According to the Occupational and Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 65 percent of construction workers perform some aspect of their job on or from a scaffold. As such, scaffolding accidents are way too common. When a construction worker falls off scaffolding or gets caught in a collapse, the results can be devastating.
California Scaffolding Accidents
If you or someone you love has been injured in a scaffolding accident in California, please don’t hesitate to contact Wilshire Law Firm for help. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the claims process while helping you fully understand your best legal options at every turn. We have the skills and knowledge to not only help you achieve maximum recovery but also expedite your case so you can start rebuilding your life sooner rather than later.
To discuss the specifics of your case with one of our dedicated legal team members, call us toll-free today at (844) 979-0933. We offer free, comprehensive, no obligation case evaluations.
Scaffolding Accident Statistics
According to statistics by the U.S. Department of Labor, scaffolding accidents injure about 5,000 people and kill more than 60 every year. Most cases involve violations of OSHA safety standards, including absence of proper guardrails or ladders, inadequately trained crew, the usage of damaged or weakened scaffolding, and excessive loads. Additionally, if workers are not warned about the dangers of aluminum scaffolding, this can lead to severe burn injuries or even death from contact with power lines.
What Are the Common Mistakes That Lead to Scaffolding Accidents?
While scaffolds are a necessary part of construction, there are many ways they can experience structural failure, most of which can be attributed to human error. They include the following:
- Scaffolding is not assembled correctly;
- Scaffolding is not properly secured;
- Scaffolding is assembled without proper handrails or guards;
- Scaffolding is not kept in good condition; and
- Scaffolding has not been adequately tested.
All of the above can lead to deterioration, collapse, and failure. Accidents can also occur due to slippery or loose scaffolding.
Investigating Third-Party Liability
Workers’ compensation laws allow injured employees to receive medical and disability benefits through their employer’s insurance but also bars them from suing their employer for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. The latter can only be obtained if there is a liable third party.
A scaffolding accident victim may be able to pursue a third-party liability lawsuit in addition to workers’ comp benefits if any of the scenarios were involved in the accident:
- Scaffold subcontractor liability
- Defective scaffold and other equipment
- Property owner premises liability
You can find out whether you have a viable third-party lawsuit by discussing the details of your case with a qualified attorney.
We Look Out for Workers
If you are a construction worker who has suffered a scaffolding injury, please don’t be afraid to come to us for help. You are entitled to compensation for medical and financial damages – and we will help you get it. Even if you are not working in the United States legally, we can still help you obtain maximum recovery for your losses. Contact our office to learn more.
