Falling Objects and Catastrophic Injuries

Falling objects can lead to devastating consequences. Although this can happen anywhere that objects are overhead, it is most common in construction sites, city streets, warehouse stores, and shopping malls. Whether the object is small or large, if the accident was caused by another person’s wrongdoing or negligence, it can create the need for a catastrophic injury claim.

Unsecured Items at Construction Sites

When overhead items are not secured or put away properly on construction sites, workers that are moving around below are at high risk for injury. In addition to bricks and wood beams, cinder blocks, power tools, sheet metal, and other debris can fall and hurt someone. Even something small like a screw or bolt can wreak havoc if it falls from a certain height.

Pedestrians Also At-Risk

Those who walk city streets are also at a higher risk for being hit by a falling object. Warehouse stores and shopping complexes with shelves and several floors can also be unsafe. When an unsuspecting person out in public gets hit in the head by something falling from stories above, it can also lead to debilitating injuries.

Injuries and the Aftermath

Injuries sustained from falling objects can lead to cuts and bruises, lacerations and scarring, head and traumatic brain injuries, coma, back and spinal cord injuries, disfigurement, blindness, or death. Victims may require compensation to pay for their medical expenses, lost wages, long-term care, and pain and suffering. The amount varies and depends on the circumstances. In cases of wrongful death claims, families sometimes recover compensation for lost wages, companionship, and funeral expenses.

The amount of compensation will depend on the damage caused by the accident. In general, the more severe the injuries, the higher the reward will be. Also, the insurance company representing the liable party may fight to give out the smallest settlement possible. Therefore, victims should not accept an initial offer from an insurance company in falling object cases; once accepted, it will be almost impossible to receive more compensation.

 Safety First

Although construction workers and companies should always follow safety regulations, many do not. Countless construction sites have safety violations, such as not requiring workers to wear hardhats and improper methods for securing equipment and tools. Employees should be proactive by using safety equipment and reporting any violations to a supervisor or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

When a falling object accident happens, the first thing to do is seek medical help. Some victims are rendered unconscious, so any bystanders should call 911 immediately. When possible, it is useful to gather evidence by taking pictures and obtaining contact information from any eyewitnesses who saw what occurred.

LA Catastrophic Injury Lawyers at ACTS LAW, LLP Help Victims Suffering Catastrophic Injuries

If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury, contact an LA catastrophic injury lawyer at Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP today. We can help with your personal injury case, no matter who or what caused it. For a free consultation, call us at 833-228-7529 or complete our online form. Located in Los Angeles and San Diego, we serve clients throughout California.