Collect Compensation with the Help of Scaffolding Accident Attorney
An accident involving scaffolding can have devastating results, ranging from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries. An estimated 65 percent of construction workers work on scaffolds, and when proper safety guidelines are not followed, the effects can be disastrous. Collapses, falls from elevation, and electrocution are all common forms of scaffold injuries.
Michael E. Shelton is a scaffolding accident attorney who has been defending workers in the construction industry for over 40 years. If you have been injured in a scaffolding accident, our team in Houston, TX, can fight for you and help ensure you collect the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Schedule your free case evaluation today by contacting us online or calling us toll-free at (877) 771-6139.
Scaffolding Safety
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) works to protect the safety of construction workers. When employers follow scaffolding guidelines set by OSHA, they can minimize or eliminate accidents and avoid injury. To be considered safe by OSHA, scaffolds must:
- Be able to support their own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load.
- Have direct connections to roofs and floors and counterweights that can resist tipping.
- Be at least three feet from insulated power lines and 10 feet from uninsulated lines.
- Be equipped with guardrails, midrails, and toeboards.
- Be supported by stable objects.
- Undergo proper inspection and regular reinspection.
In addition, employers are required to provide proper training for all employees who will be on or around scaffolding while working. When safety guidelines are not followed, serious accidents can occur, including scaffolding collapses, electrocution, individuals or objects falling from high elevation, and workers becoming caught between objects.
Effects of Scaffold Accidents
Scaffolding accidents can have serious ramifications and result in catastrophic injury or fatalities. Incidents involving scaffolds can result in a variety of injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Broken or shattered bones
- Serious contusions or lacerations
- Electrical burns
These types of injury often require extensive medical treatment and workers who experience them may be left with permanent disabilities requiring a lifetime of care. In many cases, workers’ compensation is not sufficient to cover the long-term consequences of catastrophic injuries. Pursuing a third-party claim is often the only method to receive the level of compensation you need to rebuild your life after a scaffolding accident.
If you have been injured in a scaffolding accident, seek immediate medical attention and advice from a personal injury lawyer.
Why Hire an Attorney?
In workplace accidents, the employer is often liable for the incident. However, with scaffolding accidents, at-fault parties may also include the contractor in charge, supervisors, or managers. All of these individuals are responsible for inspecting scaffolding and ensuring worker safety. A qualified construction accident attorney can help you hold all parties accountable for their actions and collect compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Qualified Legal Representation
If you have been injured in a scaffolding accident, seek immediate medical attention and advice from a personal injury lawyer. Attorney Michael Shelton has been representing workers in the construction industry for over 40 years. Our team can help you navigate the legal complexities of negligence and fault so you can receive the compensation you need. Schedule your free case evaluation today by contacting us online or calling us toll-free at (877) 771-6139 today.
