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Accidents involving falls from heights can lead to devastating injuries that impact your ability to work and enjoy life. These incidents are often preventable, making them all the more tragic. If you or a loved one has experienced a fall from a height at work, a skilled lawyer can guide you through the legal process, helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
Pond Lehocky Giordano stands as a trusted advocate for individuals dealing with the aftermath of such injuries, offering unparalleled expertise and a compassionate, client-first approach when you need a fall-from-heights lawyer.
Fall Injury Statistics
Falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities. According to the National Safety Council, 865 workers lost their lives to falls in 2022 alone, with many more suffering life-altering injuries. These accidents occur across industries but are especially prevalent in construction, maintenance, and other high-risk sectors. The shocking frequency of fall injuries underscores the importance of workplace safety measures and holding negligent parties accountable.
Common Injuries Suffered from Falling at Work
Falls from heights can result in severe and life-changing injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can lead to permanent cognitive or physical impairments. Victims may experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or challenges with motor skills. In severe cases, long-term care or specialized therapies may be necessary to help restore functionality and quality of life.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Falls may result in partial or total paralysis. These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation, assistive devices, and home modifications to accommodate mobility challenges, significantly altering the victim’s lifestyle.
- Knee Injuries: Torn ligaments or fractures can leave lasting mobility issues. These injuries often require surgery followed by months of physical therapy, impacting a person’s ability to walk, stand, or return to work.
- Shoulder Injuries: Rotator cuff tears or dislocations often require surgery and long-term rehabilitation. These injuries can severely limit upper body strength and range of motion, complicating daily tasks and work activities.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Legs, arms, and ribs are especially vulnerable. Recovery can involve lengthy immobilization, physical therapy, and, in some cases, permanent physical limitations.
- Internal Organ Damage: Internal injuries may require emergency medical intervention and prolonged recovery. Damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen can lead to life-threatening complications and require ongoing medical monitoring.
These injuries often demand long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing support. Beyond the physical toll, victims usually face emotional and financial burdens, including anxiety about returning to work or covering medical expenses. Seeking legal representation ensures that all these aspects are considered when pursuing compensation, helping to alleviate some of the pressure during recovery.
Negligence in the Workplace Can Lead to Fall Injuries
Employers are legally obligated to maintain a safe working environment. Accidents become inevitable when this duty is neglected—whether through insufficient safety training, inadequate fall protection equipment, or ignoring hazardous conditions. Holding employers accountable for negligence helps injured workers recover damages and enforces better safety practices to prevent future accidents.
Negligence is only sometimes immediately apparent. Sometimes, it’s hidden in systemic failures, such as poorly enforced safety policies or lack of regular equipment maintenance. Investigating and proving such negligence requires an experienced legal team with the resources to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a compelling case.
OSHA Fall Protection
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides comprehensive guidelines to reduce workplace fall hazards. For example, OSHA regulation 1910.29 mandates guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems for employees working at heights. These measures are designed to minimize risk and save lives. Employers may face significant liability if they do not comply with OSHA standards.
Employers should also provide adequate training to ensure employees understand how to use safety equipment properly. Unfortunately, some companies cut corners, putting their workforce at risk. When these failures lead to accidents, legal action can shine a light on unsafe practices and bring about meaningful change.
Industries Most at Risk for Fall Injuries
Industries like construction, roofing, maintenance, and warehouse work are among the most high-risk sectors for fall injuries. According to the CDC, over half of fatal falls occur in construction. Employers in these fields have a heightened responsibility to enforce stringent safety measures.
In addition to construction and roofing, industries like manufacturing and healthcare also report significant fall injuries. In manufacturing, employees often work on elevated platforms or ladders, while healthcare workers may encounter slippery floors or trip hazards in fast-paced environments. Each industry’s unique risks require tailored safety protocols to protect employees.
How a Lawyer Can Help if You’ve Been Injured in a Fall
Navigating the aftermath of a fall from heights is challenging, which can be made worse when dealing with medical bills and lost wages. A lawyer can assist you in several critical ways:
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim: Ensuring your paperwork is accurate and complete to avoid delays or denials.
- Appealing denied claims: A lawyer can help you appeal the decision if your workers’ comp claim is rejected.
- Pursuing third-party liability cases: Consider all parties potentially responsible for your accident, as you may have grounds for additional compensation.
Experienced legal representation ensures you’re facing these challenges with others. While average slip-and-fall settlement amounts vary widely depending on factors like the severity of injury and negligence, having a lawyer significantly improves your chances of securing fair compensation.
Additionally, a lawyer can help calculate the full scope of your damages. This includes immediate medical expenses, long-term costs such as physical therapy, lost earning capacity, and even non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Their expertise ensures that every aspect of your claim is considered.
Average Slip and Fall Settlement Amounts
The compensation you can receive after a slip and fall injury varies widely depending on the specifics of your case. Factors such as negligence, the severity of your injuries, and the impact on your ability to work all influence the final settlement amount. On average, settlements may range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to six or even seven figures for severe cases involving long-term disabilities or substantial economic losses.
Your chance of obtaining a fair settlement increases significantly when you have an experienced lawyer. A skilled attorney will work to build a strong case, gathering evidence, consulting with experts, and calculating the full extent of your damages. This comprehensive approach ensures you’re compensated for immediate expenses like medical bills and ongoing costs such as rehabilitation, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering.
If You’ve Suffered a Fall from Heights Due to Someone’s Negligence, a Lawyer Can Help
Falls from heights are preventable tragedies that demand accountability. If you or a loved one has been injured due to negligence, Pond Lehocky Giordano is here to help. With our track record of success and client-focused approach, you can trust Pond Lehocky Giordano to guide you through this difficult time.
Our experienced legal team understands the challenges of workplace injuries and will fight tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.