Falling Objects on Construction Sites in Greensboro

Wooden board falls on a young worker's head

While many hazards can cause significant physical injuries to people who work in construction, falling objects present a particularly serious threat. Many forms of falling debris can cause catastrophic and even fatal injuries to workers on construction sites in Greensboro.

Survivors may face long recovery periods, leading to overwhelming medical bills and forced time off work. These consequences can become the source of extreme financial and emotional hardship.

If you have suffered injuries from falling objects on a construction site, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your injury-related losses. The experienced construction injury attorneys at Ward Black Law understand how challenging life can become after being struck by a falling object. We want to help you optimize your chances of receiving the financial assistance you require. We have successfully served injured people in North Carolina for over 30 years, and we are ready to put our skills and knowledge to work for you.

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What Makes Falling Objects So Dangerous?

Falling objects in construction pose a severe threat due to several factors:

Gravitational force – Objects accelerate as they fall, increasing their potential to cause harm.
Height – Construction sites often involve work at significant elevations.
Unpredictability – Workers below may not see or hear objects falling until it is too late.
Variety of objects – Tools, materials, and debris of various sizes and weights can fall.
Lack of protection – Hard hats offer limited defense against heavy or sharp objects.

These factors combine to make falling objects one of the most hazardous risks on construction sites, requiring construction companies to enact stringent safety measures for falling objects.

Common Causes of Falling Object Accidents on Greensboro Construction Sites

Several factors can contribute to falling object accidents, including the following examples:

Improper storage of materials and tools at heights
Inadequate safety barriers or toe boards
Failure to secure tools and equipment properly
Overloaded scaffolding or work platforms
Strong winds dislodging unsecured items
Negligent handling of materials by workers above
Lack of proper training in safety protocols
Defective or damaged equipment

Understanding these causes helps responsible parties implement effective preventative measures and improve overall site safety.

Types of Injuries from Falling Objects

Falling object construction site accidents can cause a wide range of serious injuries, such as:

Head injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis
Broken bones, particularly in the shoulders, arms, or legs
Crush injuries leading to severe tissue damage or amputation
Lacerations and contusions from sharp or heavy objects
Eye injuries, potentially causing vision impairment or loss
Internal organ damage from the force of impact of heavy objects

These injuries can lead to long-term disabilities, chronic pain, and significant medical expenses.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Liability Claims

After an injury from a falling object on a construction site, you may have multiple options for seeking compensation. Understanding the differences between them can help you make informed choices about your legal options and potential financial recovery.

The two main avenues for recovering compensation are workers’ compensation claims and third-party liability claims.

Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system providing benefits to employees injured on the job. Key aspects include:

Coverage for medical expenses related to your injury
Partial replacement of lost wages during recovery
Workers’ compensation benefits regardless of who caused the accident
Protection for employers against lawsuits from employees
Limited compensation (does not cover pain and suffering, for example)
Typically faster resolution compared to lawsuits

While workers’ compensation provides crucial support to injured construction workers, it may not fully cover all your losses, especially in cases involving severe injuries from falling objects.

Third-Party Liability Claims

In some cases, you may have grounds to file a third-party liability claim. The process involves filing personal injury claims against someone other than your employer or coworker who is responsible for your injury. Examples of potential non-employer third parties include:

Equipment manufacturers
Subcontractors
Property owners
Architects or engineers

A third-party personal injury lawsuit can offer several advantages:

Potential for higher compensation, including pain and suffering compensation
Coverage for a broader range of losses, such as full lost wages and future earnings
Ability to hold negligent parties accountable for unsafe practices

However, these claims typically require proving negligence and may take longer to resolve than workers’ compensation claims.

Meeting with our experienced construction injury attorneys can help you determine the best course of action for your specific situation, ensuring you pursue all available avenues for compensation.

Reasons to Hire a Construction Injury Attorney

Engaging a construction injury attorney from Ward Black Law offers several advantages:

Legal experience – Our attorneys understand the complexities of construction accident laws and can manage your case effectively.
Investigation skills – A knowledgeable lawyer from our firm can thoroughly investigate the accident by gathering crucial evidence to support your claim.
Negotiation power – Our experienced attorneys can negotiate effectively with insurance companies to seek fair compensation.
Access to resources – An attorney with a robust network can rely on trusted medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists to strengthen your case.
Stress reduction – An attorney from our law firm can manage all the legal aspects of your claim, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Maximized compensation – Your lawyer will work to recover full compensation for all your losses, including future medical needs and lost earning capacity.

With help from an experienced attorney at Ward Black Law, you can level the playing field against large insurance companies, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.