Construction Fall & Scaffold Fall

While falls account for the most construction-related injuries each year,[1] as experienced construction fall lawyers, we handle all types of construction injuries, including those involving (but not limited to):

• Scaffolding falls,
• Roof and ladder falls,
• Trip, slip, and falls,
• Fires,
• Explosions,
• Electrocutions,
• Crane and forklift accidents,
• Demolition accidents,
• Height-related accidents,
• Poor lighting,
• Brazing and welding accidents,
• Falling debris and objects,
• Uneven surfaces,
• Wet or slippery surfaces (caused by spills),
• Toxic chemical exposure, and
• Construction wrongful death. 

We represent construction injury victims on a contingency fee basis, including those injured in falls.  Contingency fee representation means that we are only entitled to a fee for our time and services if we secure compensation on behalf of a client.  If compensation is not obtained, we do not receive a fee, regardless of how much time we have invested in a case.

Yes.  We also advance all litigation costs and expenses while a case is ongoing.  These costs and expenses are normally repaid from a settlement agreement or jury award.

In addition to Washington workers’ compensation benefits from an employer, construction workers may also seek damages from others may be at fault through a personal injury lawsuit, including:

• Non-employee contractors,
• Subcontractors,
• Developers, and
• Property owners.

As experienced Seattle scaffolding fall lawyers and construction fall attorneys, our role is to identify all those who may be liable and to hold them accountable for their share of the damages sustained by our clients. In the case of construction fall accidents, often there may be multiple liable parties.

Scaffolding Falls

As Washington scaffolding lawyers, we are available to represent clients who were injured as a result of a scaffolding collapse, and the families who have lost a loved one from a scaffolding fall.

Scaffolding at construction sites are inherently dangerous.  As a result, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) as prescribed numerous scaffolding requirements that must be carefully followed.  However, scaffolding is sometimes not properly erected in accordance with these requirements, which may cause the scaffolding to pose an unreasonable risk of collapse or a fall by a construction worker.

In addition to those who may fall from negligently erected scaffolding, a scaffold collapse can often injure (or kill) those working under or in close proximity of the scaffolding.  Injuries can be particularly severe if tools or equipment fall from a high elevation, even if those who are struck are wearing safety helmets.

According to OSHA, falls are among the most common causes of serious work-related injuries and wrongful deaths. Construction employers and contractors have a duty to provide work environments set up to prevent employees from falling off of overhead platforms and scaffolds, elevated work stations, or into holes in the floor or walls.[2]

Specifically, OSHA mandates that fall protection be provided at elevations of four feet in general industry workplaces, five feet in shipyards, and six feet in the construction industry.[3] In addition, fall protection must be provided when an individual is working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance.

To prevent construction and scaffolding fall injuries, employers must also:

• Guard floor holes into which a worker can accidentally walk (with railings, toe-boards, flooring covers, etc.),
• Install a guardrail and toe-boards around every elevated open-sided platform, floor, or runway,
• Provide guardrails and toe-boards to prevent employees from falling into dangerous machines or equipment,
• Provide other fall protection that may be required for certain construction jobs (e.g., safety harness and line, safety nets, railings, etc.),
• Provide working conditions that are free of known dangers,
• Keep work floors clean and dry,
• Provide protective equipment (at no charge to workers), and
• Train workers about job hazards.[4]

If an individual or company fails to follow these OSHA requirements and, as a result, an individual is injured, the injured construction worker may be entitled to significant compensation. If a construction fall results in a construction fatality, specific surviving family members may also be entitled to pursue compensation for their losses.

In addition to receiving workers’ compensation through an employer, injured construction workers may be entitled to pursue compensation for economic damages and non-economic damages through a personal injury lawsuit.

What are Economic Damages? 

Economic damages are those that are directly linked to a specific cost.  Among other matters, economic damages for a construction fall injury can include compensation for:

• Medical expenses (both past and future),
• Rehabilitation costs,
• Prescription drug expenses,
• Lost wages,
• Lost future earning potential, and
• Future care expenses.

What are Non-Economic Damages? 

Non-economic damages are those that are not directly tied to specific costs.  As a result, a jury must use its discretion in terms of calculating a dollar amount as fair compensation.

Among other matters, non-economic damages in a construction fall case can included compensation for:

• Pain and suffering,
• Emotional distress, and
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

As experienced Seattle construction fall lawyers, we will leave no stone unturned in identifying all liable parties and will tenaciously fight to get you and your family the maximum and just compensation deserved.