Spokane is currently one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, and construction is happening all around the city at a robust pace. The problem is, construction sites are dangerous, and anyone in the site, whether a worker or a passing member of the public, is at risk of being hit by a falling object.
Anyone that walks downtown Spokane has seen the scaffolds that cover a sidewalk to protect those below while a construction project goes on. While this is a good thing, it underscores the danger falling objects can pose at a construction site
At Crary & Domanico, P.S., we have seen the damage and injury a falling object can do to a victim, and we have experience in dealing with landowners and construction companies in getting injured victims compensation for their injuries.
Premises Liability
Construction sites are often open to the public such as a remodel an area that is being repaired. In these sites, the owner has a duty to make the public area safe so people can enter and exit without being injured. This is true during any open hours and for the entire area open to the public. This duty extends to the construction areas as well. Reasonable safety measures must be employed, and the area needs to be reasonably free of debris and other objects that pose a hazard.
Defenses to Premise Liability
The law gives the owner of the site a reasonable chance to fix a known repair and a reasonable time to discover known hazards. At Crary & Domanico, P.S., we understand how these defenses work and have experience getting victims the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
Types of Falling Object Injuries
Falling objects at construction sites can be tools, boards, bricks, roofing tiles, flashlights, clipboards, hats, electronics, or just about anything used in a construction site. Some of the most common ways things fall in a construction site are:
- Unsecured Materials
- Loss of Grip/Human Error
- Improper Handling of Materials
- Improper Storage
- Slick Surfaces
- Unsecured Ladders/Scaffolds
These are just a few reasons why an object falls. In almost all cases, the reason is because of a mistake in the design, planning or handling of objects at a construction site.
Types of Injuries From Falling Objects
The number one injury from a falling object is a head injury. It can be mild to severe concussion or a traumatic brain injury. These can be dangerous and the victim needs immediate medical attention. A blow from above can also cause a spine injury to either one of the vertebre or to the cord itself. Sometimes the victim is aware of the object and sustains an injury to hands, arms or wrists from trying to protect him or herself.
Compensation
If the court finds that the construction site owner didn’t do what a reasonable owner would do to keep the area safe, then the law can compensate the injured person for their financial losses. Some of these common losses that can be awarded are:
- Medical Bills
- Rehab Treatment/Equipment
- Travel
- Lost Time from Work
- Future Lost Time from Work
- Permanent Disability/Disfigurement
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Consortium (Intimacy, affection, etc.)
These are a few and there could be others specific to each case.
Contact a Construction Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in one of the many construction zones in and around Spokane, you owe it to yourself to talk to an attorney who can tell you if you have a case that could get you compensation for your injuries. At Crary & Domanico, P.S., we offer a free consultation and we collect no money until you get an award or settlement.
We also have years of experience dealing with construction site injuries and working with insurance companies. We know all the tricks and tactics they use to keep you from getting fair compensation. Call us today and get someone on your side. You can call us at (509) 926 4900, or send us a message by clicking here.
