Falling Object Injures Construction Worker
Dec 20, 2019
Brooks Schuelke, Esq.
Schuelke Law PLLC
Austin, TX (Law Firm Newswire) December 20, 2019 – An Austin construction worker was airlifted to hospital in critical condition after an object at a worksite plummeted 29 feet, pinning him to the ground.
Other crew members close to the scene of the accident were able to free the man by using excavators and a rope lift. Emergency medical personnel were then able to stabilize him for air transport. It is not known what caused the accident.
“One of the biggest hazards in construction jobs are falling objects,” said Austin workplace injury attorney, Brooks Schuelke. “Even though all workers at a jobsite receive safety training, accidents can and do happen, often resulting in serious injuries or death.” According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA), accidents due to falling objects are one of the leading causes of injuries and death on a construction site.
Working in construction can be dangerous, if not deadly, as construction workers may be exposed to serious hazards, such as falling from scaffolding, unsafe equipment, falling objects, toxins or electrocutions.
“Even though the construction industry does have safety standards in place, tragic accidents happen no matter how careful everyone at the worksite is,” explained Austin workplace injury attorney, Schuelke, who is not involved in this case.
Even with rigorous safety rules, construction sites are inherently dangerous. Workers have the right to use the workers’ compensation system to file a claim against their employer in case of an injuring workplace accident.
“The difficulty in Texas is that it does not require an employer to have workers’ compensation coverage,” explained Schuelke. “That said, there are other ways to file a claim, depending on the nature of the accident.”
In Texas, private employers can choose to carry workers’ compensation insurance, but it is not required in most cases. Even though many Texas construction workers are barred from suing their employers, they may be able to file a lawsuit against the person or another company that caused their injury.
“We always encourage those injured on a jobsite to come and talk to us. We can outline your legal rights, what can and cannot likely be achieved, what your options are and how to move forward to resolve your situation,” said Schuelke.
To learn more visit, http://www.civtrial.com.
Schuelke Law PLLC
3011 N. Lamar Blvd
Ste. 200
Austin, TX 78705
Call (512) 476-4944
View Larger Map
