California Skylight Accidents
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Arash Law Offers Legal Help After Skylight Accidents Because One Fall Shouldn’t End It All.
Skylight accidents often lead to serious injuries such as brain trauma, spinal cord damage, broken bones, or even death. These falls usually happen on construction sites, commercial rooftops, or industrial buildings when property owners or contractors fail to follow safety rules. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) classifies unprotected skylights as hazardous roof openings. Yet, many California properties still fail to secure these openings.
A skylight accident can open several legal options for you to pursue compensation. Workers’ compensation can cover medical expenses and part of your lost income. You might have a personal injury claim if a property owner, contractor, or manufacturer did not follow safety rules. This may allow you to seek compensation for pain, suffering, and long-term losses.
At Arash Law, our attorneys understand California’s skylight safety standards and can guide you through your legal options.
Legal Guidance For Claims Involving Skylight Accidents
Skylight accident cases often involve multiple parties, safety violations, and overlapping legal issues. It can raise questions about your legal rights, medical care, and next steps. Our attorneys investigate these incidents and guide you through your claim, whether you pursue workers’ compensation, a personal injury, or both.
Legal support can help protect your financial recovery. If you’re unsure where to start, we’re here to help. Here’s what Arash Law can do for you:
- Free Initial Case Review — We start by reviewing the facts of your accident and explaining which legal options may apply.
- Identifying Responsibility — We investigate the cause of your fall and determine who may be responsible, whether it involves a contractor, property owner, manufacturer, or maintenance company. We review compliance with OSHA, Cal/OSHA, and California safety laws.
- Gathering Evidence — Our team collects key information such as site photos, records, expert assessments, and witness accounts to support your claim.
- Managing The Legal Process — We handle paperwork, deadlines, and insurance communications so that you can focus on your medical treatment and recovery plan.
Why Hire Arash Law For Your Skylight Accident Case
Skylight accident claims often involve safety rules, property issues, and parties who may share responsibility. Our attorneys handle these cases and help clients navigate California’s laws.
Here’s how we approach your case:
- Focused Experience — We handle skylight accident cases involving workplace safety, property maintenance, or product defects.
- Access To Qualified Resources — We work with engineers, building code experts, and safety consultants who can examine the skylight, rooftop, or worksite involved in your accident.
- Organized Process — We track deadlines, gather records, and manage the paperwork so your claim stays on schedule.
- Clear Updates — We explain each part of the process and keep you informed along the way.
- Transparent Fees — We’ll explain everything upfront and answer all your questions about our fees and other costs before you decide to move forward.
Contact us for a free case review if you want to learn more. We’re here to help you take the next step forward with confidence.
$5,325,000.00
Our client was working as a window washer when he fell several feet while cleaning a gutter and sustained a traumatic brain injury as well as injuries to his spine. Our firm uncovered liability beyond workers’ compensation and secured a $5,325,000 global settlement on behalf of our client.– BRIAN BEECHER
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions people ask after skylight accidents. If you have more questions about your situation, contact Arash Law to discuss your legal options.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Skylight Accident Attorney?
Hiring a skylight accident attorney does not cost anything upfront. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorney fees if we recover compensation for you. You might still have to pay case-related costs, depending on the agreement. Some examples are court filing fees, expert witness expenses, and investigation costs. We’ll explain all potential costs so there are no surprises.
Can I File A Lawsuit If I Already Filed A Workers’ Comp Claim?
Yes, you may have both claims depending on the facts. Workers’ compensation provides medical care and partial wage replacement but does not cover pain, suffering, or full lost income. If a third party, such as a property owner, contractor, or equipment manufacturer, contributed to the accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to seek additional compensation.
How Long Do I Have To File A Skylight Accident Claim In California?
The time limit set in California’s statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the date of the injury (or discovery of the injury) to file a personal injury claim. For workers’ compensation claims, you must notify your employer within 30 days and file the claim within one year. Missing these deadlines may prevent you from pursuing compensation. Certain exceptions may apply depending on the situation. It’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to determine your deadlines.
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Common Causes Of Skylight Accidents
Skylight accidents often happen because safety measures were not followed. Identifying what caused the fall can help identify who’s responsible.
- Unprotected or Uncovered Skylights — Many skylights cannot support a person’s weight. Without proper covers or guardrails, workers may fall through them.
- Deteriorated or Brittle Materials — Skylights made of plastic, fiberglass, or acrylic can weaken over time from sun exposure and weather, making them more likely to break.
- Poorly Marked or Camouflaged Skylights — Skylights that blend into the roof, get painted over, or collect debris can be hard to see. Workers may step on them without realizing the danger.
- Slippery Roof Surfaces — Wet surfaces, loose gravel, or roofing materials can make it easy to slip near a skylight, increasing the risk of a fall.
- Failure To Follow OSHA Fall Protection Standards — OSHA and Cal/OSHA require fall protection around skylights, including screens, guardrails, or personal fall arrest systems. Without these, workers face a much higher risk.
- Unsafe Inspection or Maintenance Practices — Falls can happen during routine inspections or minor repairs. Employers must provide proper safety training, supervision, and equipment for anyone working near skylights.
Situations Where Skylight Accidents Can Happen
Skylight accidents can happen in many work environments and building types. Identifying how and where these falls occur helps determine who may be responsible.
Here are some examples of situations where skylight injuries happen:
- Construction Site Falls — A worker installing roofing materials walks onto a skylight that wasn’t marked or guarded. Without proper safety measures, they fall through and suffer severe injuries.
