Construction workers face daily risks of serious injury from falls at the job site. Despite safety regulations, falls from heights remain a leading cause of injury and death in the construction industry. If you get hurt in a construction fall, you’ll need to know how to protect your health and finances while you recover.
At Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas, our experienced Virginia workers' compensation attorneys understand the challenges faced after a construction accident. We're here to help you get the medical care and wage replacement benefits you deserve. Here’s how to prevent falls from heights and what to do if you get injured on the job.
Workplace Safety to Prevent Construction Falls
Preventing falls from heights starts with following OSHA safety standards and industry best practices:
- Fall protection equipment. Workers at heights of 6 feet or more must be provided with guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems (PFAS). Employers should ensure equipment is regularly inspected and maintained.
- Safe scaffolding. Scaffold platforms must be fully planked, stable, and have guardrails. Access ladders and stairways should be clear of debris and adequately secured.
- Aerial lift safety. Workers operating or occupying aerial lifts must wear a full-body harness attached to the lift. Lifts should only be moved when in a lowered position on stable ground.
- Floor openings covered. Holes more than two inches in diameter must be covered with materials that can support twice the weight of workers, equipment, and materials. Covers should be clearly marked and secured.
- Fall protection plan. Employers should have a written fall protection plan that identifies hazards and specifies equipment and procedures. Workers should be trained on the plan and know how to report unsafe conditions.
Compensation for Virginia Construction Falls From Heights
Even with proper safety measures, falls still happen. If you’re hurt in a fall from heights, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits, including:
- Medical treatment coverage. Your employer's workers' comp insurance should cover all reasonable and necessary medical care related to your injuries. This includes emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgery, prescriptions, and rehabilitation.
- Temporary total disability. If your injuries keep you out of work for more than seven days, you can receive temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. TTD pays two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to a maximum set by law.
- Temporary partial disability. If you can return to light duty at reduced pay, you may get temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits. TPD covers two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury wages.
- Permanent partial disability. Once you reach maximum medical improvement, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. PPD is paid based on a rating of your physical impairment.
- Permanent total disability. If your injuries leave you unable to work in any capacity, you could receive permanent total disability (PTD) benefits. PTD pays two-thirds of your average weekly wage for life.
What to Do if You Fall at Your Construction Job
Getting proper medical care and reporting your injury after a construction fall is crucial. To protect your rights, you can:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Don't wait to see a doctor, even if your injuries initially seem minor. Prompt treatment establishes a record of your injuries and helps prevent any injuries without immediate symptoms from worsening.
- Report your injury to your employer. Notify your supervisor in writing as soon as possible. You have 30 days to report an injury, but you can do so sooner.
- File a workers' compensation claim. You have two years from the accident date to file your workers' comp claim. Your attorney can make sure your claim is complete and filed correctly.
- Follow the treatment plan. Attend all medical appointments, physical therapy, and other appointments. Don't return to work until your doctor clears you.
- Contact an experienced attorney. A skilled workers' compensation lawyer will protect your rights and fight for the benefits you deserve. Don’t accept a settlement offer without consulting an attorney first.
Get Help From Our Virginia Construction Accident Attorneys
Construction falls from heights often cause devastating injuries that impact every aspect of your life. You may face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and an uncertain future. But you don't have to go through this alone.
At Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas, our dedicated legal team has advocated for injured construction workers for over 30 years. We know the tactics employers and insurers use to minimize claims, and we don't let them push our clients around. Let us put our experience to work for you.