What You Need to Know About Scaffold Injuries in Los Angeles
Construction accidents are tragically common. The construction workforce has increased rapidly in recent years, jumping 25% between 2011 and 2019. The nature of this work makes accidents nearly inevitable, and yet, most construction accidents are preventable.
At Pisegna and Zimmeerman, we know how seriously a workplace injury can change your life. Our team boasts over 60 years of combined experience, and we use all of it to help each and every client pursue the most compensation they can. Construction accidents are a special interest of ours, and we fight aggressively to help California’s essential construction workers protect themselves after injuries.
Looking for the experienced and reliable representation you deserve after an injury? We’re the firm for you. Call us at 818-888-8888 now and let’s set up a time to talk.
Scaffold Injuries Accidents Are Common on Construction Sites
Scaffolding is a crucial part of construction equipment, but they’re also capable of causing substantial damage. The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries reports that scaffolding injuries are one of the top causes in the construction industry. This indicates an ongoing problem with training, availability of safety equipment, and enforcement of safety protocols.
These injuries occurred in a range of industries. The most common include private construction, transportation and material moving, and manufacturing. California had the fourth-highest amount of fatalities.
What Causes Scaffold Injuries Accidents?
Across the board, most scaffolding accidents are preventable. It is very rare that a complete equipment failure is the cause of an incident. Some of the most commonly reported causes include:
- Inadequate training: When workers are in charge of using, maintaining, or assisting with such dangerous equipment, they must receive plenty of training. When there’s a shortage of workers, some companies may rush through training in order to keep a project on schedule.
- Mechanical issues: Failures in different components may lead to unsafe conditions. In most cases, these mechanical issues would have been identified in a thorough inspection.
- Insufficient inspections: Hasty inspections done simply to check off an item on the to-do list often miss serious safety issues, including those affecting scaffolding.
- Improperly anchored scaffolding: Scaffolding must be stabilized with metal or wood to prevent toppling.
- Ignoring the weight limit: Workers and supervisors must always be aware of weight limits. When workers exceed a weight limit, the scaffolding is at risk of collapsing or buckling.
- Improper assembly: Scaffolding collapse is a serious risk if it is not put together properly.
Liability Varies
Since so much work goes into the construction, maintenance, and use of scaffolding, there are numerous potential liable parties when an accident occurs. Liability may also lie with employers or supervisors that fail to provide sufficient training or oversight.
In most cases, the liable party may be the employer. Many construction injuries are the result of an employer failing to adhere to safety protocols.
Pursuing Compensation
This is where liability is really important. If the liable party is your employer or someone employed directly by them, your only option is to seek workers’ compensation. The workers’ compensation system protects companies from personal injury claims while allowing workers to receive partial income replacement and medical coverage.
However, if a third party was responsible for the accident, victims have more options. They may use a personal injury claim to seek additional compensation from the negligent party. Potentially liable third parties in construction accidents include:
- Property owner
- Subcontractors
- Architect
- Property management company
- Equipment manufacturer or designer
This option allows employees to seek full compensation for lost income, pain and suffering, and additional damages.
Choose Pisegna and Zimmerman
No matter what the circumstances of your scaffolding accident are, do not wait a second longer to talk to the team at Pisegna and Zimmerman. Use our extensive experience in construction accident claims to fight for what you deserve. Start now by calling us at 818-888-8888 or contacting us online.07
William Zimmerman is an experienced Los Angeles work injury attorney at Pisegna & Zimmerman. He offers invaluable advice and assistance when dealing with the often complicated workers’ compensation system. As part of Pisgena & Zimmerman, he and his team are a full-service law firm that is dedicated to obtaining the maximum amount of compensation from all available sources.