Work injuries happen daily across the United States – especially in the construction industry. One of the most common accidents in construction is scaffolding collapses or other equipment malfunctions. Such instances can result in severe injuries, some of which can affect you for the rest of your life. In these cases, it is your right to file a claim for the damages you incurred. The experienced and knowledgeable construction accident lawyers at Friedman Levy will work closely with you to seek the compensation you deserve after a scaffolding accident.
Potential Scaffolding Accident Injuries
No matter the project, OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) will have laws that preside over the construction site where you work. These statutes present standards to which all equipment used in your work, including scaffoldings, will be held. Why do these laws matter? In compliance with OSHA standards, your employer is responsible for supplying a safe work environment, meaning the scaffolding will be assembled and maintained with excellent care and attention to detail.
Despite these laws, OSHA has estimated that approximately 10% of all fatal accidents at construction sites are due to faulty scaffoldings or mishaps related to this equipment. Most of these incidents are caused primarily by flawed planning support or poor structural integrity. From these incidents, most construction workers tend to incur the following injuries:
- Fractures
- TBIs (traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions)
- Spinal cord injury Internal organ damage (i.e., ruptured organs, bleeding, etc.)
These severe injuries will likely keep you out of work for some time, even after being treated by a medical professional. Workers’ compensation should cover your employer, so you can file through this policy and pursue legal action to recover your financial losses.
What Types of Compensation Can You Recover from Scaffolding Accident Claims?
Physical injuries aren’t the only damage you may endure from scaffolding accidents. These events can lead to devastating impacts on other parts of your life as well. A brief list of the types of damages you can recover as a result of your incident, aside from medical expenses, is outlined below:
- Lost wages (The earnings you lost due to time taken off work for recovery should be compensated.)
- Reduced earnings (If your accident caused any temporary or permanent disability, you might be unable to fulfill your job requirements in the same capacity as before.)
- Pain and suffering (You may be experiencing severe psychological or emotional distress after the incident. Your claim must cover any psychiatric help.)
Speak with a lawyer to determine who should be held accountable for the incident since the case may not be as straightforward as expected. The following parties should be considered for liability:
- The scaffolding manufacturer
- Your employer
- A colleague who may have acted negligently and caused the events leading to your accident
- The contractor presiding over the job site
- The property owner
To assist you in proving liability for your case, your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the incident. With all necessary documentation, you can rest assured that they will recover all documentation to ensure that not a cent comes out of your pocket to cover your recovery.
