Falls

Experienced Oklahoma City Lawyers Represent Workers on Construction Sites

Handling personal injury, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death claims for employees and families

Falls are the leading cause of deaths in the construction industry according to the Occupational Safety Health Administration. In 2016, 38.7% of all construction related deaths were due to falls. The Center for Construction Research and Training reported that close to one in four non-fatal construction work injuries were due to falls. Falls to lower levels, mostly from roofs, were the leading cause of deaths. Falls from the same level were the leading cause of injuries. Falls can cause spinal cord damage, paralysis, broken bones, back and neck pain, amputation, and many other long-term and chronic injuries. Survivors often suffer anxiety and depression.

At Cunningham & Mears, our lawyers are dedicated to helping construction accident victims and families get justice. From the beginning days of our practice, we have made being approachable a priority. We guide clients through each phase of the litigation process by explaining what to expect and by answering all the questions they have. Putting our 105 years of combined experience to work for our clients has led to settlements and verdicts that truly reflect the damage amounts our clients deserve. Some awards have been in the millions. Many results have been for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Why and how construction falls happen

Over half of fatal construction falls involve business with 10 people or less. The types of workers who suffer falls includes:

  • Brick-masons
  • Carpenters
  • Construction managers
  • Drywall workers
  • Electricians
  • Heat A/C mechanics
  • Ironworkers
  • Operating engineers
  • Painters
  • Plumbers
  • Roofers
  • Sheet metal workers
  • Truck drivers
  • Welders

Fatal and nonfatal falls, in addition to falls from roofs, happen when workers fall from

  • Scaffolds
  • Ladders
  • Girders
  • Higher levels to lower levels
  • Stationary vehicles
  • Floors to underground levels

Many workers slip or trip and fall on wet surfaces, dirt, debris, uneven or unfished floors.

Determining responsibility in construction fall cases

Workers generally fall into two categories – employees and independent contractors. Employee status is not determined by your contract or even by your pay. It is determined by a variety of legal factors the most important of which is how much the employer controls when and how you do your job. Our Oklahoma City lawyers bring the following types of actions depending on your employee/contractor status and how the accident happened.

Our Oklahoma City lawyers often work with experts and professionals to help prepare your case:

  • If fault is an issue, we review whether the construction site owners complied with local building codes and with federal regulations including OHSA rules.
  • If a product defect such as a faulty ladder caused your injuries or a relative’s death, we review the product with product safety experts and engineers.
  • We always work with your doctors to properly set forth your diagnosis, work restrictions, prognosis, physical pain and suffering.
  • If a loved one died, we work with work with experts who can evaluate the amount of monetary support a spouse, child, or father would have received had the loved one survived. In all death cases, we explain that placing a monetary value on your loss is only a way for your family to move forward. Money can never compensate you for the loss of your loved one.

Arrange to speak with an experienced Oklahoma City attorney today

At Cunningham & Mears, we work immediately to investigate why the construction site fall happened and what should have been done to prevent it. We detail your daily pain, your anxiety, and your fears. Please call us at 405-232-1212 to schedule an appointment or contact us. We don’t charge a fee unless the case settles to your satisfaction or there is a verdict in your favor.