Being struck by a falling object is one of the most unexpected and frightening types of accidents. Whether it happens at a construction site, retail store, warehouse, or even a public walkway, these incidents can cause severe injuries. Sadly, many falling-object injuries are completely preventable and occur because someone failed to take proper safety precautions.
At LeBaron & Jensen, we frequently help victims who have been hurt because an individual, business, or contractor was negligent. If you’ve been injured by a falling object, understanding your rights and what to do next can make a significant difference in your physical, emotional, and financial recovery.
Common Causes of Falling Object Injuries
Falling object accidents happen in a variety of settings, and many stem from unsafe conditions that should have been fixed long before an injury occurred. Some of the most common causes include:
• Improperly secured construction materials or tools.
On construction sites, tools, building materials, and debris can fall from scaffolding or upper levels if workers don’t follow safety protocols.
• Overloaded or unstable shelving.
Retail stores, warehouses, and grocery aisles can become dangerous when items are stacked too high or placed carelessly.
• Poorly maintained rental properties.
Loose fixtures, broken shelving, or unstable ceiling materials can fall and cause severe injuries.
• Employee negligence.
Workers who drop objects from ladders, forklifts, or upper levels put others at serious risk.
• Defective equipment or products.
If a strap, rope, or storage unit fails, the manufacturer may share responsibility for the injury.
Every one of these scenarios is avoidable with proper care, making negligence a key factor in many cases.
Types of Injuries That Can Occur
The force of a falling object, even a small one, can cause serious harm. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even objects weighing only a few pounds can cause concussions, skull fractures, or long-term brain damage.
- Neck and Shoulder Injuries: Sudden impact often results in strains, nerve damage, or fractures.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Heavier objects can cause herniated discs or permanent spinal impairment.
- Cuts, Lacerations, and Facial Injuries: Sharp or heavy items may cause scarring or require surgical repair.
- Broken Bones: Hands, arms, and collarbones are especially vulnerable as people instinctively try to shield themselves.
These injuries often require extensive medical care, time off work, and ongoing rehabilitation, not to mention the emotional toll.
Who May Be Liable?
Determining who is legally responsible for a falling object injury is one of the most critical steps in building a strong case. Depending on where and how the incident occurred, liability may fall on several parties. Property owners or managers may be responsible if they failed to maintain a safe environment, while employers can be at fault for not enforcing proper safety procedures. On construction sites, contractors or subcontractors might share blame for unsafe practices. In retail stores or warehouses, poor stacking or storage habits can lead to dangerous conditions. Even manufacturers may be liable if defective tools, shelving, or equipment contributed to the accident. Because multiple parties can be involved, working with an attorney is essential to uncovering the truth and determining who owes you compensation.
Your Legal Rights After a Falling Object Injury
If you were injured because someone failed to store, secure, or handle an object safely, you have important legal rights that protect you from the financial and emotional fallout. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and even long-term limitations that affect your daily life. This can also include damages for pain, suffering, emotional distress, or the need for ongoing medical or household care. Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to minimize these injuries or place blame on the victim to avoid paying. You don’t have to accept that. You have the right to challenge unfair treatment, and to work with an attorney who will fight to protect your health, your finances, and your future.
What to Do Immediately After the Injury
Taking the right steps can strengthen your case and support your recovery:
1. Seek Medical Attention Right Away: Head, neck, and spine injuries often worsen over time. A medical evaluation ensures your injuries are documented.
2. Report the Accident: Notify a supervisor, property manager, or business owner. Obtain a written incident report if possible.
3. Document Everything: Take photos of the object, location, any visible hazards, and your injuries. If anyone witnessed the incident, gather their contact information.
4. Keep All Medical Records: Save bills, treatment notes, prescriptions, and any work-restriction orders.
5. Avoid Giving Statements to Insurance Companies: They may try to get you to admit fault or accept a low settlement. Direct them to your attorney instead.
6. Contact LeBaron & Jensen: We can investigate the accident, preserve evidence, identify liable parties, and protect your legal rights immediately.
Choose LeBaron & Jensen for Legal Assistance
A falling-object injury can leave you overwhelmed, hurting, and unsure what to do next. But you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. LeBaron & Jensen is here to help you understand your rights, build a strong case, and pursue the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured by a falling object, contact LeBaron & Jensen today for a free consultation. We’re ready to stand up for you and help you move forward with confidence.
