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Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations dictate that “all materials, equipment, and tools, which are not in use while aloft, shall be secured against accidental displacement.” Unfortunately, safety rules are often ignored at construction sites, leaving workers in danger of various hazards, including falling debris.
Construction workers may be struck by unsecured tools that fall from scaffolding, ladders, and other platforms. They may be hit by debris that falls from a crane. Power tools may dislodge shrapnel, nails, or metal shards. Structures may even collapse on the workers below.
Although nothing can take away the physical anguish of a falling debris injury, the highly skilled attorneys at Morgan & Morgan may be able to help relieve your financial stress in a difficult time. Here are some statistics you should know about falling debris.
Falling Debris Statistics
OSHA has identified “struck by object” as one of the “fatal four” construction accidents — the four deadliest type of injuries at job sites — along with falls, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents. The agency’s most recent data from 2018 show:
- Construction deaths comprised more than 1 in 5 of all worker fatalities
- More than 1,000 construction workers (nearly three per day) lost their lives on the job
- Struck-by-object was the second most common cause of death, after falls
- On average, there were two fatal struck-by-object accidents per week
Regulations to Prevent Falling Debris Injuries
OSHA has set forth guidelines to prevent these accidents from happening. They strongly advice the following precautions:
- Secure tools and other materials
- Post warning signs and barricade hazard areas
- Use debris nets, catch platforms, and canopies to catch or deflect falling items
- Use screens on guardrails and scaffolds
However, these regulations are not always followed, which can lead to devastating injuries.
Recovering Compensation for an Injury
If you were injured by falling debris while working on a construction site, you may be able to recover damages through workers’ compensation. This form of insurance is designed to provide medical benefits and compensation to injured workers, generally in exchange for forfeiting the right to sue an employer for negligence.
Although the process sounds straightforward, things don’t always go smoothly. The insurance company or your employer may try to deny or minimize your benefits. Hiring a dedicated workers’ compensation lawyer will afford you a much greater chance of obtaining the compensation you are owed.
Representation for Pedestrians
Not all falling debris injuries take place at construction sites. If you were injured as a pedestrian, a Morgan & Morgan attorney may be able to help you, too. Our legal team can work to identify the responsible party and hold them accountable for their negligence in a personal injury lawsuit. As a result, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact Morgan & Morgan
A falling debris injury can cause severe physical trauma and financial stress. Whether you work in construction or suffered an injury as a pedestrian, a Morgan & Morgan attorney may be able to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free case evaluation to get started. It’s free to call, and we get paid only if you win.