Delaware Scaffolding Accidents Lawyers Protecting Workers’ Rights

We are used to seeing scaffolding as part of almost any construction site. It allows workers to reach high areas to repair, build, clean, and paint them without the hassle of ladders. They can also be used for projects where ladders would not be feasible, such as skyscrapers. With the convenience of scaffolding also comes the risks of falls and collapses. This is why scaffolding is held to a high standard of design and construction, and those using it are supposed to have the best safety equipment and thorough training to be able to use the scaffolding properly. However, sometimes there are gaps in these safety measures, and workers get injured due to the negligence of others. At Hudson, Castle, & Inkell, LLC, we protect the rights of personal injury victims, including people who have suffered injuries involving scaffolding on a construction site. If you or a loved one have been injured in a scaffolding accident, schedule a free consultation today: (302) 428-8800

What Factors Can Contribute to Scaffolding Accidents?

Scaffolding accidents can cause serious harm, sometimes to several construction workers at once, even if they are using safety equipment. The right of injured construction workers to recover damages from their employer is usually but not always covered by the state’s workers’ compensation laws. Some examples of these situations can include:

• Negligence in the design, construction, or sale of the scaffolding parts
• Failure by subcontractors or third parties to properly construct the scaffold or to take the appropriate precautions to ensure your safety
• Negligence in supervision, training, or staffing, resulting in unsafe conditions on a scaffold
• Violations of OSHA regulations involving a scaffold, ladder, or forklift

If there were other entities responsible for the accident, you might be able to recover compensation from these entities for your injuries, above and beyond workers’ compensation. If you have suffered an injury in a scaffolding accident, you should contact a personal injury lawyer to get formal legal advice on your rights and options for filing a lawsuit.

What Injuries Can Result From a Scaffolding Accident?

Since scaffolding is typically used to reach high or difficult-to-access areas for maintenance at factories and other businesses and also at construction sites, some of the most common accidents involve falls from the scaffolding. These falls can cause severe injuries and even death and may be exacerbated by falling into areas with chemicals, heavy machinery, or high heat, depending on the type of facility or site the worker is at. Scaffolding can also tip over or collapse, causing injuries to both those working on it and those below it. Items such as tools may also fall off the scaffolding, striking workers below and causing damage. Some common injuries can include:

• Broken bones
• Concussions and other head trauma
• Cuts and bruises
• Organ damage
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Death

Secondary injuries may also occur from falling into chemicals or areas of high heat, such as burns or lung damage. Blood clots can also form from fall-related injuries and can cause strokes and lead to other disabilities.

What Compensation Might Be Awarded for a Scaffolding Accident?

Injured workers who have suffered harm from scaffolding accidents may find themselves in a difficult situation. Aside from potentially having chronic pain and ongoing rehabilitation and doctor’s visits from their injuries, they may be facing hefty medical bills that they struggle to pay because they missed work or lost their job due to their injury. Workers’ compensation may cover some expenses but may not be enough for everything. Holding those responsible for your accident liable means getting proper compensation for what you’ve endured. Some of the compensation you may be eligible to receive include:

• Actual compensatory damages: These compensate for tangible financial losses that occurred as a result of your injury. This could include medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses.
• General compensatory damages: These are non-monetary losses caused by the accident. In this category is compensation for future medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of a loved one, and other damages.
• Punitive damages: This is different from the compensatory damages and can be awarded in addition to them. This compensation is meant to dissuade the responsible parties from committing the same act that caused the injury again. Punitive damages may be assessed if the defendant was found to be willfully malicious in their actions.

Why Hire a Lawyer for Your Scaffolding Accident Claim?

Scaffolding accidents can cause life-long pain and disability for injured workers, along with giant medical bills and possible emotional scarring. It can be difficult to sort out the legal liability of all the parties involved in your accident. Having injury lawyers on your side who know the law and can perform the investigations needed to prove who is at fault can make the difference in getting you the compensation you deserve. In your scaffolding accident case, our personal injury attorneys will work hard to achieve justice for you and your family.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a scaffolding accident, the personal injury lawyers at Hudson, Castle, & Inkell, LLC, will fight to help you get the maximum compensation. We charge you nothing unless we win or settle your case. Contact us at (302) 428-8800 today.