Falls from Heights

Houston Workplace Fall Attorneys

Falls from heights are a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities, especially in industries such as construction, roofing, warehousing, transportation, oil and gas extraction, and telecommunication. No matter the industry, employers have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment, including proper training and equipment to prevent falls from heights. However, fall protection violations are the most frequently cited OSHA standard, and they have been for over a dozen years. This is a testament to the severity of the problem.

If you or someone you love has fallen from a height while on the job, now is the time to reach out to our Houston work injury lawyers. At Arnold & Itkin, we fight for injured workers and families across the country who have been harmed as a result of the negligence and wrongdoing of employers, manufacturers, and other companies that choose to put profits over safety. We’re here to seek the answers and accountability you deserve.

Call (888) 493-1629 or contact us online for a free consultation regarding a workplace fall from a height.

Determining the Severity of a Workplace Fall

In 2012, researchers did a study of fall injuries to better understand the impact of blunt force trauma on accident victims. Their results give us insight into what kinds of falls are most dangerous, what types of injuries are common to falls at certain heights, and what workplaces need to do to keep their employees safe when they’re working at a height.

The study found that the injuries a person might sustain in a fall will depend on multiple factors:

• Conditions affecting how someone lands
• How firm or unforgiving the ground is
• The height of the fall

Falls from Small Heights Can Still Be Life-Changing

One of the surprising findings of the study was that landing on your head or upper body could cause catastrophic injury from even a small height. Skull and spine fractures were found in falls from as low as three feet high onto concrete. The same injuries were found in people who fell from 10 feet onto hard soil. If someone fell onto their torso from about seven feet, it led to multiple rib fractures and even some liver damage.

However, once researchers examined falls from heights of 20 feet or more, how someone landed became less and less decisive. For instance, a fall from 15 feet onto a hard surface often resulted in broken bones regardless of how the victim landed. Falling from 20 feet or more often resulted in spleen and kidney damage.

The Most Common Fall-Related Injuries

When we look at fall injuries as a whole, certain patterns emerge: For instance, of the serious fall cases used for the study, over half were immediately fatal. The most common cause of death in these cases was head injury. For survivors, the most common fall injury was bone fractures, followed by liver damage and spleen damage. Falls on hard surfaces typically cause damage to multiple organs.

The researchers concluded with what many workers and workplace safety advocates know already: the most common risk factor for fatal falls is poor safety. Every workplace fall is preventable. The fatal fall rate is simply a question of how much an employer is willing to invest to keep employees safe.

What to Do After a Fall from Height Accident

If you or a loved one has been involved in a fall at work, follow these crucial steps:

• Seek medical attention: Your health and well-being are your top priority. Ensure that any injuries are assessed and treated by a qualified medical professional.
• Report the incident: Notify your employer of the accident as soon as possible. This will help establish a record of the event.
• Document everything: Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries, collect contact information from any witnesses, and maintain records of your medical treatment and expenses.
• Consult an attorney: Reach out to a skilled Houston workplace fall attorney who can protect your rights and help you navigate the complex legal process.

Falls from heights are preventable, but they cause numerous occupational injuries and deaths every single year. At Arnold & Itkin, we believe in standing up for injured workers, exposing unsafe workplaces, and helping families rebuild. We have secured billions of dollars in compensation for the injured and wronged, and we will continue to fight for those who have been harmed through no fault of their own.

If an employer failed to keep you or a loved one safe, contact our work accident lawyers at (888) 493-1629. We can discuss your options in a free consultation.