Construction sites are filled with potential hazards that could result in serious injuries for both visitors and workers at that site. Construction companies, including the general contractors who oversee the site as a whole and the subcontractors working on the site, must take all possible precautions to ensure that they do not inadvertently cause an injury. Despite those precautions, however, errors may occur on the construction site that ultimately result in significant injuries.
Falling debris, from tools to materials, can pose a serious hazard for anyone on a construction site. When you suffer injuries due to falling debris, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. However, before you pursue compensation for your damages, you must determine who bears liability. Our team at Setareh Law can help answer any questions you may have regarding your accident.
Potential Liable Parties for Falling Debris Accidents on Construction Sites
Falling debris on construction sites can result from a number of potential circumstances, which may determine who bears liability for the incident. Potential liable parties include:
General Contractors
Construction companies must meet OSHA regulations that help protect both workers on the construction site and visitors to that site. For example, when workers work above a certain height, they may need to have railings that help protect against falls. Workers may also need to secure any items that they need at those heights.
When a general contractor fails to provide adequate safety supplies or ignores key safety regulations, leading to falling objects, the general contractor may bear liability for the incident.
Subcontractors
Many construction sites have a number of subcontractors, or companies that work on specialized areas of the project. Each subcontractor is responsible for not only completing their specific tasks, from electrical work to roofing, but also for ensuring that they keep their work areas safe. If an employee of the subcontractor does not exercise adequate safety precautions, the company may bear liability for those dangerous actions.
Equipment Manufacturers or Rental Companies
Sometimes, general contractors will need to rent out safety equipment or tools in order to accomplish their jobs. For example, many companies will rent heavy equipment instead of owning it themselves. Construction workers and other visitors to the site have the right to expect usable equipment that does not pose a danger to them. If the manufacturer of the equipment puts out equipment with essential flaws that result in severe injuries, or if a rental company allows companies to rent equipment with damage that leads to an accident, they may bear liability for any injuries caused by that negligence.
Recovering Compensation for Falling Debris: What to Expect
Most construction companies carry substantial insurance that provides financial protection any time someone suffers injuries due to the negligence of the construction company or its workers. However, insurance companies may not automatically pay the compensation you deserve, even in cases where you may need to file a workers’ compensation claim. While you may deserve compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering, insurance companies may try to reduce the compensation they actually pay out to you as much as possible.
A lawyer can offer assistance as you navigate the claim process. A lawyer can launch an investigation to help determine which company bears liability for your injuries and advise you on which type of claim you have the right to file. A lawyer can also help you evaluate how much compensation you should expect, based on both the financial and non-financial damages you suffered.
Contact a Construction Site Accident Lawyer at Setareh Law
If you suffered injuries due to falling debris at a construction site, you need an experienced construction site accident lawyer who can support you as you seek the compensation you deserve. Our team at Setareh Law is here to help.
Contact us online or call us at (310) 659-1826 to learn more about your rights. We also speak Spanish.