Construction sites can be riddled with hazards, especially when scaffolding is involved. Between the large materials, sharp tools, and heavy machinery present at most construction sites, it’s no wonder why adding scaffolding to the mix often results in serious injuries. When constructing tall buildings, or when workers need to reach great heights, they often build temporary structures to work from. These structures, referred to as scaffolding, can vary in size, height, and stability. Unfortunately, these structures can be very dangerous, both to the workers and passing bystanders. If you were injured in a scaffolding accident, it’s important that you understand how the accident was caused and who is liable for the resulting damages.
How Are Scaffolding Accidents Caused?
Scaffolding accidents can be caused by any number of careless or negligent acts. Scaffolding materials themselves are sometimes unstable because they were built improperly or poorly cared for, leading to bends, breaks, or collapses. Such accidents might also be caused by the negligence of a construction site manager, or a site owner. If construction workers are poorly or inadequately trained, it could also lead to a construction accident, especially if an inexperienced worker is asked to work on scaffolding. Sometimes faulty equipment, extreme heights, or lack of required safety precautions could also lead to a scaffolding accident.
Types of Scaffolding Accidents
When scaffolding breaks, falls, or becomes unstable, workers can fall from great heights, causing untold injuries. Likewise, if a worker is inadequately secured atop the scaffolding, or slips on a misplaced tool, he or she could also fall. Any sort of fall could result in broken bones, concussions and other head injuries, bruises, scrapes, cuts, and even death. While falling may be the most common incident associated with scaffolding, those working or walking below the scaffolding could also be injured by falling objects or debris. Such injuries could result in concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or broken bones.
Who Could Be Liable?
There are many parties who could be held responsible for a scaffolding accident, depending on the circumstances of the incident and the cause. If the equipment failed or malfunctioned, the manufacturer or designer could be to blame. However, if the construction site lacked safety measures or if untrained workers were allowed to work on the scaffolding when the accident occurred, the site manager or owner may be liable.
If you were injured in a scaffolding accident, it is important that you take swift action to defend your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. Whether you are an injured worker or bystander, the injuries and resulting damage of a scaffolding accident can be extremely painful and costly to recover from. Not only are such injuries typically painful and serious, they are sometimes life-threatening. In fact, according to OSHA, nearly 10% of all construction-related fatalities are caused by scaffolding accidents. In the event that someone you love died in a scaffolding accident, our firm wants to help you seek compensation on their behalf.
Contact Lyons & Simmons, LLP to discuss your scaffolding construction accident case with our Dallas personal injury attorneys.