Dangerous Scaffolding Accidents

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), scaffolding accidents result in 4,500 injuries and over 60 deaths each year and that almost 30 percent of all workplace deaths from falls involve scaffolding or ladders. These accidents are 100% preventable if workplace safety regulations are followed.

Leading Factors in Scaffolding Accidents:

• Defective or faulty scaffolding (either through manufacturing or design)
• Falling debris
• Faulty inspection of scaffolding
• Uninspected scaffolding
• Overloaded scaffolding
• Lack or improper use of scaffolding safety equipment
• Failure of scaffold parts (i.e. wires, bracing, guard rails, planks, etc.)

Construction and industrial sites often use scaffolding to reach upper levels of buildings. While scaffolding is commonly used to allow workers to safely access high rise infrastructures, they can also cause severe injuries as there are several hazards associated with their use.

Many times, scaffolding is missing important items like bracing that prevents workers from falling. Other common problems causing dangerous scaffolding involves the failure to place the proper footing on the scaffolding allowing it to become unstable and even collapse.

Some specialty trades use scaffolding called “pump jacks” to reach upper levels of a building under construction or undergoing maintenance/repair work. These scaffolding must have the appropriate bracing in place on the support poles or they can collapse or tip backwards from the building.

Our client, while working for the City, fell when the scaffolding collapsed due to faulty components. He is now paraplegic. Our Personal Injury Lawyers obtained a recovery of $5,000,000.00

Common Scaffolding Injuries Scaffold collapse injuries can range in severity. It is not uncommon for us to see the following injuries after a scaffolding incident:

• Spinal cord injuries including paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken or dislocated bones
• Severe lacerations or punctures
• Loss of or damage to a bodily organ
• Significant disfigurement
• Amputations

Each of these injuries requires extensive medical attention. Not only will this lead to major medical bills, but the injured person may not be able to work while they recover. Lost income could jeopardize the financial stability of their family. If a scaffold accident victim is disabled, they may require lifelong care.

Safety Standards The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes regulations on scaffold safety, including how to construct, maintain, and use scaffolds.

In addition, many private organizations publish scaffold safety standards. Violations of these standards can be used as evidence of negligence in personal injury cases resulting from scaffold accidents.

Experienced Representation Against Insurance Companies Employees who have suffered an injury in a workplace accident find that insurance companies are often quick to offer settlements, or pressure them into signing waivers that limit their rights. Our Work Injury Attorneys have significant experience taking on big insurance companies or liable third parties, and defend our clients' right to receive full and fair compensation.

The Dallas Work Injury Lawyers of Miller Weisbrod offer informed counsel and experienced representation to clients in Texas and nationwide. To discuss your case in a free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer, please fill out the contact form on this page to schedule an appointment. You can also call us directly at 214-987-0005 or toll free at 888-987-0005.