Greensboro Construction Site Fall Lawyer

Construction sites can be hazardous environments where accidents often happen, including falls. If you have injuries after a construction site fall, figuring out how to secure workers’ compensation benefits can feel overwhelming. Although most workers are eligible for coverage, some employers and insurance companies make it difficult for an injured person to secure this much-needed financial help.

That is why countless injured construction workers turn to Ward Black Law for legal guidance after a workplace accident. With a history of over three decades of representing injured people, our award-winning law firm knows how to protect your rights and seek the maximum benefits and compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Contact Ward Black Law today for a free case review from a Greensboro construction site accident attorney. The sooner you call, the faster we can get to work on your claim.

Frequent Causes and Types of Serious Construction Site Falls

Nearly one-fifth of workplace deaths occur in the construction industry, with 38.4 percent of these deaths resulting from falls, slips, and trips. The construction industry was responsible for nearly half of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in one recent year.

Falls on construction sites can happen for various reasons. Here are some of the most frequent causes:

• Debris or clutter — Tools, materials, and other debris left in walkways can create tripping hazards.
• Wet or slippery surfaces — Rain, spilled liquids, or materials like grease can make surfaces slippery and increase the risk of falls.
• Ladders and high work platforms — Improper use of ladders, faulty ladders, or wobbly elevated work platforms can lead to serious falls.
• Scaffolding — Faulty scaffolding or improper setup can cause workers to fall from significant heights.
• Uneven terrain — Construction sites often have uneven ground, broken pavement, or holes in the ground or floor, which can cause workers to trip and fall.
• Lack of proper lighting — Poor lighting can make it difficult to see hazards, which can lead to accidents.
• Negligent maintenance — Failure to properly maintain equipment and walkways can result in dangerous conditions.

Common Injuries from Falls at Construction Sites

Falls on construction sites can result in a wide range of injuries. The recovery and healing from severe injuries could require weeks or months. Some severe injuries leave injured workers with lasting disabilities.

Some of the most common construction site injuries include:

• Broken bones — Falls can break virtually any bone in the body, and they often result in fractures to arms, legs, ribs, or even the spine.
• Head and brain injuries — These can range from less severe concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have long-term effects.
• Spinal cord injuries — Falls can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
• Herniated discs and other back injuries — Falls can cause discs in the spine to herniate, leading to chronic pain and mobility issues.
• Sprains and strains — These are common fall-related injuries, especially to the ankles and wrists.
• Internal injuries and bleeding – Falls can cause damage to internal organs and severe bleeding that could be life-threatening if not timely diagnosed and treated.

Who May Be Held Responsible for a Construction Fall Accident?

The North Carolina workers’ compensation system typically covers on-the-job injuries regardless of fault. In exchange for workers’ compensation benefits, your employer enjoys legal protection from being sued for a work injury. However, if a non-employer third party’s negligence caused your accident, you might pursue a personal injury claim for additional compensation.

Examples of third parties potentially liable for a construction site fall accident include:

• Property owners —They could be liable if they knew about dangerous conditions and did not address them.
• Contractors and subcontractors — They might be responsible if they create or ignore hazardous conditions.
• Equipment manufacturers — The manufacturer might be accountable if defective equipment contributed to your fall.

Potential Compensation for Injured Workers in Greensboro, NC

Workers’ compensation benefits in North Carolina protect you from financial burdens when you are hurt or become sick on the job. Workers’ compensation benefits include:

• Medical benefits — Coverage for all reasonably necessary medical costs related to your injury, including doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation
• Partial wage replacement — Compensation for a portion of your lost wages if you cannot work due to a work-related injury, up to two-thirds of your pre-injury average weekly wage
• Permanent partial disability benefits — Additional compensation if your injury results in a partial or total disability, impacting your ability to work long-term
• Vocational rehabilitation — Assistance with job training or education if you cannot return to your previous position and need to find new employment

If you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit, you might also recover:

• Full coverage of lost income – Not subject to the two-thirds cap under workers’ compensation
• Pain and suffering — Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
• Punitive damages — In exceptional cases, if your case goes to trial and a judge or jury determines the at-fault party acted with fraud, malice, or in a willful way3