Construction workers are at a higher risk of being seriously injured when struck by a falling object on the job. Almost any unsecured item placed on a roof, scaffold, or other elevated surface can become dangerous or deadly when it falls. Suppose you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a falling object at a construction site in New Mexico. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation.
The personal injury attorneys at Hunt Law Firm are here to guide you through the legal process, helping you understand your rights and the options available. We are committed to helping you pursue the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.
Being Struck By a Falling Object is a Leading Cause of Injury and Death
Construction workers are the most at risk of being injured by falling objects. U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has classified struck-by accidents as one of the “Fatal Four” causes of fatal accidents in the construction industry. Many different types of falling objects, including collapsing materials, can cause a victim to become crushed or suffocate.
Nearly any object could become dangerous when it falls from a high enough distance. The impact of the falling object can be enough to cause serious injuries, even if the object itself isn’t heavy. However, some objects are more likely to cause victims serious injuries than others. Some of the most common construction accidents involving falling objects include the following:
- Tools and materials falling from balconies or ledges
- Bricks, concrete, or other types of building materials falling from roofs or scaffolds
- Heavy equipment or tools falling from elevated construction sites
- Lose debris falling from elevated construction sites
- Loose window panes
- Objects or debris tossed from a window
- Collapsing tower cranes
Who Is Liable for Falling Object Injuries
Recovering compensation for your injuries through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit requires you and your attorney to prove liability. Working with an attorney can help you find the party whose negligence is responsible for your injuries.
Stores and businesses are legally obligated to keep their premises safe and alert to dangers they know about or should know about. Although construction company owners aren’t responsible for every single injury that could happen on their construction sites, they are responsible for injuries caused by their negligence.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable
Hunt Law Firm will work with you to investigate your case and determine which party or parties are liable for your injuries. If you were injured on another person’s property because of a dangerous condition, you may be able to hold the property owner liable.
For example, if a building owner doesn’t inspect their premises, debris or brick may fall on a pedestrian or worker and cause them a brain injury. If you were injured because of a construction company’s negligence, you may have the right to pursue compensation from the responsible company.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits vs. a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you were working on a construction site and were injured by a falling object, you probably have the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. The majority of employers in New Mexico are required to purchase workers’ compensation benefits. Workers injured on the job can file a claim for some of their lost wages and medical expenses. Employees can pursue workers’ compensation benefits even if they are partially at fault for the accident.
Before making any decisions, it’s crucial to seek legal advice. If you were working on a construction site and were injured by a falling object, you probably have the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. However, speaking to an attorney about your case is beneficial.
A personal injury lawsuit could result in you recovering more compensation for your damages. For example, you can pursue compensation for your lost income and earning capacity in the future through a personal injury lawsuit. You can also pursue damages for disfigurement, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering.
When you accept workers’ compensation benefits, you will be required to sign a statement saying you will not pursue a lawsuit against your employer. If your employer’s negligence caused your injuries, pursuing a claim against them could be a more strategic option.
Injuries Caused By Falling Objects
Falling objects can cause severe, life-altering, and even fatal injuries. For example, if an object falls from a crane or scaffolding many stories high, the accident victim may not survive the impact. When an item picks up speed while falling, the force can become multiplied when it strikes a victim.
Items don’t necessarily have to fall from a great height to cause serious injuries. When an item is sharp and falls off a shelf, it can cause severe damage. Falling objects can cause the following types of injuries:
- Internal organ damage
- Fractures
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Damages in a Falling Object Accident in New Mexico
If you’re pursuing a lawsuit after being injured by a falling object, you can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. In New Mexico, plaintiffs in personal injury lawsuits can pursue the following types of damages:
- Current and future medical expenses, including rehabilitation
- Lost income
- Future medical treatment and care
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Contact a Construction Accident Attorney in Santa Fe
At Hunt Law Firm, our falling object accident injury attorneys are not just legal professionals but also compassionate advocates. We work closely with victims and families to carefully determine the impact of their injuries on their lives. Our commitment is to seek maximum compensation for our clients, ensuring they have the best quality of life possible and receive the medical care and treatment they need.
If you’ve been injured on the job in Santa Fe, don’t hesitate to contact Hunt Law Firm to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about your legal rights and options. We represent clients in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and throughout New Mexico.