Massachusetts Lawyers Assisting Construction Workers Hurt in Job-Related Falls

Boston attorneys pursuing justice for the deadliest work incidents

More construction workers are killed by falls than by any other type of job-related accident. Despite more than 40 years of specific regulations to improve site safety, 337 construction workers nationwide died from falls in 2014. Adding to the inherent risk of working in construction, unsafe conditions persist on many ladders, scaffolds, roofs and multistory job sites. Feinberg & Alban PC works to secure proper compensation for injured construction workers and the families of those who died after falling at a job site. Our Massachusetts attorneys understand the duty of care and the relevant codes that builders must meet. Whether you need a workers’ compensation, personal injury or wrongful death claim to receive justice, our experienced attorneys can help.

Holding employers and other companies liable when they allow hazardous work conditions to exist

Federal regulations require employers to use fall protection systems and to determine whether walking and working surfaces have the required strength and structural integrity. Various aspects of construction present a realistic risk of fatal falls, including:

• Unprotected edges — Where construction workers are operating on a surface six feet or more above the lower level, a mechanism for fall prevention must be used.
• Defective equipment — Even slight faults in materials can have devastating consequences. Our attorneys secured a $1.35 million settlement for back injuries resulting from a 16-foot fall caused by a defective ladder.  
• Holes — Covers are required to protect laborers from tripping or falling into holes.
• Roofs — OSHA regulations list safety measures targeted to different types of roofs.

If a defendant claims that installing a safety mechanism would have led to a more hazardous environment, the legal burden is on them to demonstrate it. Feinberg & Alban PC can evaluate the proper standard of care for your particular situation and will aggressively pursue relief if that standard was violated.

Seeking compensation when required safety measures are not used

Nearly 40 percent of construction fatalities result from falls. This has led to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and programs such as the annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction mandating the use of specific methods to prevent falls, including:

• Guardrails — Regulations for guardrail systems require that most rails be approximately 42 inches higher than the surface and be able to withstand a 200-pound test load.
• Safety net systems — Regulations mandate that safety nets be installed as close as possible under the surface where people are working. Nets that are a longer vertical distance from the surface must extend further horizontally. Drop tests are required in accordance with federal rules.
• Personal fall arrest devices — Body harnesses and vertical lifelines must meet federal standards for size and strength. Body belts are outdated and no longer permitted to serve as part of a personal fall arrest system.

If you or a family member has been hurt in a construction fall, Feinberg & Alban can review your case to see if fall prevention methods were used properly.

Speak to a construction accident attorney today for a free initial consultation

If you’ve been injured in a fall at a construction site, speak with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers at Feinberg & Alban PC Set up your free consultation by calling 617-232-5950 or by contacting us online. Our attorneys serve clients in Boston, Worcester, Springfield and throughout Massachusetts.