Construction site falls remain one of the most devastating workplace accidents in Wisconsin's building industry, particularly in urban centers like Green Bay where commercial and residential development continues to expand. These incidents encompass falls from scaffolding, unprotected roof edges, unsecured ladders, and incomplete floor systems, often resulting in severe injuries including spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injuries, multiple fractures, and internal organ damage. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) consistently ranks falls as the leading cause of construction fatalities, with inadequate fall protection violations being the most frequently cited safety standard breach. For injured workers and their families, the aftermath of a height-related construction accident often involves complex legal considerations spanning workers' compensation claims, third-party liability suits against equipment manufacturers or subcontractors, and potential premises liability claims, especially when safety regulations have been violated or proper fall protection equipment was not provided.

Falls from elevated positions can result in severe, life-altering injuries. Here are ten significant injuries commonly associated with falls from heights, each with potential long-term implications for victims:

1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) - Falls can cause concussions, contusions, or penetrating head injuries, potentially leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, and long-term disability. The severity often depends on both the height of the fall and the point of impact.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries - Impact from falls frequently results in vertebral fractures or disc displacement, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis. The location of the spinal injury determines whether paraplegia or quadriplegia may result, with higher injuries typically causing more extensive paralysis.
3. Multiple Fractures - High-impact falls commonly cause multiple bone breaks, particularly in the legs, arms, pelvis, and ribs. Complex fractures may require surgical intervention and extensive rehabilitation, sometimes leading to permanent mobility issues.
4. Internal Organ Damage - The force of impact can cause severe trauma to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, or spleen. These injuries may result in internal bleeding and often require emergency surgery to prevent life-threatening complications.
5. Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Injuries - Instinctive attempts to break the fall often result in severe shoulder trauma, including torn rotator cuffs, dislocations, and complex fractures of the shoulder joint, potentially requiring multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy.
6. Complex Joint Injuries - Falls frequently damage major joints, particularly knees, ankles, and hips. These injuries can involve multiple structures including ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, often leading to chronic pain and early onset arthritis.
7. Compression Fractures - The vertical force of a fall can cause the vertebrae to compress or collapse, particularly in the thoracic and lumbar spine. These injuries can result in chronic pain and potential height loss, often requiring long-term pain management.
8. Facial and Dental Trauma - Impact to the face during falls can cause complex facial fractures, dental injuries, and damage to sensory organs. These injuries often require reconstructive surgery and can result in permanent disfigurement or sensory impairment.
9. Psychological Trauma - Beyond physical injuries, falls can cause severe psychological impacts including PTSD, anxiety disorders, and fear of heights. These conditions may require long-term psychological treatment and can affect the victim's ability to return to work at heights.
10. Crush Injuries - When falls occur near machinery or construction materials, victims may sustain crush injuries to extremities or vital organs. These complex injuries often involve multiple tissue types and can lead to compartment syndrome, requiring emergency surgical intervention.

Each of these injuries requires specific medical expertise for treatment and may involve long-term rehabilitation. The severity and combination of injuries can significantly impact recovery time and the potential for returning to work, particularly in construction or other industries requiring physical labor or work at heights.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Wisconsin law provides multiple avenues for compensation following construction fall accidents. Under Wisconsin Statutes § 102, workers' compensation benefits are available regardless of fault, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits. However, injured workers may also pursue third-party claims against entities other than their employer when negligence contributed to the accident. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Wisconsin is three years from the date of injury (Wis. Stat. § 893.54). Construction companies must maintain general liability insurance with minimum coverage requirements established by state law, while property owners typically carry premises liability coverage. Compensation may include economic damages (medical expenses, lost income, future care costs) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, loss of quality of life). In cases involving OSHA violations, documentation of safety breaches can significantly strengthen a claim. An experienced Green Bay personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Good accident attorneys can help with all kinds of accidents and injuries - click the links below to get information from:

• Green Bay car accident attorney;
• Green Bay pedestrian accident attorney;
• Green Bay motorcycle accident lawyer;
• Green Bay truck accident lawyer;
• Green Bay drunk driving accident lawyer;
• Green Bay distracted driving accident attorney;

Related Resources

Local Courts:

• Brown County Circuit Court
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin (Green Bay Division)

Support Services:

• Wisconsin Division of Worker's Compensation
• Brain Injury Alliance of Wisconsin
• Spinal Cord Injury Wisconsin
• Green Bay Worker Resource Center

Regulatory Information:

• Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (Construction Standards)
• OSHA Region V Office (Chicago)
• Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
• Wisconsin Construction Safety Council Guidelines

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