The clinical term for fear of heights is acrophobia, and it is one of the most common types of phobias, with approximately 3% to 6% of the population claiming to have this fear.
When you think about having a fear of heights, you might imagine someone getting stressed out if they have to cross a bridge or go up to an upper floor in an office building. In fact, a fear of heights can be at any distance, and when you consider the potential for injury, that fear might be warranted.
The Critical Height for Serious Fall Injuries
Anyone who has suffered an injury from a fall knows the exact height of that fall. The higher the distance, the greater the chance for injury. Consider the following injuries and the fall heights at which they can occur:
From Standing Height
A fall from standing height occurs if you trip over a sidewalk or slip on a wet grocery store floor.
Technically, this would be considered a fall from a height equal to how tall you are. If you’re five feet 10, that is how far you’re falling. These falls can result in the following types of injuries:
- Head trauma: A backward or forward fall onto a hard floor can result in a concussion or skull fracture. That can trigger a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Fractures: When you fall, your instinct kicks in, and you reach out to brace yourself against the impact. The force of the fall can lead to fractures, sprains, or broken wrists, arms, or hips.
These incidents are dangerous for children and older adults. Many times, they cannot reduce the force of impact from the fall. Even a fall from standing height, which is around 5 to 6 feet for most adults, can be dangerous.
For older adults, these types of falls often result in broken hips, head injuries, or worse.
From 6 to 10 Feet
A fall from 6 to 10 feet typically occurs from a ladder. The velocity of the fall increases the risk of injuries. Some common injuries that might be experienced from this height could include the following:
- Spinal injuries: The impact from a fall at this height can compress or fracture the vertebrae in your spine
- Multiple fractures: In addition to fractures to your arms, you can also suffer breaks on your legs and ribs.
From 10 to 20 Feet
A fall from 10 to 20 would be like falling from a second-story window of a home.
These types of falls can occur on a construction site or during roof repairs. At this height, the risk of life-threatening injuries is considered high. This kind of fall can lead to the following injuries:
- Severe head injuries: If a person’s head hits the ground from this height, the force of impact often causes skull fractures, serious brain swelling, or long-term cognitive issues.
- Internal organ damage: Landing on a hard surface can rupture internal organs. That can lead to internal bleeding, which may be fatal if left untreated.
- Complex fractures: Instead of a simple fracture, limbs and joints often shatter at these heights. That can lead to multiple surgeries and extended recovery time.
From 20 Feet or Higher
Medical professionals refer to a fall from 20 feet or higher as a “critical height.”
That’s because the impact from this type of fall leads to catastrophic injuries. These are the types of falls that often result in fatalities.
Any type of fall can happen from a misstep or from a dangerous condition. With the latter, there might be a premises liability or workplace injury issue to consider. In those cases, you would be entitled to be compensated for any medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
OSHA Safety Standards for Working at Heights
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls from 6 feet or higher account for a large percentage of workplace fatalities. However, OSHA requires employers in the general industry to provide fall protection at 4 feet. Those protections extend to 5 feet for shipyard work and 6 feet on any type of construction site.
At those heights, protective systems such as guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems (e.g., full-body harnesses) must be provided. It’s also important for employers to provide training so that employees will recognize the dangers when working at heights above six feet.
OSHA also conducts periodic inspections at worksites to ensure they are in compliance with the safety regulations. Failure to be in compliance can result in fines.
It can also establish liability for the owners of the project.
Factors That Increase the Severity of a Fall
The height a person falls from is not the only factor that can impact the extent of their injuries. There are many circumstances that can alter the outcome of a serious fall. Here’s what can contribute to the severity of a fall:
Age and Health
The older you are, the more susceptible you become to severe injuries. According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3 million older adults visit the ER each year after a fall.
Landing Surface
Where a person lands will determine how badly they might be hurt in a fall. Any hard surface will amplify the impact force and compound injuries.
Fall Dynamics
The angle of the fall and whether someone attempts to break the fall can also affect injury outcomes. That is why some safety experts believe you should try to roll when you land from a fall instead of trying to stop the fall. That roll can absorb the impact force.
Seeking Compensation with a Charleston Injury Attorney
Proving negligence after a fall injury is extremely challenging. You have to establish that the fall occurred because of negligence by the property owner or worksite management.
They’ll counter that you were the one who didn’t take proper precautions.
Thankfully, West Virginia follows the modified comparative negligence rule. That allows victims of a fall to seek compensation even if they are partially to blame for the fall. The goal is to place the blame where it belongs. That is what DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC can help with.
We have decades of combined experience as Charleston premises liability attorneys who have helped many clients recover from a fall.
When we agree that the accident was caused by negligence, we can become fierce advocates fighting for our clients to receive the maximum benefits. Our skills as negotiators have resulted in securing millions of dollars in settlements for our clients. That support starts with a free case review.
Call to set up your talk, and let’s see if we can work together to get the compensation you deserve.