- Building Maintenance or HVAC Work — A technician servicing rooftop equipment trips near a skylight hidden by debris. The skylight cover failed or was not designed to support a person’s weight, causing the fall.
- Warehouse or Factory Roof Inspections — An employee inspecting a roof slips on a wet surface and slides into an unprotected skylight. These types of falls often occur during routine inspections or seasonal maintenance.
- Solar Panel Installations — A contractor working on solar panel installation accidentally steps backward onto a fragile skylight. Solar installation work often occurs in confined spaces with limited visibility near skylights.
- Cleaning & Janitorial Tasks — A cleaner working near a skylight may not realize it’s unsafe to walk on. Without proper reinforcement, even light pressure can cause it to break.
- Property Owner Oversight — Skylights located in public or semi-public spaces, such as apartment buildings or shopping centers, may cause accidents if property owners fail to provide proper design, warnings, or safety measures.
Skylight Accidents And Construction Fall Data
Skylight falls remain one of the most dangerous and preventable types of construction accidents. The data below highlights just how serious the risk can be:
- Falls are the leading cause of death on construction sites. In 2022, 1,092 construction workers died on the job, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Falls from height caused 36.35% of those deaths.
- Construction workers face a high share of fatal falls. Although construction makes up a small percentage of the workforce, BLS reported that it accounts for 47.4% of deadly falls across all U.S. industries.
- Fatal construction falls have stayed high for years. Every year for the past decade, more than 300 construction workers have died from falls despite safety efforts.
- Skylights and other roof openings add major risk. In 2021, 62 construction workers died after falling through a surface or opening, including skylights. That’s about one out of every six fatal falls in construction that year.
- Fatal falls through openings have increased. In 2022, deaths from falls through openings rose from 77 deaths in 2021 to 90, according to preliminary federal data.
- Roofers face the highest fall-related risk. In 2021, 123 roofers died on the job. Over 80% of those deaths were from falls.
- Roofing contractors are involved in many fall-related deaths. In 2021, they accounted for about one-fourth of all fatal construction falls.
These numbers suggest that skylight falls often happen when safety measures are missing. Following proper safety rules could prevent many of these deaths.
Most Skylight Fall Deaths Lack Proper Protection
CDC and NIOSH investigations found that most skylight-related fall deaths happened because required fall protection was missing or not strong enough.
In each case, the skylight had no proper cover or guardrail. OSHA also reports that unprotected openings often cause fatal falls. Using covers, railings, or screens can prevent these accidents.
All these numbers show the same thing: falls through skylights and roof openings are a major danger in construction. BLS, CPWR, and CDC data show that guardrails, covers, harnesses, and proper training help prevent these deaths.
Your Legal Options After A Skylight Accident
A fall from a skylight can leave you with serious injuries, medical bills, and time away from work. If this happened to you or someone you love, you may have the right to seek compensation under California law.
Here are some of your legal options:
- Workers’ Compensation Claim
- Applies if you were injured while doing your job.
- Covers medical treatment and part of your lost income.
- You do not need to prove fault.
- Personal Injury Claim
- Applies if someone else’s carelessness caused the fall.
- It could involve a property owner, contractor, or skylight manufacturer.
- May cover pain and suffering, full lost wages, and long-term effects.
- Wrongful Death Claim
- Applies if the accident resulted in death.
- Certain family members may file.
- Covers funeral costs and the loss of financial support.
Each case is different. An attorney experienced in skylight accidents can help you understand which claims apply to your situation. They can also handle the legal process while you focus on healing.
At Arash Law, we offer a free initial consultation to help you understand your options. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorney fees if we recover compensation. Case-related costs may still apply regardless of the outcome. We review all fees with you before you decide to move forward. If you or someone you love was injured in a skylight accident, call us at (888) 488-1391. We’re here to help.
What To Do After A Skylight Accident
If you’re recovering from a skylight fall, you may be overwhelmed. While your health should remain the top priority, taking a few essential steps now can help protect your legal rights later.
- Follow Your Medical Treatment Plan — Continue with all recommended doctor visits, therapy sessions, or follow-ups. Medical records are essential if you decide to file a claim later.
- Write Down What Happened — When able, write down what happened before and after the fall. Include the location, what you were doing, and anything unusual you noticed.
- Save Important Records — Keep copies of hospital bills, test results, prescriptions, and any documents related to time missed from work. These can help support a legal claim.
- Avoid Signing Too Soon — Insurance companies or other parties may contact you, requesting statements or paperwork. Don’t sign or agree to anything until you’ve spoken with a lawyer who can explain your options.
- Talk To A Lawyer When You’re Ready — A skylight accident lawyer can help you understand what steps to take next. Getting legal guidance early can protect your rights and help you avoid common mistakes. At Arash Law, we review each case and explain your options clearly.
If you think your accident could have been prevented, don’t wait to learn your options. Use our online form to request your free case review.
Get The Legal Help You Need After A Skylight Accident
Skylight accidents can involve complex safety issues and multiple responsible parties. Whether your case involves a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or both, Arash Law can help. Our attorneys understand California’s workplace safety rules and know how to handle severe fall-related cases.
If you’re recovering from a skylight fall, we can review your situation, explain your legal options, and guide you through your next steps.
In addition to skylight accidents, we assist with:
- Construction-related injuries
- Truck crashes
- Motorcycle accidents
- Uber and Lyft accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Other claims handled by our experienced car accident lawyers
Arash Law proudly serves clients in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Riverside, and the rest of California.
Contact Arash Law today for a free case evaluation if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a skylight accident. Speak with a California skylight accident attorney who can explain your rights and legal options. We’re here to help you confidently take the next step toward recovery. Call (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
