Injuries Caused by Falling Objects on Construction Sites
Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces in the country. Workers and bystanders alike face real dangers every day, and one of the most serious risks is being struck by a falling object. If you or a loved one has been injured this way, you may be wondering who is responsible and whether you can seek compensation. The answers to those questions depend on a number of factors, and they matter a great deal.
The Scope of the Problem
The statistics paint a sobering picture. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), struck-by hazards are one of the “Fatal Four” leading causes of death in the construction industry. An estimated 8% of construction deaths in a recent year involved workers being struck by falling or swinging objects, which ranged from dropped hand tools to collapsing materials from scaffolding. Even relatively small objects can cause traumatic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and crush injuries, when they fall from significant heights.
Florida’s booming construction industry means these incidents are far from rare here. Whether you were a worker on the job, a contractor, or even a passerby near a construction zone, you deserve to know your rights.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
One of the most important questions after a falling object injury is: who is liable? On a construction site, responsibility does not always fall on one party alone. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may share fault, including:
- The general contractor responsible for overall site safety
- A subcontractor whose crew failed to secure materials or tools
- A property owner who allowed unsafe conditions to exist
- An equipment manufacturer if faulty rigging or machinery contributed to the accident
- A third-party staffing company if workers were not properly trained
Florida’s comparative fault rules mean that even if you share some degree of responsibility, you may still be entitled to recover a portion of your damages. Under Florida Statute ยง 768.81, fault is apportioned among all responsible parties, and your recovery is reduced only by the percentage attributable to you.
The type of compensation available in these cases can cover medical expenses, lost income, long-term rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and in the most tragic situations, wrongful death damages for surviving family members.
Speak With an Attorney About Your Construction Injury
If you have been hurt by a falling object on a construction site, do not wait to get legal guidance. Evidence at construction sites can disappear quickly, witnesses move on, and contractors and their insurers often have legal teams working immediately to limit their exposure. Our Fort Lauderdale construction accident lawyers at Boone & Davis understand how these cases work and what it takes to build a strong claim on your behalf. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. Contact Boone & Davis today and let us help you understand your options.
Source:
osha.gov/etools/construction/struck-by
