Construction work is inherently dangerous, and working on scaffolding is one of the most precarious locations for any worker. Without proper procedures or safety equipment, scaffolding poses an endless risk of injuries related to falling objects, falling from the scaffolding, or scaffold collapse. Such injuries are often catastrophic, affecting victims for the rest of their lives.
If you were injured in a scaffolding accident, you are likely facing a long road to recovery from your injuries while worrying about medical bills piling up and missed time from work. For many employees, Texas’s non-subscriber law means workers’ compensation is not an option. However, you still have options for getting compensation for your injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. A dedicated Hitchcock scaffolding accident injury lawyer can help you gather evidence to file a work accident lawsuit against responsible parties for all damages related to your accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Scaffolding Accidents?
Accidents involving scaffolding are often the result of someone’s negligence. The most common underlying reasons for these accidents are lack of proper safety equipment, unsafe working conditions, and poorly constructed scaffolding. These causes relate to negligent actions taken by equipment manufacturers, employers, and sometimes other individuals at the scene. For example, any of the following parties may be found liable for a scaffolding accident resulting in injuries.
Scaffolding Equipment Manufacturers
Poor quality, incorrect assembly, and other factors can lead to scaffolding collapse, falling hazards, or workers being crushed under the equipment. Legal teams can inspect the equipment and accident reports to determine if manufacturing errors caused the accident.
Employers or Supervisors
Lack of adequate safety equipment, limited training, and poor work site procedures all represent unsafe working conditions. Employers or supervisors who create dangerous working conditions can be held liable for injuries caused by an accident that resulted from an unsafe environment.
Third Parties
A company that rents or assembles a platform can be held responsible for negligent actions, such as improper assembly or supplying damaged equipment. In another situation, another worker can be held responsible when improper work procedures led to falling equipment or tools that caused an injury.
Compensation for Scaffolding Accident Injuries
Scaffolding accidents can include falling from great heights, getting crushed under a platform, or being hit by heavy falling debris. These incidents cause a range of severe injuries that can include head injuries, spinal cord injury, paralysis, internal bleeding, multiple broken bones, etc. Damages awarded in lawsuits are designed to compensate the victim for all the ways they are affected by such life-altering injuries, and may include the following.
- Medical expenses (including ongoing treatments)
- Lost wages
- Loss of the ability to earn future wages
- Permanent disability
- Funeral expenses (if the accident resulted in death)
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The types of compensation a person is eligible for depend on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of injuries.
Contact a Scaffolding Accident Attorney in Hitchcock to Discuss Your Case
Scaffolding accidents are devastating and often preventable. Unsafe work environments and poorly assembled equipment are negligent actions that are punishable by law. If you were injured in a scaffolding accident, you need an experienced personal injury attorney who can investigate the cause of the accident and help you get the compensation you deserve. A skilled Hitchcock scaffolding accident injury lawyer at Schechter, Shaffer, & Harris, LLP can help you hold responsible individuals accountable and get you the compensation that will support the best recovery possible. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
