Philadelphia Scaffold Accident Lawyer

How Scaffolding Causes Injuries

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), over half of the construction industry workforce (about 2.3 million workers) performs some work on scaffolds. Each year, approximately 4,500 scaffold-related injuries occur, and approximately 50 workers lose their lives due to scaffold accidents.

Scaffolding accidents can occur due to a variety of factors. OSHA has general scaffold requirements, but sometimes, other workers and companies do not abide by them.

From falls from the scaffolding itself to the platform collapsing or tipping over, all of these causes can result in devastating injuries for workers and others near these accident sites. Here are some factors responsible for severe scaffold injuries:

Improper Installation and Maintenance

Scaffolding structures must be installed correctly and maintained regularly. Otherwise, they are not safe to use. Scaffolds not securely fastened to the building, inadequately braced, or constructed with subpar materials are at high risk of collapsing or tipping over.

All worksites should perform regular inspections to address any maintenance issues. Along with that, employees need to have comprehensive training for the installation and maintenance of scaffolding. In turn, this can prevent these accidents from occurring in the first place.

Inadequate Training

Like any job, insufficient on-the-job training can lead to accidents. Workers need proper training to use scaffolds safely, understand risks, and follow safety protocols. When these employees have training, they are aware of potential hazards.

Additionally, they will need to know how to use fall protection equipment effectively. Training should cover not only the use of personal protective equipment and safe scaffold usage but also emergency procedures in the event of a fall or other accident.

Ignoring Safety Rules

Most accidents can be attributed to disregard for safety rules. All workers must adhere to these protocols. The guidelines often cover wearing appropriate safety gear, using fall protection equipment, and following established rules for scaffold use.

Sometimes, companies and their management teams ignore these rules, cutting corners on safety. If they don’t prioritize workers’ safety on the job, that can lead to catastrophic results on the job site.

Unsecured Scaffolding

All scaffolds need to be securely fastened or braced against a solid surface. If not, it can lead to a complete collapse of the structure. However, there is more than using the proper installation techniques to keep workers safe. Companies need to make sure that their employees do not exceed any load capacity on the scaffold. In these cases, overloading the platform can cause scaffold instability.

Falling Objects

Injuries can also occur to those working below a scaffold. Objects falling from scaffolding are hazardous. Proper storage and securing of tools and materials can help prevent falling objects.

All companies should use tool lanyards, debris netting, and toe boards to reduce the risk of falling objects. Workers can become seriously injured on the job when there are no strict protocols for tool and material storage on scaffolding.

You Have Options If You’ve Been Injured When Using Scaffolds

No matter the cause, injuries suffered in a scaffolding accident can be serious and life-altering. These accidents can lead to:

• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head injuries
• Severe burns
• Internal organ damage
• Death

Many times, this can result in a prolonged inability to work and require extensive medical treatment. Each of these scenarios can result in life-changing injuries and, in some cases, fatalities.

Determining the cause and factors contributing to the scaffolding accident is vital to pursuing fair compensation for the injuries suffered. At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, our dedicated team of injury lawyers is committed to thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding your scaffolding accident.

We will listen to your story with compassion and dedication, utilizing our extensive experience and available resources to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. So, if you’re looking for thorough and attentive legal guidance, contact us to discuss what happened to you during a free initial consultation.

Who Is Liable for Scaffold Accidents Occurring on Philly Building Sites?

In scaffold accident cases in Philadelphia, several parties may be held liable for the injuries sustained by workers, such as:

• Contractors: General contractors overseeing the construction project are responsible for ensuring safe working conditions.
• Subcontractors: Subcontractors involved in scaffold installation or maintenance may share liability.
• Scaffold installation companies: Companies responsible for erecting scaffolding structures must adhere to safety standards.
• Scaffold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers: These entities may face product liability claims if a scaffold defect contributed to the accident.
• Scaffold rental companies: Companies renting out scaffolding equipment may have responsibilities related to maintenance and safety.
• Scaffold service/maintenance companies: Entities providing ongoing scaffold service and maintenance may also be liable.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Compensation

Unfortunately, many workers might not know they are entitled to certain benefits after an accident. Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system provides financial assistance to injured employees.

If you are hurt in a scaffolding accident, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits. The coverage will include the costs of medical treatment related to the injury and a portion of lost wages during the recovery period.

While filing for these benefits, you do not have to prove negligence on anyone’s part. You can file the paperwork to receive these benefits. However, workers cannot sue their employers directly for negligence. However, there are other options for recovering additional compensation under specific circumstances.

Third-party claims come into play when someone other than the employer or co-worker is responsible for the injury. These claims allow injured parties to seek compensation beyond what workers’ comp provides for the worker.

Usually, these claims can be filed alongside a workers’ compensation claim. However, there is no double recovery, meaning you cannot recover damages twice for the same injuries. Instead, these claims seek additional compensation beyond what workers’ comp covers, such as:

• Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
• Coverage is available for ongoing and future medical needs related to the injury.
• Compensation for the impact of the injury on personal relationships.

Determining whether you can pursue a third party can be complicated. For that reason, you will want to reach out to a Philadelphia scaffold accident lawyer to assist with your case. At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we can help you through this tricky legal process.

Why You Need a Scaffolding Accident Attorney

When you’ve been involved in a scaffold accident, consulting an experienced scaffold and roof accident lawyer is an important part of the process. While workers’ compensation can help with immediate bills, you might be entitled to other types of compensation. An experienced lawyer will:

Assess Liability

An experienced lawyer will thoroughly evaluate the accident’s circumstances to determine liability beyond workers’ compensation. They will look at whether any third parties contributed to the accident. Also, your lawyer will scrutinize any potential safety violations, defective equipment, or negligent actions that may have played a role in the accident.

By identifying all potentially liable parties and uncovering any additional factors that contributed to the incident, your lawyer can help you pursue additional compensation. In turn, they can help you receive the full extent of what you may be owed.

Calculate Damages

When evaluating damages for a personal injury claim, you need a skilled attorney who can analyze all the elements that contribute to the overall impact of the accident. Calculating potential compensation involves assessing the different losses incurred as a result of the incident. These losses could include:

• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages that cover the physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall diminished quality of life experienced as a result of the accident.
• Future medical bills: Anticipated medical expenses for ongoing treatment, including long-term care, follow-up appointments, and any necessary medical procedures that may be required in the future due to the accident.
• Loss of consortium: This type of compensation addresses the impact of the injury on personal relationships, including the loss of companionship, affection, and support due to the injuries suffered.

Assistance Throughout the Legal Process

When it comes to legal proceedings, having a skilled lawyer by your side is almost necessary. Your lawyer will not only guide you through negotiations or court proceedings but also represent your interests every step of the way.

Whether it’s a matter of settling disputes through negotiations or taking the case to litigation, a skilled legal representative ensures that you receive fair compensation and that your rights are protected. Many times, this experience can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

If you are searching for a law firm that understands workers’ rights, turn to Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan. An initial case review is free.

Contact the Experienced Legal Team at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan

With over 40 years of combined legal experience, the legal team at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan has worked in thousands of workplace accident cases, including those with scaffolding incidents. Over the years, several publications have routinely honored us, such as the “Top Personal Injury Lawyers in Philadelphia, PA” by Super Lawyer magazine. We are committed to providing high-quality legal representation for every client.

Whether you have suffered serious injuries or have lost a loved one, the legal team at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan is dedicated to advocating for you. Contact our office and talk to an experienced Philadelphia scaffold accident lawyer to protect your rights and explore the available options.