Workplace Falls in Texas: From Construction Sites to Office Buildings

Workplace Falls in Texas: From Construction Sites to Office Buildings

Falls are one of the most common causes of workplace injuries in Texas and across the United States. Whether it’s a construction worker falling from scaffolding or an office employee slipping on a wet floor, the consequences can be serious. Falls frequently result in broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord trauma, and even fatalities.

In the Big Country, where industries range from construction and agriculture to healthcare and education, workplace falls happen in many different environments. What unites them is the responsibility of employers, property owners, and contractors to maintain safe working conditions. When that responsibility is ignored, workers pay the price.

This article explores why workplace falls happen, who may be held liable, the steps workers should take after an accident, and how Low Law Firm helps injured employees in Abilene and throughout West Texas.

The Scope of Workplace Falls

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that falls are among the leading causes of workplace deaths, particularly in the construction industry. According to OSHA, falls accounted for more than one-third of construction fatalities nationwide in recent years.

But construction is not the only setting where falls happen. Hospitals, warehouses, schools, and office buildings all present fall hazards. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) consistently ranks falls as one of the top causes of lost workdays across all industries.

For Texas workers, the risks are amplified by the state’s large workforce in high-risk industries such as oil and gas, agriculture, and construction.

Common Causes of Workplace Falls

Workplace falls occur for many reasons, but some of the most common include slippery floors from spilled liquids or weather, uneven flooring, cluttered walkways, inadequate lighting, missing guardrails on elevated platforms, unsecured ladders or scaffolding, and failure to provide or enforce use of fall protection equipment.

Each of these hazards can—and should—be addressed through proper safety protocols, inspections, and training. When they are ignored, accidents become inevitable.

Types of Injuries Caused by Falls

Falls can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to catastrophic harm. Victims may suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis, internal bleeding, or long-term disabilities requiring surgery and rehabilitation.

Recovery times vary, but even a relatively “simple” fracture can take months to heal, forcing employees to miss work and lose income. Severe injuries can alter a person’s life forever.

Who Is Liable for Workplace Falls?

Determining liability in a workplace fall depends on where and how the accident occurred. Employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment, property owners may be liable if unsafe premises contributed to the fall, and contractors and subcontractors on construction sites often share responsibility for safety. Third-party vendors such as cleaning companies may also face liability if their negligence created a hazard.

The Role of OSHA and Workplace Safety Standards

OSHA regulations set the baseline for workplace safety across the country. Employers must comply with fall protection requirements, which include providing guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems when workers are exposed to height-related risks.

OSHA also requires employers to conduct regular safety training and hazard inspections. Failure to comply can result in fines, but more importantly, it increases the risk of serious injuries or deaths. For more information, visit osha.gov.

Texas Worker’s Compensation and Nonsubscriber Employers

Texas is unique because it does not require all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Some companies subscribe to the system, while others opt out and are considered nonsubscribers.

If your employer has workers’ compensation, you may be limited to filing a claim through that system, which provides benefits but generally bars lawsuits against the employer. If your employer is a nonsubscriber, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against them for negligence.

The Texas Department of Insurance provides resources on workers’ comp at tdi.texas.gov.

What to Do After a Workplace Fall

The steps you take immediately after a fall are critical for both your health and your legal rights. Seek medical care right away, report the accident to your employer, document the scene with photos or videos, gather witness statements, and speak with an attorney before signing documents or giving detailed statements to insurers.

Compensation Available for Workplace Fall Victims

Injured workers may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including medical expenses for surgeries and rehabilitation, lost wages during recovery, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering damages, and disability compensation. Families who lose a loved one to a fall may pursue wrongful death damages.

Real-World Example of a Workplace Fall

Consider a construction worker in Abilene who fell from scaffolding that lacked guardrails. The worker suffered multiple fractures and a spinal injury, leaving him unable to return to heavy labor. Investigation revealed that the subcontractor had removed guardrails to speed up work and failed to provide fall protection equipment.

In a case like this, liability could rest with both the subcontractor and the general contractor overseeing the site. With legal representation, the worker could pursue compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, and future care needs.

Preventing Workplace Falls

While liability often falls on employers and contractors, workers can also reduce risks by wearing proper footwear, using safety equipment as instructed, reporting hazards immediately, and participating in safety training. Avoiding shortcuts that compromise safety is also critical.

How Low Law Firm Helps

At Low Law Firm, Tara Gilmore-Low and her team have extensive experience representing workers injured in falls. We know the local industries in Abilene and West Texas, from construction sites to healthcare facilities.

Our approach includes investigating the accident scene, reviewing maintenance and training records, consulting safety experts, and identifying every potentially liable party. We negotiate aggressively with insurers to secure fair settlements, and if necessary, take cases to trial.

Conclusion

Workplace falls are preventable, yet they remain a leading cause of injuries and deaths in Texas. Whether they happen on a construction site, in an office building, or at a warehouse, the impact on victims and families can be devastating.

If you or a loved one has suffered a fall at work in Abilene or anywhere in the Big Country, Low Law Firm is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.