Imagine falling from a height of 20 feet. The impact of hitting the ground at such speed and force would almost certainly result in severe injuries, if not worse. As a personal injury law firm, we have seen the devastating effects of falls from heights, including broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and internal bleeding. If you or a loved one has fallen from a height of around 20 feet, whether due to negligence, a workplace accident, or other circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long term care costs. Our team has over 20 years of experience helping clients in situations like these get the maximum settlement or award they deserve. Don't wait to get the help you need. Call our Texas Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
The Dangers of Falling From Heights of 20 Feet or More
Falling from heights of 20 feet or higher can lead to life-threatening injuries. The higher the fall, the greater the force of impact and the more severe the injuries become.
Head and Spine Trauma
A fall from 20 feet or more can easily cause a concussion or traumatic brain injury. The sudden deceleration also puts substantial stress on the neck and spine, potentially causing fractures to the cervical vertebrae, compression of the spinal cord, or other spinal injuries. These head and neck traumas require immediate emergency care and hospitalization.
Broken Bones
The tremendous force of hitting the ground after falling from such a height often breaks multiple bones in the body, including fractures to the pelvis, legs, ankles, arms, wrists, ribs, and more. These broken bones can lead to internal bleeding, nerve damage, and long recovery times with physical therapy required to regain strength and range of motion.
Internal Injuries
In addition to broken bones, the organs inside the body are also at risk of damage from the impact. A fall from 20 feet or higher can rupture spleens or livers, puncture lungs, and tear kidneys or intestines. These internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can become life-threatening without prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Falling from heights of 20 feet or more is extremely dangerous and should be avoided. If such a fall occurs, call 911 for emergency help immediately. The injuries sustained from falls at these heights often require evaluation and treatment at a hospital to address any trauma to the head, spine, bones, or internal organs. Proper diagnosis and care are critical to recovery and avoiding long-term disability or impairment.
Common Injuries Sustained in High Falls
Falls from heights of 20 feet or more can lead to life-threatening injuries. If someone has fallen from such a height, call emergency services immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, do not move the person unless absolutely necessary. ### Common Injuries
- Head and neck trauma: Impacts at high speeds can cause skull fractures, brain bleeds, and damage to the spine.
- Broken bones: Falls from substantial heights often lead to fractures of the pelvis, legs, and ankles as the body absorbs the impact.
- Internal bleeding: The force of hitting the ground at high speeds can cause ruptured organs and internal bleeding in the abdomen or chest. This can be fatal without prompt medical attention.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord from falls can cause paralysis or loss of sensation. Seek emergency care right away.
The higher the fall, the more severe and life-threatening the injuries are likely to be. However, the specific injuries sustained also depend on factors like the material the person landed on, their body position at impact, and whether they first struck any objects during the fall.
Those who survive falls from heights of 20 feet or more often face long and difficult recoveries that may include physical therapy, rehabilitation, and extended hospital stays. Many are left with permanent disabilities or chronic pain.
The key takeaway here is that falls from substantial heights are extremely dangerous and should be considered medical emergencies. Call 911 immediately if someone experiences such a fall to get them urgently needed care and transport to a trauma center, where specialists are equipped to treat severe injuries. Prompt emergency response and treatment are critical to survival and maximizing the chance of recovery.
How to Seek Compensation With a Texas Car Accident Lawyer
If you have suffered injuries from falling twenty feet or more, you may be entitled to compensation. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. To seek damages, you should contact a Texas car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Gather Evidence
To build a strong case, your lawyer will need evidence of the incident. This includes:
- Photographs of the fall site, your injuries, damaged property
- Medical records, bills, and diagnosis confirming the severity of injuries
- Witness statements from anyone who saw the fall or aftermath
- Records of time missed from work due to injuries
Determine Liability
Injuries from falls often occur due to negligence on someone else’s part. Your lawyer will investigate to find the at-fault party, such as:
- Property owner if the fall was due to an unsafe condition like broken steps or lack of railings
- Contractor if improper or faulty construction caused the fall
- Local government agency if they failed to maintain public property appropriately
Once liability has been established, your lawyer will determine the appropriate amount of compensation to seek. This covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Filing a Lawsuit
If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue your claim in court. During the lawsuit, additional evidence like expert testimony and depositions may be required to prove your case. Although it can be a lengthy process, a lawsuit may be necessary to receive fair compensation for long-term or permanent injuries from a serious fall.
With the help of a skilled Texas personal injury lawyer, you have the best chance of securing damages after suffering harm from a fall. They can properly value your claim, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and take your case to court if needed. Don't delay—contact a lawyer as soon as possible to review your case and begin the process of seeking the compensation you deserve.
