction Accident
Injuries from a falling object can upend your life in an instant.
At the Porter Law Group, we aim to protect the rights of construction workers. Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling construction accident cases and navigating labor laws to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
If you or a family member has been injured on a job site, let us help you fight for justice. You don’t have to pay any fees unless we win your case. Call us today at 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free case evaluation and start your path toward justice.
