Nanuet Scaffolding Accident Lawyer

Many workplaces have become considerably safer over the past century. Federal, state, and local regulations exist to protect workers and minimize their chances of suffering on-the-job injuries. Unfortunately, even with increased safety protections, workplace accidents still occur with alarming frequency, particularly when workers must perform their job duties from heights. Falls from heights remain a large problem for construction workers, window washers, exterior painters, maintenance workers, and others who need to work from scaffolds.

If you recently sustained injuries in a fall from a scaffold, you might be able to work with a construction injury attorney on getting compensation for your losses. A Nanuet scaffolding accident lawyer from StolzenbergCortelli, LLP could review the details of your accident and let you know if you have a potentially viable compensation claim.

Types of Scaffolding Accidents

Construction sites are highly active, which means scaffold-related injuries can take a variety of forms. The most commonly seen types of accidents involve the following:

• Falls from a scaffold due to inadequate safety harnessing or other protection equipment
• The collapse of a scaffold due to overloading or instability
• The collapse of a scaffold due to improper setup or lack of maintenance
• Being struck by debris, tools, or other materials falling from a scaffold and injuring people underneath
• Electrocution or electrical shock from having a scaffold set up too close to overhead electrical power lines

A Nanuet scaffolding accident attorney from StolzenbergCortelli, LLP could examine the incident to see if the site managers took appropriate actions to minimize the risks. For instance, employers should train workers on how to get on and off scaffolding safely, and should provide continuous supervision. They should also set up guardrails and body harnesses, as well as continually inspect the scaffolding and safety equipment to see if it has become unsafe due to wear and tear.

Employers must also ensure they do not overload the scaffold or allow workers to carry loose objects that could fall off. Workers on the ground should wear hard hats to protect themselves from falling objects and employers should not make their employees use scaffolds in inclement weather.

Potential Compensation Sources After a Scaffold Accident

When a construction worker suffers a workplace injury, they might have more than one avenue of compensation. An injured worker might look first to their employer’s workers’ compensation plan for coverage. Most employers carry insurance to protect their workers who suffer harm while on the job. At StolzenbergCortelli, LLP, a Nanuet scaffolding injury attorney could help an injured employee receive their rightful benefits.

However, workers’ comp benefits are limited in scope. These benefits only provide compensation for reasonable medical expenses, a portion of an injured worker’s lost wages, and for disfigurement or loss of motor function.

An attorney could perform an in-depth investigation of the accident to see if anyone other than the injured worker’s direct employer could be to blame for the incident. Potential defendants could include the owner of the property where the accident occurred, the general contractor, a subcontractor, or the engineering firm in charge of the project. If the accident occurred because of defective scaffolding equipment, a worker might be able to bring a products liability claim against the product’s manufacturer or the company that leased or sold the defective equipment.

Work With a Nanuet Scaffolding Accident Attorney

Because scaffolds are so high off the ground, the potential for devastating injuries is high. Although their purpose is to protect workers and pedestrians, they can also be a hotspot for devastating accidents.

If a scaffolding incident injured you, a Nanuet scaffolding accident lawyer from StolzenbergCortelli, LLP could determine what happened and who could be legally at fault. Ask to speak with our trusted legal team and fight for the financial compensation you deserve.