Tips for Preventing Serious Injury in High Fall Accidents
To avoid serious injury from falls of twenty feet or higher, there are several precautions you should take.
Use Proper Safety Equipment
When working at heights, always wear appropriate safety gear like a hard hat, harness, and steel-toed boots. A harness and fall protection system can prevent impacts with the ground in the event of a fall. Proper protective equipment significantly reduces the risk of traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and other life-threatening injuries.
Install Guardrails and Toeboards
Guardrails, parapets, handrails and toeboards create barriers to prevent falls. Guardrails should be at least 42 inches high, with no more than a 4-inch gap at the bottom. Toeboards prevent tools and materials from sliding off edges. Installing these safety mechanisms is one of the most effective ways to avoid high fall accidents.
Provide Adequate Training
Anyone working at heights requires proper training on safety procedures, equipment usage, and emergency response. Comprehensive education and regularly scheduled refreshers ensure workers understand how to assess risks, safely access heights, properly wear safety gear, and get help in an emergency. Lack of training is a major contributing factor in many fall-related occupational injuries and fatalities.
Conduct Regular Inspections
Frequently inspect work areas and equipment for any damage or wear and tear that could impact safety. Look for loose or unsecured guardrails, trip hazards, faded safety markings, or any other issues that could lead to a fall. Performing routine checks and fixing problems immediately reduces the likelihood of an accident and injury.
By following these essential tips for preventing serious injury in high fall accidents through the use of proper safety equipment, installing guardrails and toeboards, providing adequate training, and conducting regular inspections of work areas and equipment, organizations can substantially lower the risk of life-changing injuries and even death from falls.
FAQs About Seeking Damages for High Fall Injuries
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from falling twenty feet or higher, you likely have questions about pursuing legal action. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding high fall accident claims:
- What types of damages can I recover? You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. The precise damages will depend on the details of your accident and injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney can review the specifics of your case and determine what damages may be appropriate to pursue.
- How long do I have to file a claim? Each state has its own statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. For a fall from heights, the deadline is typically 2-3 years from the date of the accident. However, it is best to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing important deadlines.
- What if the property owner was negligent? If unsafe conditions on the property contributed to your fall, the owner may be liable. Your attorney will investigate the accident scene, review applicable building and safety codes, and determine if the owner failed to exercise reasonable care. If negligence can be proven, you have grounds to recover damages.
- How much is my claim worth? The value of a high fall injury claim depends on the severity and permanence of injuries as well as liability factors. Claims can range from $50,000 up to $2 million or more for catastrophic, life-changing injuries. An attorney can evaluate the details of your situation to provide an estimate of what your claim may be worth.
Whether you fell from a rooftop, scaffolding, or other elevated area, pursuing legal action can help recover damages to aid your recovery. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer is the best way to get answers to your questions and understand your options for seeking compensation after a serious fall from heights.
Our Texas Personal Injury Lawyers Are Here To Help
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from falling twenty feet or higher in Texas, our personal injury lawyers are here to help. We understand how traumatic and life-changing such an experience can be. Our firm has over 30 years of experience handling premises liability and negligence claims, and we are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Your Claim Is Valid
Accidents involving falls from dangerous heights are typically due to the negligence of property owners or businesses. They have a duty to maintain safe conditions and prevent hazards like unsecured railings, uncovered pits, improper scaffolding, and unsafe ladders or lifts. Failure to do so constitutes negligence. You have the right to pursue a claim to recover damages related to your suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and other losses.
We Handle the Legal Process
The legal system can be complicated, but you can rely on our firm's experience and expertise. We will thoroughly investigate your accident to determine fault, gather critical evidence, and build a strong case to support your claim. We handle all communications with insurance companies and defense attorneys so you can focus on your recovery. If a fair settlement is not reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.
You Deserve Full Compensation
The injuries and trauma resulting from a fall of over 20 feet can be catastrophic and life-changing. In addition to economic damages, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages. We will work tirelessly to pursue the maximum amount of compensation available in your case. Our goal is to ensure your future medical needs are met, and financial security is restored so you can move forward from this accident.
Call our office today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers help you obtain justice and the compensation you need and deserve.
Conclusion
So in summary, falls from heights of around 20 feet can easily result in life-altering injuries or even death. The human body simply isn't designed to withstand impacts at that velocity. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a fall at this height, seek immediate medical help. Beyond the physical recovery, the psychological and financial impacts can also be devastating. You may face months of painful rehabilitation, expensive medical bills, loss of work, and reduced quality of life. In these situations, it's important to know your legal rights. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer to understand if negligence was involved and whether you're entitled to compensation can help provide some relief during an incredibly difficult time. Though no amount of money can undo the harm, it may help you get back on your feet again. The most important thing is to take care of yourself - but don't go through this alone.