Falling Tools and Debris Accident Lawyer
One look at the Austin skyline is enough to tell you that there are construction projects going on all over Texas’s capital city. Austin’s construction industry has significantly expanded in recent years, leading to the creation of thousands of new construction jobs.
Construction work has always been a hazardous occupation, and workers are frequently exposed to dangerous situations. One of the most dangerous involves falling tools and debris – a potential risk not just for construction workers but anyone who happens to be passing by a construction site as well.
Being struck by falling tools and debris at a construction site can lead to devastating injuries. If you were hurt in a falling tools and debris accident, you could be entitled to compensation, either through the workers’ compensation system or a personal injury lawsuit. However, getting this compensation can be difficult without the help of a construction accident lawyer.
Loewy Law Firm has extensive experience helping clients secure the money they need for their medical bills, lost income, and more. Whether you were injured on the job or passing through a construction zone, contact us today for a free consultation with a falling tools and debris accident lawyer in Austin.
Common Causes of Falling Objects in Construction Zones
Some of the most common causes of falling objects in construction zones include:
- A lack of guardrails or safety barriers on higher levels to prevent tools and debris from falling
- Failure to obey safety protocols when working on elevated levels or on scaffolds
- Failure to warn workers and bystanders to avoid certain areas while construction is occurring
- Supervisors allowing debris to accumulate in areas where it could potentially fall on workers
Falling tools and objects are often the result of human error. That said, construction companies have an obligation to keep their job sites as safe as possible, and when they fail in that obligation, they can be held responsible for the consequences. If you were hurt by a falling object while on the job and your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, you could be entitled to medical and wage-loss benefits. And if they don’t, or you were hurt while simply passing through a construction area, you could be entitled to file a lawsuit against the company.
Injuries Caused by Falling Tools and Debris
Falling tools and debris can lead to serious, even life-threatening injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken and fractured bones
- Lacerations and cuts
- Penetrating wounds
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Facial injuries
- Crushed limbs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
If you were struck by falling tools and debris at a construction site, you should seek immediate medical attention. While some injuries may be clearly visible, others take time to manifest, even as they continue to worsen. Leaving these injuries untreated could lead to severe complications down the road. Moreover, getting necessary medical attention can also establish a causal link between the accident and your injuries. In other words, medical records can show that your injuries were the result of the construction accident in question and not a separate accident, which can be valuable as you pursue compensation.
Compensation for Accidents Caused by Falling Tools and Debris
Although they are not required to, many construction companies in Texas carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you suffered an on-the-job injury due to falling tools and debris, you should be entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Through workers’ comp, you can seek financial relief for:
- Medical expenses – Serious injuries can become seriously expensive to treat. Workers’ compensation will cover the cost of emergency medical services, surgeries, hospital bills, medications, and other necessary medical care.
- Lost income – Workers’ compensation replaces a portion of your lost earnings if you are forced to take time off work while your injuries heal. If you’re able to work but not at your pre-injury capacity, it also provides benefits to make up some of the difference in your wages.
If someone other than your employer or a coworker caused your injuries, you could also be able to recover compensation from them through a third-party lawsuit. For instance, if a subcontractor dropped an item that fell and hit you, you could file a lawsuit against them and attempt to hold them accountable in civil court. This could allow you to secure money for additional losses not covered by workers’ compensation, including pain and suffering and diminished quality of life.
If your loved one was killed by falling tools or debris, you could qualify for death benefits through workers’ compensation. In Texas, death benefits equal three-fourths of the deceased worker’s average weekly earnings, subject to minimums and maximums. You can also seek benefits for funeral and burial costs. And if someone other than their employer was at fault or their employer did not have workers’ compensation insurance, you could file a wrongful death lawsuit against that party.
Why Choose Loewy Law Firm?
Attorney Adam Loewy of Loewy Law Firm has a long track record of successfully helping injured construction workers pursue compensation for their injuries. In nearly 20 years of private practice, he has secured more than $40 million on behalf of his clients and has been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer for five straight years. Now he can put this experience and track record to work on your behalf. His commitment to his clients is part of a broader commitment to the city he’s called home since 2000, as Adam is also active in various charities and philanthropic endeavors throughout Austin.
Contact Loewy Law Firm Today
Were you injured in a construction accident involving falling tools or debris? If so, contact the Loewy Law Firm right away to discuss your legal options during a free consultation. Our firm is committed to helping injured Austinites get the compensation and peace of mind they deserve. We will identify all possible sources of compensation and help you seek the funds you need to begin rebuilding your life.
Reach out to us today to get started on your pursuit of justice and accountability.