Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers Discuss the Risk of Injury from Scaffolding Accidents

Working on scaffolding equipment can be a very dangerous job. It is also very common, with over half of all construction workers engaging in this type of labor. Each year, over 4,500 construction workers are injured and 50 workers are killed in scaffolding accidents.

Because of the risks inherent in this type of work, federal and state agencies heavily regulate the installation and maintenance of scaffolds. For example, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regulates scaffolds to protect construction workers from accidents that are easily avoidable. Sadly, many construction companies do not comply with OSHA’s mandates, resulting in countless construction site accidents every year.

Scaffolding accidents can be caused by many factors, including improper use of scaffolding by a construction team, improper installation of scaffolding, defective components of the scaffold structure and inadequate maintenance of the structure. These oversights can result in workers suffering fractures, head injuries, scarring, disability, brain injury, spinal cord injury and unfortunately, even fatality.

Scaffolding injuries can occur when workers slip and fall while working on the scaffold, or when tools or other equipment fall from the scaffolding striking workers below. Such accidents can cause serious blunt force trauma, and a hardhat may not always provide adequate protection. Electricians and painters are at risk for suffering burn injuries while working around wiring on scaffolds.

If you are injured in a scaffolding accident, seek immediate medical attention. You should also contact an experienced Philadelphia construction accident lawyer right away. Immediate investigation and preservation of evidence are critical to proving your case. Witnesses must be questioned promptly and court orders may be required to preserve evidence. It is also important that investigating authorities such as OSHA are contacted following a scaffolding accident. An experienced Philadelphia construction accident lawyer can help you navigate this process.

Following a scaffolding accident, you may face high medical bills and a long period of disability resulting in lost wages. If you were injured on the job, you will likely be entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits. However, Workers’ Compensation cannot adequately compensate construction workers for permanent losses and disability caused by a serious scaffolding accident. For this reason, a third-party claim may be pursued.

Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers Fight for Victims of Scaffolding Accidents

If you or someone in your family has suffered an injury caused by construction scaffolding, you do not have to fight alone. The respected Philadelphia construction accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law represent victims of scaffolding accidents in Philadelphia, Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey. Speak with a lawyer today at 856-414-0010 or submit an online contact form.