Workplace Fall from Height in Ramat Gan — Full Legal Representation for Compensation

Work Accidents from Falls at Height — Definition and Risks

Falls from height in the workplace are among the most serious types of work accidents in Israel. When a worker falls from height (from a window, roof, building, ladder, pergola, or balcony), the risk of severe bodily injury is very high. Bodily damages from falls at height include fractures, spinal injuries, head injuries, internal injuries, paralysis, permanent disability, and sometimes loss of life.

Under the National Insurance Law in Israel, every worker injured in a work accident is entitled to compensation from the National Insurance Institute. Additionally, in certain circumstances, an injured worker can file a civil claim for full compensation against the employer, contractor, project developer, or insurance companies, if there is legal liability.

The office of Mandelboim, Gor, Witzman-Gor and Co. at Donash 1, Ramat Gan, specializes in representing claimants exclusively in tort claims arising from work accidents involving falls from height. We guide you through every stage of the proceedings — from filing the initial claim to achieving full compensation through settlement or court judgment.

Types of Damages and Entitlements in a Fall from Height Accident

When you are injured in a fall from height at work, you may be entitled to compensation for several types of damages:

• Direct bodily damages: Fractures, lacerations, spinal injuries, paralysis, permanent disability, loss of family members.
• Loss of earning capacity: If the injury prevents you from returning to work, you are entitled to compensation for lost income and future earning capacity.
• Medical expenses: Treatment, examinations, medications, rehabilitation, physiotherapy.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional suffering caused by the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the reduction in quality of life and inability to perform activities you were previously able to do.

Furthermore, if there is legal liability of the employer, contractor, or third party (such as safety deficiencies, failure to use protective equipment, or negligence), you can file a civil lawsuit for compensation in addition to National Insurance benefits.

Process for Filing a Workplace Accident Claim Involving a Fall from Height

When you are injured in a workplace accident, you must take precise steps to protect your rights:

1. Immediate Report to Employer and National Insurance: Every workplace accident must be reported to the National Insurance Institute within a reasonable timeframe. This is essential for establishing an official file and enabling you to file a claim.
2. Medical Examination and Expert Opinion: The National Insurance Institute will require you to undergo a medical examination. Additionally, in a civil claim, you can request an independent medical expert opinion to prove the severity of your injury.
3. Filing a Claim with National Insurance: A claim for National Insurance benefits is typically filed within two years of the accident.
4. Civil Lawsuit Against the Employer or Third Party: If there is legal liability, an attorney can file a lawsuit in court for full compensation.
5. Negotiation or Legal Proceedings: Most claims are resolved through settlement; however, in certain cases, legal proceedings are necessary.

Mandelboim, Gor, Witzman-Gor Law Firm will stand by your side at every step. We will handle claim filing, gather evidence, obtain medical expert opinions, and negotiate with the National Insurance Institute and insurance companies to achieve maximum compensation for you.

Important Legal Distinctions in Fall from Height Accidents

In workplace accidents involving fall from height, there are several important legal distinctions that every injured party should understand:

Employer's Responsibility for Safety

In Israel, an employer is required to provide a safe working environment. This includes the use of protective equipment (safety harnesses, helmets, safety nets), safety training, periodic inspections of equipment, and compliance with workplace safety regulations. If the employer failed to meet these obligations and this led to a fall, the employer may be held legally liable.

Responsibility of Contractors and Developers

In construction projects, contractors and developers must comply with workplace safety regulations for work at height. If they neglect this obligation, they may be held liable for the fall. For example, if there was no railing at the edge of the roof, no safety nets, or if the equipment was damaged, this could constitute legal negligence.

Injured Party's Contribution (Comparative Negligence)

In certain cases, the court examines whether the injured party themselves contributed to the accident. For example, if the injured party did not use a safety harness despite it being available, or if they acted in negligence. In Israel, if the injured party contributed to the accident, the compensation may be reduced accordingly. However, in workplace accidents, the burden of proof on the employer is heavier.

National Insurance versus Civil Claim

It is important to understand the difference: national insurance provides fixed benefits (such as disability percentages, monthly pension, medical expenses). A civil claim allows you to claim full compensation for all damages, including pain and suffering. At times, both exist in parallel — you receive benefits from national insurance and additionally compensation from the employer or insurance company.

Accuracy in Accident Date and Reporting

For a claim to be valid, an accurate report of the accident is necessary, including the date, time, location, and witness details. This affects the validity of the claim in court and your entitlement to benefits.

Compensation Ranges in Fall from Height Accidents

The amount of compensation in a fall from height accident depends on several factors:

• Severity of Injury: Whether there are fractures, paralysis, permanent disability or loss of life.
• Age of Injured Party and Prior Health Condition: A young injured party with a long life expectancy may receive higher compensation.
• Loss of Income: If the injured party cannot return to work, compensation for future lost income will be substantial.
• Future Medical Expenses: Treatment, rehabilitation, and assistive equipment can be costly.
• Legal Liability: If the employer or a third party was entirely responsible, compensation will be full. If there is contributory negligence by the injured party, compensation may be reduced.

For example, in a fall accident resulting in severe fractures and temporary loss of earning capacity, compensation may range in the tens of thousands of shekels. In cases of permanent disability or paralysis, compensation can reach hundreds of thousands of shekels or more. Each case is examined individually according to its specific facts.

What You Must Do Immediately After a Fall from Height Accident

If you or a family member has been injured in a fall from height accident at work, here are the important steps:

1. You Must Receive Medical Treatment

The first step is immediate medical treatment. If the injury is severe, call 101 or go to a hospital. Even if the injury appears minor, it is important to see a doctor to document the damages in official medical documentation. This documentation will be critical in your legal claim.

2. Report to Your Employer and National Insurance

Report the accident to your employer in writing (if possible). Additionally, file a report with National Insurance within a reasonable timeframe. This is essential to establish an official file and have the accident recognized as a work accident.

3. Collect Witnesses and Evidence

If there were witnesses to the accident, obtain their names and contact details. Collect all relevant documents — photographs from the scene, safety reports, medical reports, employer communications.

4. Preserve All Medical Documentation

Keep a copy of every medical report, examination, treatment, medication, and doctor visit. This will be important evidence of the damages you suffered.

5. Contact a Lawyer Immediately

Mandelboim, Gor, Witzman-Gor will provide you with free legal advice at your first consultation. We will review your case, explain your rights, and develop a legal strategy. It is important to contact us soon because there are legal deadlines (this topic will be explained in detail in the FAQ below).

Legal Liability in Construction Accidents

In construction projects, several entities may be legally liable for a fall:

• Main Contractor: Responsible for safety regulations for work at heights, use of protective equipment, safety training.
• Project Developer: Must ensure the contractor complies with safety regulations.
• Safety Supervisor: Responsible for supervising the safety conditions on the site.
• Equipment Manufacturer: If protective equipment was defective or faulty, the manufacturer may be liable.
• Insurance Company: Under certain circumstances, the contractor's or employer's insurance company may be required to provide compensation.

An experienced lawyer will identify all responsible parties and file claims against them to ensure you receive full compensation.