Employers need to take falls seriously. In fact, they should take time to go over safety protocols often. Regardless of where a person works, there is a risk of falling. Whether you are in an office job or someone who cleans windows on a building, falls can cause major injuries.
At Koszdin, Fields & Sherry, we are ready to help when you need a Los Angeles workplace injuries attorney. We will work to investigate the incident and move to secure the compensation you deserve for all of your injury-related expenses.
What Causes These Incidents?
Have you fallen before?
If you have, whether at work or not, then it was probably unexpected. Falling is not something that most people think about, which is why employers need to take fall prevention seriously.
Some industries are riskier than others. For workers in construction, warehousing, landscaping, and more, they are more aware of falls. However, for those who work in office buildings, restaurants, or other supposedly “low-risk” environments, falls are not discussed as often.
- Falls can happen to any worker in any work environment.
Federal safety rules are in place to prevent workers from falling to their death. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) frequently cite employers for failing to property prevent falls. Some of their common citations revolve around:
- Improper fall protection (railings, harnesses, etc.)
- Scaffolding problems
- Ladder violations
- Improper fall prevention training
Injuries from falls can be serious and often include:
- Spinal cord injuries (with possible paralysis)
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ damage/internal bleeding
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations or amputations
The medical costs of treating these injuries can be tremendous. However, victims of falls also have other hidden accident costs to contend with. This can include:
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages if a victim cannot work
- Any necessary medical equipment
- Emotional and psychological damage
For the most recent reporting year, 2017, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that 887 workers died in falls across the US. That is the most since the agency began tracking fall deaths. Falls accounted for over 17% of all job-related fatalities that year. For the construction, they accounted for 40% of all fatalities.
As construction continues to boom across California, we need to be able to count on employers providing the proper equipment and training to prevent these falls.
What We Can Do For You
Falls must be taken seriously. They can happen anywhere and to anyone, regardless of what industry they work in. If you have been injured in a workplace fall that was caused by someone else’s negligence, Koszdin, Fields & Sherry are ready to help. We will work diligently to investigate the accident so we can secure compensation for:
- Your medical expenses related to the incident
- Lost income and benefits if you are unable to work
- Pain and suffering/loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Punitive damages against those responsible
If you need a Los Angeles workplace injuries attorney, you can reach out to us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 800-747-3447.
