Construction site falls are a dangerous and frequent occurrence for construction workers. Construction sites that do not implement adequate security measures put employees at risk for serious injuries. Falls can cause a variety of injuries that may leave employees with high medical bills and the inability to work. If you or a family member suffered a fall injury at a construction site, you should speak with an experienced Philadelphia construction accident lawyer.
The legal team at The Reiff Law Firm possess over 35 years of experience in handling various types of work-related injuries, including construction accidents and accidental falls. We know how stressful it is to be seriously injured and unable to work, and we are ready to fight hard for the compensation you deserve. To schedule your free legal consultation, call us at (215) 709-6940, or contact The Reiff Law Firm online.
Pennsylvania Construction Site Fall Statistics
Falls are the leading cause of fatalities for construction workers. In 2011, 269 construction workers sustained fatal fall injuries, according to the Center for Construction Research and Training. By 2015, that number climbed to 367 fatal fall injuries, a 36% increase across four years.
Additionally, the frequency of fall injuries for construction workers may be increasing. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), falls accounted for 384 of out of 991 work-related fatalities in construction in 2016. Falls are also the most common fatal injury for construction workers in Pennsylvania. In recent years, there have been about 17 fall-related fatalities per year in Pennsylvania.
As expected, the height of a fall often determines the severity of an injury. According to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, there were about 1,290 fatal falls to a “lower level in construction.” Between 2011 and 2015, there were:
- 283 fatal falls from more than 30 feet high
- 253 fatal falls from between 11 to 15 feet high
- 223 fatal falls occurring from 16 to 20 feet high
- 173 fatal falls from 6 to 10 feet high
- 169 fatal falls from 21 to 25 feet
- 125 fatal falls ranging from 26 to 30 feet
- 64 fatal falls from less than 6 feet
Most of these fatal falls involved construction workers doing roofing work. Workers operating on ladders and scaffolding are also at high risk of suffering a fall injury.
Types of Fall Injuries in Construction
Construction workers can suffer from several types of injuries from falls at construction sites. For example, spinal cord injuries (SCI) are a common injury associated with construction site falls.
The area of the spinal cord injured usually determines the severity of the consequences. A lower back spinal cord injury can limit a worker’s motion and cause feelings of numbness from the waist down. However, spinal cord injuries higher along the spine may cause a worker to suffer from total paralysis.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are another type of injury that can result from a fall. A severe blow to a worker’s head is often the cause of a TBI. Extreme TBI may cause a worker to develop cognitive or physical disabilities. Unfortunately, extensive rehabilitation is usually needed for traumatic brain injuries, meaning an employee may not return to work for months.
Other types of fall-related injuries include:
- Head trauma
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Neck injuries
- Skull fractures
Employers should provide construction workers with safety measures designed to prevent falls. For example, handrails and safety nets should be implemented when workers are operating from extreme heights. Additionally, personal fall arrest systems that use harnesses and anchors to protect employees while they work on a roof or other high areas should be used.
When Should I File My Personal Injury Claim?
You should file your personal injury claim as soon as possible. There are various reasons to not delay in the filing of your case, such as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations determines how much time a person has to file their personal injury case. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Pennsylvania is two years. This gives you two years to file your claim – or risk your case being barred by the court. However, there are options you may discuss with an experienced attorney to potentially delay your filing deadline.
Another reason to file your case quickly is to collect and preserve evidence. If you wait too long to file your case, evidence needed to prove your case may be destroyed or become difficult to find. Additionally, you cannot receive the compensation you may need for medical or household bills until your case is resolved.
Philadelphia Construction Site Fall Injury Lawyers for Workers
If you or a family member was injured at a construction site in Philadelphia, you should consult with an experienced fall accident attorney. The dedicated injury lawyers at The Reiff Law Firm are prepared to hold negligent employers accountable, while working to maximize the value of your claim. To schedule a free consultation, call our law offices at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online.
