What to Do After a Falling Objects Injury in Myrtle Beach

Falling objects can cause serious injuries in places like construction sites, retail stores, and public areas. These accidents can lead to severe harm such as head trauma, fractures, and sometimes even death. It's important for both individuals and businesses to grasp why these accidents happen, how to prevent them, and what legal responsibilities are involved. This understanding helps ensure safety and reduces the risk of these injuries.

Knowing what to do if you're injured by a falling object is important. During this tough time, we're here to help and answer any questions you have. Our team of lawyers is dedicated to supporting you and getting you back on track. If you have been injured by a falling object, call our Myrtle Beach team today at 843-427-2800 for a free consultation. We're eager to see how we can assist you.

Who is at Risk for Falling Object Injuries in Myrtle Beach?

In South Carolina, falling object accidents can pose a risk to people who are frequently around construction sites, warehouses, or areas with overhead storage. Workers on construction sites are particularly vulnerable to falling object accidents due to the nature of their work, which often involves working at heights and around heavy equipment. Employers and contractors have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment and to properly secure materials and equipment to prevent them from falling and causing harm. However, failure to adhere to safety regulations or negligence in maintaining a secure workplace can put workers at risk of being struck by falling objects, leading to severe injuries or even fatalities.

Pedestrians and visitors in public spaces or buildings with inadequate maintenance or construction practices may also be at risk of falling object accidents. For example, poorly maintained facades or aging infrastructure can lead to crumbling debris or falling objects endangering passersby. Property owners and managers have a responsibility to inspect and maintain their premises to prevent such hazards. People who are injured by falling objects in these environments may be able to hold the responsible person or business legally and financially accountable under South Carolina’s premises liability laws if their negligence contributed to the accident.

Examples of Falling Objects Injuries:

Head Trauma: A falling tool at a construction site strikes a worker's head, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and long-term disability.
Crushed Limbs: A stack of improperly secured boxes collapses in a warehouse, crushing a worker's leg. This can cause severe fractures, nerve damage, and may necessitate amputation.
Facial Injuries: A piece of equipment falls from a shelf in a retail store, striking a customer in the face. This can result in facial fractures, dental injuries, and scarring.
Back Injuries: A construction worker is hit by a falling beam, causing spinal cord damage. This may lead to paralysis, chronic pain, and mobility limitations.
Eye Injuries: Debris falls from a building under construction, causing a passerby to sustain an eye injury. This can result in vision loss, corneal damage, and permanent impairment.
Hand Injuries: A falling object crushes a worker's hand, leading to fractures, tendon injuries, and loss of dexterity.
Foot Injuries: A construction material falls onto a worker's foot, causing fractures, soft tissue damage, and potential long-term mobility issues.

Who is at Fault for a Falling Object Injury? Is It the Property Owner, a Contractor, or Another Party?

Fault in a falling object accident in South Carolina can lie with various parties, including the property owner, contractors, subcontractors, or even equipment manufacturers. Determining liability hinges on factors like control over the property, adherence to safety standards, and actions leading to the accident. In many cases, we are able to hold multiple parties accountable for your injuries.

Determining who is at fault for your injuries can be a complicated process. Our qualified legal team can help you determine who all should be held legally and financially accountable for your harm. We are here to answer your questions and help you seek full justice. Call us at 843-427-2800 for a free consultation to see how we can help.

What to Do If You Have Been Injured by a Falling Object:

Seek Medical Help: Prioritize your health by seeking immediate medical attention for your injuries. Keep records of all medical treatment received.
Report the Incident: Notify the property owner, manager, or supervisor where the incident occurred. Ensure the incident is documented in writing, and request a copy of the report.
Gather Evidence: If able, take photos of the scene, including the fallen object and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses if possible.
Preserve Evidence: Keep the object that caused your injury and any relevant safety equipment or signage intact if able.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Contact a qualified personal injury attorney in South Carolina who can assess your case and advise you on your legal options.
Document Damages: Keep records of all expenses related to your injury, including medical bills and lost wages.
Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to your doctor's treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments to document the extent of your injuries.
File a Personal Injury Claim: Work with your attorney to file a personal injury claim against the responsible party. Your attorney will handle the legal aspects and negotiations for fair compensation.
Be Cautious with Insurers: Avoid providing recorded statements or signing documents without consulting your attorney. Insurance companies may try to minimize liability.
Stay Informed: Stay informed about your case's progress and ask your attorney any questions you have. They are there to advocate for you throughout the legal process.

Types of Compensation for Falling Object Injuries

People injured in by falling objects in South Carolina may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

Medical Expenses: Compensation for all past, current, and future medical bills related to the injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and therapy.
Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to the injury, including missed work days, reduced earning capacity, and potential future earnings if the injury results in long-term disability or inability to work.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life resulting from the injury.
Disability and Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent disabilities, disfigurement, scarring, or loss of limb resulting from the injury.
Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact the injury has on the victim's relationship with their spouse or family members, including loss of support.
Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional wrongdoing by the responsible party, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

It's important for victims of falling object accidents/injuries in South Carolina to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney who can assess their case, determine the full extent of their damages, and pursue fair compensation through negotiations or litigation. Our Myrtle Beach injury lawyers offer free consultations to help you determine the next steps in your legal case. You can contact us today by filling out the chat form below or calling our office at 843-427-2800.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for a Falling Equipment Injury in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including those related to falling equipment injuries, is typically three years from the date of the accident or injury. This means that you generally have three years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit in civil court seeking compensation for your injuries.

It's important to note that if you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries through the court system. There are some exceptions and nuances to the statute of limitations, so it's advisable to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in South Carolina as soon as possible after the accident to understand your rights and ensure that you meet all deadlines.

What Evidence is Crucial in Proving Liability and Damages in a Falling Object / Injury Case?

Evidence in a falling object injury case in South Carolina includes:

Photographic Evidence: Clear photos of the scene, the fallen object, hazards, and injuries.
Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts of the accident.
Maintenance Records: Documentation of property/equipment upkeep.
Workplace Safety Compliance: Adherence to safety regulations like OSHA standards.
Expert Opinions: Professional assessments of the accident's cause and damages.
Medical Records: Detailed records of injuries and treatment.
Financial Documentation: Proof of medical expenses and lost wages.
Incident Reports: Written reports or complaints related to the accident.
Prior Incidents: Evidence of past safety issues.
Surveillance Footage: Video evidence if available.

Collecting and preserving this evidence is crucial for building a strong case and establishing liability and damages in a falling object injury case in South Carolina. An experienced personal injury attorney can help gather evidence, navigate legal complexities, and advocate for your rights throughout the legal process. To schedule a free consultation with our team, please reach out using the chat box below or call our office at 843-427-2800.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a South Carolina Injury Lawyer

If you were injured by a falling object in South Carolina, you have the right to hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm they caused.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of KennethBerger have years of experience handling South Carolina injury cases and would be honored to help you and your family with the legal recovery process while you focus on healing. We offer free consultations and would be happy to answer your questions.

Our offices are conveniently located in Columbia and Myrtle Beach, and we have been proudly serving clients throughout the surrounding areas. Contact us online today or call us at 803-790-2800 (Columbia, SC) / 843-427-2800 (Myrtle Beach, SC).