Workplace fall injuries from the same level or falls to a lower level are common occurrences resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities every year.
Falls from the Same Level
Workplace falls from the same level, resulting in trip, slip and fall injuries, often occur when cords or hoses are left laying across walkways or in places where uneven or slippery surfaces are present. Sometimes falls also occur because debris, supplies or equipment are left in walkways while other times it may be something as harmless as someone leaving a cabinet drawer open, causing an unsuspecting coworker to trip and fall. Every year, employees across the nation are injured on the job because of workplace falls.
Falls from Ladders, Scaffolds and Rooftops
Falling from heights such as ladders, scaffolds or a roof to a lower surface can cause serious injuries or death, with many accidents occurring in the construction industry. Falls from heights can result in severe back and neck injuries, fractures, and other serious injuries often requiring medical attention and time off from work. Because falls from heights can result in serious injuries, workers may succumb to their injuries with hundreds of workplace fatalities reported as a result of falls.
A CDC study spanning a decade reveals that 20 percent of all worker injuries and over 80 percent of construction injuries involve ladder falls. According to the findings, of all occupational injuries, falls are the leading cause of death with nearly half attributed to ladders.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Preventing Workplace Falls
Protecting employees from workplace accidents demands that employers maintain a workplace free from known hazards and provide employees training and well-maintained equipment to do the job. In the unfortunate event that a worker is injured on the job, they are often entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover their medical bills and lost wages. Third party compensation may be payable when an employees is injured on the job due to the negligence of a party other than their employer.
Contact Our Experienced Workers Compensation Lawyers for Help
If you or a family member is injured on the job, it is important to seek the help of an experienced Iowa workers’ compensation attorney to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. If you have been denied workers’ compensation, don’t give up. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you build a strong case to appeal the denial of your claim. Workers’ compensation attorneys charge only a percentage of the benefits you actually receive, so there is no charge unless you win, which is more likely when you have experience on your side. Contact the Quad Cities workers’ compensation and personal injury attorneys of McDonald, Woodward & Carlson PC for immediate assistance at 563-355-6478.