Falling or swinging objects can do significant damage to the human body, leading to broken bones, concussions, brain injuries, spinal injuries and even death. Ideally, materials that have the potential to fall on people below – whether at a construction site or along city streets – should be secured to prevent injury. Unfortunately, not everyone observes safety standards as they should.
If you or a loved one has been hurt by a swinging or falling object, you may have legal options you are not aware of. I have experience pursuing legal action against negligent individuals or businesses that put others at risk. Contact me now to discuss your injury. I can help you determine if you should pursue a lawsuit against those responsible for what happened.
Types of Objects
It only takes a fall from a few stories to turn an everyday object into a potentially deadly projectile. If you are in an area like a construction site where various materials are being used, there is a good chance that somewhere above you is a dangerous object that could hurt you if it fell. Some of these objects include:
- Bolts, nuts, other fasteners
- Bricks
- Hand tools
- Power tools
- Rebar
- Sheet metal
- Cable, chain, rope
Swinging or Falling Object Injuries
Everyday, construction workers are handling all sorts of potentially dangerous objects far above the ground. When one of these objects comes falling down, it presents the risk of injury to anyone it hits. Even with a hardhat, falling objects can cause life-altering injuries. And the object does not have to be dropped into free fall, either. Even attached to a cable or chain, it can come swinging down and hit with enough force to injure.
Some of the most common injuries that result from swinging or falling objects include:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Contusions
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
What To Do If You Were Injured By A Swinging Or Falling Object
Whenever you are injured, your first action should always be to seek medical attention. Even if you are uncertain if you are truly injured, it is advisable to seek the opinion of a qualified medical provider to verify the severity of your injuries. Concussions – for instance – are not always apparent to the person who has just been injured.
If you were hurt at work, your employer should be quick to see that you get medical attention and submit your workers’ comp information. However, it is not uncommon for employers to attempt to sidestep responsibility for such injuries if at all possible. This is why it is so important to talk to an experienced injury attorney as soon as you have received appropriate medical care.
If you were not working when you were hurt, you should still consider contacting an attorney following your medical care. There is a possibility that your injuries were caused by someone’s negligence – whether it be a business owner or an employee.
Establishing Fault
OSHA regulations and common sense dictate that any dangerous object be secured to prevent it from falling, but in the real world people are known to cut corners. A worker may be trying to beat the clock, or an employer may be pushing employees to only follow safety regulations when it suits the management. In either case, you may have a legal case if I can prove that your injuries were the result of carelessness or negligence. I will examine the area where you were hurt, collect witness testimony and uncover the truth of what happened.
Contact an Attorney
If you have been injured by a swinging or falling object, please contact my law firm as soon as possible. Even if you have collected workers’ compensation, you still may be able to collect further damages. Once I hear your story, I can help you understand what the next steps should be in your case.