When you are working on a job site at a high altitude, your employer will need to make sure that your worksite is secure so you will not fall and injure yourself. While there are many safety measures that can be put in place, some employers are negligent and accidents occur as a result. You might want to take legal action against your employer, but you won't be able to do so if they have workers' compensation insurance which is required in most cases. However, if you are injured because of a third party, such as after fall safety prevention equipment fails, you may have a legal case against the company.
Fall Protection Features
If there is a hole in the floor, it's important that guardrails be installed to prevent falls. Top rails, guardrails, and mid rails can all reduce the odds that someone will accidentally fall. When workers are climbing, they will need to use fall arrest equipment, such as harnesses, to prevent a fall.
However, all of this equipment can fall if it is not designed properly. For example, your harness might not be sturdy enough and this can lead to the harness tearing and causing the individual using the harness to fall and suffer serious injuries.
What to Do After You Have Become Injured
After you have become injured as a result of a fall, you'll want to seek medical attention as soon as possible. After your fall, your injuries could be more severe than you think and you will want to have your injuries connected to the accident.
How to Seek Compensation for Your Injuries
Once you have received medical treatment for the fall, the next step is to speak to a worksite accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer will be able to help you determine if you have a case against the company that designed the defective equipment.
Why Workers' Compensation is Not Enough
You might wonder why you should sue a company that designs defective equipment when you can simply file a workers' compensation claim. One of the primary reasons is that you will be limited in how much compensation you will receive if you simply file a workers' compensation claim.
You will not be entitled to pain and suffering, for example. You will be able to maximize your compensation, however, if you file a workers' compensation claim and file a lawsuit against the negligent company.
Reach out to a firm that practices work-related accident law like Allen Law Group.
