Our city’s construction sites are some of the busiest in the country. With all that growth comes serious risk, especially for workers who spend their days high off the ground. If you have been injured in a Houston construction site fall from heights, knowing your legal options can make a huge difference in your recovery. At Williams Hart & Boundas, our construction accident attorneys help injured workers hold negligent parties accountable through third-party liability claims.
Contact our firm today for more information about your rights and how we can help. Consultations are always free.
The Dangers of Working at Heights
A booming construction industry creates thousands of jobs, but it also presents significant risks to workers. Falls from heights remain the leading cause of death in the construction industry, and Houston’s numerous high-rise projects, industrial facilities, and infrastructure developments mean that workers regularly face these dangers.
Inadequate safety measures can result in catastrophic injuries, including:
Whether you were working on scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or elevated platforms when you fell, we can help you pursue fair compensation.
Understanding Third-Party Claims
While many workers assume workers’ compensation is their only option for recovering damages after an accident, our attorneys focus on third-party liability claims that can provide significantly greater compensation. These claims target parties other than your direct employer, such as general contractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, or subcontractors.
They investigate any negligence that contributed to your fall from heights at a Houston construction site. In Texas, employers are not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, but if your employer is a non-subscriber, you may have the right to sue them directly for negligence. This could allow you to receive full compensation for your pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical costs.
Common Causes of Fall-From-Height Accidents
Most Houston construction accidents involving falls from heights are entirely preventable. Frequent causes include:
- Missing guardrails
- Improper ladder use
- Unstable scaffolding
- Lack of safety training
- Inadequate fall protection equipment
General contractors who fail to enforce safety protocols or allow dangerous working conditions can be held liable. Equipment manufacturers whose defective harnesses or anchor points fail at critical moments may face product liability claims. Property owners who create hazardous conditions or fail to maintain safe work environments can also be held responsible.
The Devastating Impact of Fall Injuries
A fall from even a modest height can change your life forever. Many victims suffer multiple injuries requiring extensive surgeries, lengthy hospital stays, and months or years of rehabilitation.
Spinal cord injuries may result in permanent paralysis. Traumatic brain injuries can affect cognitive function, personality, and your ability to work. Broken bones, particularly pelvic and hip fractures, often lead to chronic pain and mobility issues. The financial burden of medical bills, combined with lost income and reduced earning capacity after a high fall, can devastate Houston families of construction site workers.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
A legal firm’s focus on third-party liability means attorneys know how to identify and pursue all potentially responsible parties. Lawyers conduct thorough investigations, working with safety experts, engineers, and accident reconstruction specialists to prove negligence.
Lawyers understand Occupational Safety and Health Administration and industry standards, and use violations of these rules to strengthen your case. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex construction site accident cases—including high-level falls— throughout the Houston area. They understand the local construction industry’s practices and potential hazards.
Discuss Your Job Site Fall from Heights Claim With a Houston Lawyer
The period immediately following a construction site fall is critical for your legal case. We can help gather documentation, interview witnesses, and preserve evidence before it is lost or destroyed. Insurance companies for liable parties will work quickly to minimize their exposure.
You need experienced advocates on your side who understand what is at stake. If you have been injured in a Houston construction site fall from heights, do not wait to seek legal representation. Contact Williams Hart & Boundas today for a comprehensive evaluation of your case.