Falling Objects and Head Trauma: Workplace Dangers You Should Know

Falling Objects and Head Trauma in the Workplace

"Struck-by" incidents are one of OSHA's "Fatal Four" causes of construction deaths, and falling objects are a leading culprit. But this hazard is not limited to construction — warehouse workers, manufacturing employees, dock workers, and retail stockers all face the risk of being hit by falling tools, materials, or products. When the object strikes the head, the result is often a serious traumatic brain injury.

How Falling-Object Injuries Happen

• Tools dropped from heights — a wrench or hammer falling from scaffolding can strike with deadly force
• Improperly stacked materials collapsing from shelves or racks
• Unsecured loads on cranes, hoists, or forklifts
• Merchandise falling from high warehouse storage
• Building materials sliding off elevated work surfaces
• Equipment failure causing loads to drop

A common and dangerous myth is that a hard hat makes you safe. Hard hats reduce risk but do not prevent all brain injuries — especially from heavy objects or high falls, where the force exceeds what any helmet can absorb.

The Physics of Why These Injuries Are Severe

An object's impact force multiplies with the height it falls from. A few pounds dropped from several stories can hit with hundreds of pounds of force. Even when the skull is not fractured, the brain can be violently jolted inside it, causing concussion, contusion, or bleeding.

Two Claims May Apply

Falling-object cases frequently involve more than one responsible party — which opens the door to both workers' comp and a third-party claim.

Workers' Compensation

No matter who dropped the object, you are entitled to workers' comp benefits through your employer: medical coverage and wage-loss benefits. Michael Cardamone, a Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist, handles this directly.

Third-Party Personal Injury Claim

If the object was dropped by another contractor's employee, fell due to a defective securing device, or resulted from another company's negligence, you may have a separate personal injury claim. We bring in a Heavyweight Personal Injury attorney to pursue full damages, including pain and suffering.

Common third parties:

• Other subcontractors whose workers dropped the object
• Equipment manufacturers of defective rigging, racking, or hoists
• General contractors responsible for overhead protection and site safety

What to Do If You're Struck by a Falling Object

1. Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel "okay" — brain bleeds can develop slowly
2. Report the incident to your employer in writing
3. Document the object and scene — what hit you, from where, and who was working above
4. Identify witnesses and other companies on site
5. Consult a lawyer before giving statements or accepting an early settlement

Call (833) 898-4587 for a free, confidential consultation. No fee unless we win. Free Consults 24/7.