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A Dept. of Labor report found that 65%–some 2.3 million—construction workers work on scaffolds. That’s a stunning number of people. The same report finds that scaffolding accidents create some 4,500 injuries and more than 60 deaths a year. Planking or support collapsing, the worker slipping, or the worker getting hit by a falling object caused 72% of these accidents. These accidents could have been avoided, the report states.
When our workers head out to construction sites they know that they are working in dangerous conditions. That’s precisely why they have the right to work in environment that follows the strictest of safety standards. Both the federal and state governments regulate how to place scaffolding.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a scaffolding accident, give us a call at 404-400-4000 for a free consultation.
What should I do if I or a loved one has been injured in scaffolding accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a scaffolding accident, if you can, take down as much information as possible. Who is the contractor? Who put up the scaffolding? Were there any witnesses, if so, get their names and telephone numbers. Take as many photos as possible.
You have 30 days to alert your manager, but this can be as simple as telling a coworker or supervisor.
And, of course, make sure you are getting proper medical treatment.
These types of accidents tend to be quite serious and you or your loved one may have been unable to gather this type of information. Our investigators at John Foy & Associates can recreate the accident and gather the names of the companies involved.
Do NOT make any recorded statements with anyone—your manager, an insurance representative, another attorney—without first consulting your own attorney. Of course, we want and expect you to tell the truth, but you need a lawyer at your side.
John Foy & Associates is located in the heart of Atlanta. From our offices we see construction projects around this great city. Call John Foy & Associates at 404-400-4000 for a free and confidential consultation.
Why do construction sites use scaffolding?
Construction sites use scaffolding so that workers can access the greatest area in a safe, protected manner. Scaffolding is a temporary structure placed around bridges, buildings and other man-made structures. They are highly regulated because of their danger; often scaffolding companies are separate entities because the specialty is so complicated and dangerous.
What are the statistics for scaffolding accidents?
OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, cited that the scaffolding violations are the No. 1 reason for citations on construction sites. Falls, whether from scaffolding or ladders, are the No. 1 cause of construction deaths. Of the 891 deaths from falls from 2008-2010, 14.60% were from scaffolding or temporary staging, according to the Center for Construction and Training.
Considering that almost every construction worker spends time on scaffolding, this is a serious matter. Electricians, ironworkers, painters, carpenters, masons, all spend time on a scaffold.
What should I do if a loved one or I was injured as a bystander from falling scaffolding?
If you or a loved one has been injured as a bystander from falling scaffolding, write down as much information as you can. Take photographs of the site, document any witnesses and phone numbers. If you can, get the name of the construction company. Projects often have placards stating the name of the responsible party. Take a photograph of that information.
Do NOT discuss this case with the construction workers. There will be plenty of time to talk about the case, but you need medical treatment and legal help. Do NOT make a recorded phone call about this case until you employ at attorney.
And contact a personal injury attorney at John Foy & Associates, 404-400-4000. You have been injured by someone else’s negligence and have the right to be compensated for necessary medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What are the common injuries from scaffolding accidents?
Common injuries from scaffolding are:
- Traumatic brain injuries—these can cause permanent damage to a person’s intellect or personality
- Fractures of extremities
- Spinal cord injuries
- Sprains, strains, tissue damage
- Death
Does it make a difference if I suffered a scaffolding accident at work?
Yes, if you are injured on the job, you have the right to a workers compensation claim. The state of Georgia states that every worker is covered from the first day on the job. Workers compensation pays for medical treatments and provides a small income for you while you recover.
My boss says I am partly responsible for the scaffolding accident? Do I still have a case?
Georgia’s workers compensation is set up as a no-fault system. It doesn’t matter who is at fault, if you were injured on the job, you have a right to a workers compensation claim.
And don’t let anyone blame you for an accident. Your manager has the responsibility to train you and provide you with safe equipment. In the heat of any accident, it’s easy to angrily point the finger. But investigators at John Foy & Associates will look at the accident professionally and scientifically. We have more than 20 years experience helping those who have been injured in construction accidents.
My spouse was killed in a scaffolding accident. Do I have a case against his employer?
First, let us offer our sincere condolences. To lose someone you love and rely on is quite devastating. Nothing can bring them back. As the spouse, you have the right to file a wrongful death claim. We can pursue financial compensation, and we can work with the courts to make sure that no one else loses a spouse due to this type of negligence.
John Foy & Associates, sadly, in our 20-plus years has a lot of experience with these types of cases. You will be treated with as much dignity and privacy as possible. You only get one chance to file a wrongful death case. Make sure you have proper legal representation. Give us a call at 404-400-4000.
Do I need different attorneys for a workers compensation case and a personal injury case?
You only need different attorneys if you employ a law firm that only practices one or the other. John Foy & Associates can help you with both the workers compensation case and a personal injury case. Our 20-plus attorneys and 100 staff members work together to ensure that each case gets our fullest attention.
How can John Foy & Associates help me if I have been injured in a scaffolding accident?
If you have been injured in a scaffolding accident, either as a worker or a bystander, you only have one chance to be compensated for your pain and suffering. These kinds of cases can be quite complicated; construction sites tend to have multiple companies with several employees and contractors who don’t always know each other. You may have a personal injury claim, a workers compensation claim or both.
John Foy & Associates is a well-established, and well-respected– personal injury firm in Atlanta. We have more than 20 years of experience in fighting for victims of construction accidents. Personal injury attorneys do not get paid until there is a settlement. If there is no settlement, they don’t get paid. Because we’re a large firm we can afford to fight a long time to get you the best settlement possible. We can wait and we can absorb any costs.
You deserve strength, integrity and experience from your attorney. Give us a call at 404-400-4000 for a free consultation. Our phones are answered anytime of day, any day of the year.
