Construction Worker Suffers Fatal Fall from LA High-Rise
Construction Worker Suffers Fatal Fall from LA High-Rise
A construction worker died the afternoon of March 17, 2016 after falling 53 floors from a high-rise building in downtown Los Angeles. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, the incident occurred at the Wilshire Grand, a hotel under construction at 624 West Figueroa Street. The worker fell and struck the back of a car that was traveling on the street. No one else was injured. The worker was pronounced dead at the scene. He had been working on the tower’s 53rd floor.
Cal/OSHA officials identified the worker as an electrician, but haven’t named him. The job site will be shut down for two days so the OSHA investigation can take place. The man was not wearing a tethering harness, which is required under the law for workers who are operating at any height over 6 feet. He was also not seen wearing a hard hat.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members and friends of this deceased construction worker. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Construction Site Falls
Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 4,679 workers were killed on the job in 2014, on average, almost 90 a week or more than 13 deaths every day. The agency also said 789 Latino workers were killed as a result of work-related injuries in 2014. Of the 4,251 worker fatalities in private industry in 2014, 874 or 20.5 percent were in construction. During this year, falls accounted for 39.9 percent of construction fatalities.
Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it is unclear as to whether the construction worker who fell to his death was provided with or equipped with fall safety devices such as harnesses or safety nets. It is also unclear as to whether a hazardous condition on the property caused or contributed to the incident.
If that was the case, the family of the deceased worker could file a premises liability claim against the property or building owner seeking compensation for damages such as medical and funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship. An experienced Los Angeles construction accident attorney will be able to evaluate all aspects of the incident and ensure that the family’s rights and best interests are protected.
