Atlanta Falling Objects Lawyer

Falling Object Claims in Georgia

Falling objects is one of the “Fatal Four” causes of work-related deaths according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). While falling object injuries disproportionately affects construction workers, many other workers are at risk, including those who work in warehouses, factories, and heavy industries like oil.

If you or a loved one has been struck by a falling object at work, The Law Office of Arthur E. Snead, LLC. As an Atlanta falling objects attorney, I can help you secure compensation to help you and your family recover physically, mentally, and financially from your workplace injury.

To speak directly with a workers’ compensation attorney with experience in falling objects cases, call me now at (404) 800-1181 or write to me online.

Common Causes of Falling Objects

Accidents happen all the time on job sites due to many factors. Sometimes an employee hasn’t received the proper training for their assignment, other times their equipment malfunctions. Managers of dangerous job sites do their best to predict potential hazards and mitigate their effects, but occasionally someone gets hurt anyway.

Potential causes of falling objects include:

• Defective or malfunctioning machinery
• Heavy crane, hoist, or boom loads
• Improper loading of lumber or other heavy material
• Improperly trained workers
• Incorrectly stored tools or building materials
• Lack of barricades and/or signage in hazardous areas
• Unsecured beams, which can forcefully swing into a worker
• Unsecured hand tools, which can fall from a ledge or height

Common Injuries That Result from Falling Objects

Not all falling object injuries are fatal—sometimes they result in minor injuries that the employee is able to fully recover from in a matter of days or weeks. The severity of the injury depends on the accident.

Some common injuries workers who are hit by falling objects sustain include:

• Bruises
• Cuts
• Scrapes
• Sprains/strains
• Broken bones
• Concussions
• Nerve damage
• Paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Even if you think your injury is minor, I recommended seeing a doctor right away. Not only will medical records help with your workers’ compensation claim, but you may also be able to identify and treat a difficult to detect injury like a concussion before it gets worse.

What Kind of Precautions Can You Take?

Fortunately, most workplaces have precautions in place to avoid falling object accidents from happening. There are also things you can do while working to mitigate drop hazards.

Steps to avoid falling objects:

• Always wear a hardhat and other protective gear
• Don’t place objects within three to six feet of working edges
• Remove all personal items from pockets, such as phones and pens
• Rope off areas where drop hazards may occur
• Secure tools to a belt or container securely fastened to someone or something
• Use toe boards to catch falling objects
• Communicate potential hazards often, through discussion, training, signage, and more