If it just happened
Emergency? Call 911- 1Call 911 immediately.
- 2Don't move the person unless there's immediate danger like fire, falling material or traffic.
- 3Keep them still and warm, and keep talking with them if they're conscious.
- 4Block off or guard the opening so no one else falls.
- 5Tell the foreman or site supervisor and make sure the injury is reported to the employer in writing.
- 6Leave the cover, skylight frame or guardrail as it is, and photograph it when safe.
- 7Write down who was working nearby and who installed or removed the cover.
General information only — not medical or legal advice.
Reporting it and the claim process
Falls through openings often trace back to a few common situations: a skylight that looks solid but isn't, a hole covered with a loose sheet of plywood that wasn't marked or secured, a guardrail removed for a delivery, or an opening created by another trade. In the report, describe what covered the opening, whether it was labeled, and who was responsible for it if known.
Construction sites usually involve a general contractor and several subcontractors. The injured worker reports to their own employer, but write down which companies were on site and who controlled that area.
Deadlines to report and file vary by state. Check with your state's workers' compensation agency as soon as possible. A family member can call the employer for the claim number if the worker can't.
Keep hospital records, photos, witness names and a log of calls in one place. Long recoveries create a lot of paperwork, and having it together helps.
Getting medical care
Emergency and hospital care come first. Follow-up often involves orthopedics, spine care, neurology and concussion care, and rehabilitation. A licensed clinician decides what care is appropriate after an evaluation.
Make sure providers know how far the fall was and what the person landed on. Some states and employers have rules about which provider handles follow-up, so ask the employer or adjuster once the emergency is over.
Prescriptions after a serious fall often continue for some time. Ask the pharmacy and adjuster how work-injury prescriptions are handled; home delivery can help while the person can't get around.
Prescribed medication? Learn about prescription home delivery, common medications after work injuries, or find pharmacies near you. Your doctor and pharmacist decide what is right for you.
When people often talk to an attorney
- The fall caused a spinal cord injury, head injury or other serious lasting injury.
- Another contractor created, uncovered or failed to guard the opening.
- The property owner or general contractor controlled the site.
- The injured worker is told they're a contractor without coverage.
- The claim is denied, delayed or payments stop.
- The family has questions about long-term care and benefits.
Learn more: what a workers' comp attorney does. Many offer a free first consultation; fees in workers' comp are often regulated by the state.
Recovery and going back to work
Recovery after a fall like this may involve hospital time, rehabilitation and months of therapy. Following the care plan and keeping appointments is important.
Ask the doctors about restrictions and expected timelines, and ask the employer about any work that fits. If returning to construction isn't possible, ask whether your state offers retraining.
Serious falls are hard on the whole family. Hospital social workers can often help with resources. Keep the employer and adjuster updated.
Questions to ask
- Doctor: What injuries were found, and what's the plan for the next few weeks?
- Doctor: Will rehabilitation be needed?
- Employer: Can I get a copy of the incident report?
- Employer: Who was responsible for covering or guarding the opening?
- Adjuster: What is the claim number, and who do I call with questions?
- Adjuster: How are hospital bills, prescriptions and travel handled?
- Attorney: Another trade removed the cover. Does that change our options?
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if a coworker fell through a floor opening or skylight?
Call 911 right away and keep them still unless they're in immediate danger. Block off the opening so no one else falls. Report the injury to the employer in writing once the emergency is handled.
Is a fall through a skylight covered by workers' comp?
Falls through openings on the job are often handled through workers' compensation, depending on your state and the worker's status. Report it in writing. Check deadlines with your state's agency.
Who is responsible when a worker falls through an unmarked hole?
Workers' compensation usually applies through the employer. If another contractor or the property owner created or failed to cover the opening, there may be other questions. Many families talk with an attorney.
Why are skylight falls so common?
Skylights and translucent roof panels can look sturdy but may not hold a person's weight. Workers sometimes step or sit on them without realizing it. Guarding and covering them is a common safety step.
Can family members talk to the adjuster for an injured worker?
Often, yes, especially if the worker is hospitalized. The adjuster may ask for permission from the worker. Keep notes of every call.
What injuries are common from falling through a floor opening?
Broken bones, spine injuries, head injuries and internal injuries are common. Some aren't obvious right away. Emergency evaluation matters.
Related situations
Industries where this often happens
Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only. Workers' compensation rules and deadlines vary by state — check with your state's workers' compensation agency. Medical emergency? Call 911. Hurt outside of work? Personal-injury legal help: attorneys.plus (coming soon).