When a worker takes a fall from any height, they may suffer injuries and repercussions that could affect them for the rest of their lives. If you have been injured by a fall from heights while working, it is important that you get a good understanding of what your rights are and the benefits you are entitled to receive.

When you have suffered a serious work injury in a fall, it is critical that you take prompt action to obtain and preserve evidence that can be vital to your case. If you have suffered a fall from heights while on the job, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced California work injury lawyer who will fight for your rights and help you secure maximum compensation for your losses.

Falls from Heights in Construction

There is no question that a vast majority of serious injuries and fatalities as a result of falling from heights occur in the construction industry. This is an industry where workers often operate from great heights while perched on ladders and scaffolds or accidents operating on cranes and roofs. Whether you are a painter, electrician, roofer, carpenter, ironworker or steelworker, operating from heights is a pat of your job.

Falls from heights have the potential to result in life-changing injuries. Even falling from a few feet can result in significant damage and possibly, lifelong disabilities. Falls while working at a construction site are the leading cause of workers' compensation claims in the United States. If you have been injured in such as incident, our experienced construction accident lawyers at Greenberg and Ruby can help investigate the circumstances that led to your fall, determine who was at fault and who should be held liable.

Falls from Heights in Other Industries

Falls from heights don't just happen in the construction industry. There are a variety of other workers who also operate from heights and are at risk of suffering a fall that results in major injuries or even death. Examples of other workers who are vulnerable to falls from heights include window washers, tree service workers, utility workers, those who work in manufacturing, etc.

Common Causes of Falling from Heights

Here are some of the most common causes of falls from heights at worksites:

Unstable surfaces: Elevated surfaces that are at risk for collapse when under pressure can pose a serious risk to workers. Examples include skylights, asbestos, cement-roof sheeting and corrugated steel.

Unprotected edges: When workers walk or work on surfaces such as scaffolding or platforms with no fall protection such as guardrails, toe boards or fencing.

Struck by falling materials: When materials such as tiles, bricks, wood cuttings and tools that are common in a construction site fall on workers, they may take a fall and suffer major injuries or even fatalities.

Unstable equipment: When equipment used by workers to operate at heights such as ladders and scaffolds are unstable, that could pose a serious risk of workers losing their balance and falling.

Inclement weather conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as winds or rain could affect work surfaces, materials and equipment.

Common Injuries After Falling from Heights

Falls can result in major injuries including:

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Spinal cord damage

• Multiple broken bones

• Internal organ damage

• Lacerations and bleeding

• Internal bleeding

Some of these injuries can result in permanent injuries, disabilities, scarring, disfigurement or even death.

Receiving Compensation Fall from Heights

If you have been injured after falling from heights, you are eligible to receive workers' comp benefits. It is important that you report the incident to your supervisor immediately and seek medical attention. It is important to visit the doctor even if you don't believe you have suffered serious injuries. In such cases, injuries may manifest several days after the incident. Having a medical record is critical to your case, should you wish to file a claim.

Workers' compensation typically covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. However, it is important to remember that workers' comp benefits may prove inadequate when it comes to compensating workers for major injuries that result in permanent disabilities and loss of earning capacity.

In such cases, an experienced Los Angeles work injury lawyer may be able to help you file a third-party claim against a party other than the employer. A work injury lawsuit can help you secure compensation for losses that are not typically covered under workers' comp such as pain and suffering.

Getting the Help You Need

If you have suffered injuries after falling from heights at a construction site or any worksite, you are entitled to receive compensation for your injuries, damages and loss. Determining the value of you work injury claim can be tricky and challenging. An experienced Los Angeles work injury lawyer can help guide you through the workers' compensation process and help determine if you have additional claims against parties other than your employer. If you have been injured on the job, call Greenberg and Ruby Injury Attorneys, APC to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights. Free consultations can also be scheduled by simply filling out the form on this page.