NYC Scaffold Accident FAQs
Falls are one of the four leading causes of death at construction sites in the United States. Falls from scaffolds are one of the most common reasons for deaths. Also, scaffolds themselves can fall and injure workers or pedestrians in the vicinity. Here are the answers to some common questions about scaffold injuries and lawsuits.
What Causes Scaffold Injuries or Deaths?
- Poor safety training on job sites
- Inadequate safety equipment
- Shoddy construction of the scaffolding
- Failure to comply with OSHA rules for securing the scaffold
- Substandard materials to construct the scaffold
How Many People Are Injured or Killed in Scaffold Accidents?
In 2018 OSHA reported that 61 workers were killed in scaffold accidents. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, scaffold falls accounted for 14% of the total deaths from falls on worksites between 2011-2013. In addition, there are roughly 4,500 people injured each year from scaffolding.
What Causes Scaffold Injuries?
Most of the people that are hurt in scaffold accidents are workers who fall from scaffolding. The scaffold could either be built in such a way that does not provide fall protection, or an employee may have been provided with inadequate safety protection. In addition, the contractor could either poorly maintain the scaffold or not keep the surface of it free from debris. This means that an employee may trip or fall off the scaffold. Finally, the scaffolding may be too close to power lines, possibly leading to electrocution.
What Are Common Scaffold Injuries?
Most scaffold injuries involve falls from a height. Depending on the height of the fall itself the injuries could be catastrophic. Some common injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
Scaffold falls and injuries can cause lifelong effects that may keep the victim from ever returning to work or enjoying their life again. It is essential to be compensated for all aspects of a scaffold injury.
Who Can Sue for a Scaffold Accident?
Anyone who has been hurt by a fall from a scaffold, struck by a collapsing scaffold or any objects or things falling from it can sue if they have been hurt. This includes:
- Workers who fall
- Anyone injured by falling objects or the collapsing scaffold itself in the vicinity, including workers or non-workers
When there is a tall structure on a worksite, everyone on it and near it is in possible danger from negligence.
Who Are Possible Defendants in a Scaffold Accident Lawsuit?
There are several possible parties that can be sued for a scaffold accident. They include:
- Any maker of the scaffolding itself
- Certain contractors who may be responsible for the scaffold
- Certain contractors who caused or contributed to the collapse or the condition where objects fell from it.
Contact a New York Scaffolding Accident Attorney Today
Construction site injuries can lead to compensation in a number of ways. Contact the Law Office of David M. Kaufman online or call us at 631-761-6400 to schedule your free initial consultation. We will take the time to answer all of your questions and explain the legal process to you in detail. We pride ourselves on our personal touch in helping you.