Maison Law can help you through the claims process after an accident at a construction site in California. There’s a lot of different things that could cause an injury, but one that you might not expect comes from falling objects. Even if you’ve been in construction for years, these accidents can happen in an instant, leaving you hurt, out of work, and facing mounting bills. We’ll be there to help you through what comes next. Set up a free consultation today.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
After a falling object accident, it’s easy to think you’ll just report it, get treatment, and everything will fall into place. But construction sites don’t work that way. Responsibility is rarely simple—there might be a general contractor running the site, subcontractors doing the work, a property owner calling shots, and even an equipment manufacturer whose product failed. Each one has insurance, and none of them are eager to accept blame.
That’s where the trouble starts. Insurance companies are quick to delay or deny claims when they see an opportunity. Meanwhile, you’re left trying to recover while bills pile up. For many workers, the days after the accident bring more than just medical pain—they also come with frustration and stress, like:
- An employer downplaying what happened or pressuring you to come back to work before you’re ready.
- An insurance adjuster picking apart your claim or flat-out denying parts of it.
- A supervisor urging you to “keep quiet” about unsafe conditions so the project isn’t disrupted.
It’s a lot to carry, especially when you’re trying to focus on healing. When you bring in our team, that burden shifts. We take on the responsibility of:
- Sorting out who’s responsible
- Gathering proof
- Making sure your side of the story doesn’t get buried
That means explaining your options, handling the paperwork, dealing with insurers, and standing up when someone tries to minimize your injuries. We’ll do just that.
What Causes Accidents Because of Falling Objects at a Construction Site?
If you’ve ever walked a construction site, you know how much is happening above your head—cranes moving loads, tools resting on scaffolding, materials stacked on platforms. All it takes is one unsecured object to come crashing down. For construction workers, that risk is part of the job, but when an accident happens, the impact on your life is anything but routine. At the same time, these accidents aren’t random. They usually come from someone cutting corners or a safety system breaking down, which leads to situations where:
- Materials or tools get left unsecured on scaffolding or platforms.
- Loads carried by cranes or hoists swing dangerously when they aren’t properly secured, putting everyone nearby at risk.
- Basic protective gear—like hard hats—aren’t provided. This leaves you exposed to falling debris that should have been preventable.
- Scaffolding has weak planks or missing guardrails where debris and tools fall through.
- Strong winds or heavy rain make loads unstable, and site managers don’t adjust safety measures.
- Workers are never properly taught how to handle loads safely.
Most of these causes could have been prevented with proper planning and oversight. But when that doesn’t happen, you’re the one that could get hurt.
What Information Should I Try to Gather After an Accident Caused by a Falling Object?
When something falls on a job site, it can feel like the whole world stops. One moment you’re working, the next you’re hurt, and honestly, the last thing on your mind is collecting paperwork. But later, when you’re trying to get medical bills covered or lost wages replaced, the proof you have can make all the difference.Here are the kinds of information that really help paint a clear picture of what happened:
- Accident report – It’s not exciting, but it’s important. Let your supervisor know right away and make sure an official report gets written up. That’s usually the first piece of paper that says, “Yes, this happened, and here’s where.”
- Medical records – Every ER visit, scan, prescription, or follow-up matters. These records link your injuries directly to the accident and show the toll it’s taking on your health.
- Pictures and videos – A quick picture of the spot where the object fell, the condition of the site, or even your injury itself can be powerful. Day-of photos and recovery updates tell a story better than words alone.
- Witness statements – If a coworker saw it happen—or even noticed the unsafe setup beforehand—have them jot it down. A short note from someone else on the scene can back you up in a big way.
- Your own timeline – Write down what happened in your own words: the date of the accident, when you reported it, each doctor visit, and the days you missed from work. It keeps your story straight and helps tie everything together.
- Work and pay records – Missed shifts and pay stubs show the real financial hit you’ve taken. That’s often just as important as the medical side of things. These can also shed light on potential retaliation or discrimination.
- Emails or texts – Hang onto any messages about the accident or site conditions. A quick text exchange with a supervisor can sometimes show more than a formal report.
- Cal/OSHA findings – If inspectors came out, their reports can carry a lot of weight. They’re an outside voice confirming what went wrong.
You don’t need every single piece of evidence to move forward, but the more you can hold onto, the harder it is for anyone to downplay your injuries. All of this together answers the big questions: what fell, why it happened, who was involved, and how it’s affected your life. But in order to get financial help, you’re going to need to file some type of claim.
What Kind of Claim Can I File After Being Hit by a Falling Object on a Construction Site?
Getting hurt by something falling on a job site can flip your life upside down. Suddenly, you’re juggling medical visits, missed paychecks, and maybe even pressure from your employer to just “move on.” The path forward isn’t always clear, but in most cases your options fall into a few main categories:
- Workers’ Compensation – If you’re a regular employee, California law requires your employer to carry workers’ comp insurance. This is usually the first step. All you have to do is fill out the form and you can start receiving benefits like:
- Medical treatment related to your injury
- Partial wage replacement if you can’t work
- Disability benefits if you’re out longer term
The good news with a workers’ comp claim is you don’t have to prove anyone was at fault. But the trade-off is that workers’ comp won’t cover pain and suffering or the bigger long-term impacts of your injury. And if you’re an independent contractor, this option usually isn’t on the table.
- Injury claim – When someone other than your employer played a role, you may be able to go the civil route. This happens a lot on construction sites where multiple contractors are involved, or when equipment or materials weren’t made or secured properly. These claims–which you can file through insurance or with a personal injury lawsuit–can open the door to financial support for things workers’ comp won’t touch, like:
- Medical expenses, both now and in the future
- Full lost wages (not just partial replacement)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced earning capacity if your injury affects your career long-term
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages for families in fatal cases
- Employment lawsuit – Sometimes the injury isn’t the only battle. If your employer retaliates—by cutting hours, demoting, treating you unfairly, or even firing you—California law gives you the right to bring a separate employment claim. These lawsuits are about holding your employer accountable for violating your rights as a worker. It lets you go after different damages based on your:
- Lost income
- Loss of benefits
- Back pay
- Emotional distress
Every falling-object case is a little different. For some people, workers’ comp is enough. For others, a civil or employment claim might be the better path—or sometimes it’s a combination of all three. The best way forward depends on the details of your accident and your work situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m not directly employed by the company?
Workers’ comp usually only applies to employees. If you were working through a subcontractor or staffing agency, their insurance may cover you. Independent contractors generally need to file a personal injury claim.
Do I need evidence of the accident?
Yes. Pictures of the scene, witness statements, the actual equipment involved, and medical records are all going to be important for proving what actually happened and how it hurt you.
Can I get damages for my long-term injuries?
Yes, if you file a civil claim. Workers’ comp usually only covers necessary medical treatment and temporary disability. A civil claim can help you recover future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life damages.
Get Help For Your Falling Object Injuries with Maison Law
Being injured by a falling object on a job site can feel sudden and overwhelming. Between the pain, missed work, and mounting paperwork, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where we step in. At Maison Law, we guide you through what comes after, helping with workers’ comp, personal injury claims, and any workplace retaliation issues. You focus on getting better—we’ll make sure nothing slips through the cracks. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
