The Most Common Causes of Scaffolding Injuries

Scaffolds are a common sight in the streets of New York City. While these temporary structures are vital for construction and maintenance work, they pose significant risks to workers and pedestrians, leading to accidents that can cause catastrophic injuries. At Morelli Law, we are committed to understanding these risks, preventing future accidents, and providing guidance for victims and their families. Lawsuits involving scaffolding accidents require a thorough understanding of the causes, injuries, and the impacts they have on victims. We’re here to help you seek justice and compensation. 

It all begins with understanding how these tragedies can occur. 

What Defines a Scaffolding Accident? 

A scaffolding accident occurs when a failure or mishap involving temporary structures used in construction and building maintenance leads to injury or death. These accidents can happen during the construction, alteration, dismantling, or use of scaffoldings, and they aren’t limited to just the people working on them. 

Where and When Scaffolding Accidents Occur 

Scaffolding accidents are prevalent in areas undergoing construction, renovation, or repair. While they can occur at any time, the risks can increase under certain conditions, including: 

• Inclement weather 
• High-traffic areas and times 
• When safety regulations are not strictly followed  

Common Causes of Scaffolding Accidents and How to Prevent Them 

Even if all safety regulations are adhered to, accidents can still occur. There is no 100 percent guarantee of safety for workers or pedestrians when scaffolding is involved. What causes these types of accidents? It’s usually negligence, recklessness, or some combination of the two. The most common causes of accidents involving scaffoldings include: 

• Improper Assembly or Disassembly: Workers must adhere to manufacturer instructions. Failure to do so can lead to instability. Accident prevention includes thorough training and adherence to safety protocols. 
• Lack of Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial to identify and fix issues like rusting or wear and tear, which can cause collapses. 
• Overloading: Exceeding weight limits for specific scaffolding models can lead to collapses. Awareness and strict monitoring of load limits are vital. 
• Falls: Insufficient guardrails and safety nets contribute to fall hazards, which is why implementing proper protection measures is required. 
• Falling Objects: Tools or materials falling from scaffolding pose dangers to both workers and pedestrians. These risks can be mitigated by using toe boards, securing materials, and other safety measures. 

Taking Action: What Should Victims of Scaffolding Accidents Do? 

Scaffolding accidents not only impact construction workers, who are often victims of falls and collapses, but they can also impact pedestrians, who are hit by falling objects and collapsing structures. The distinction between the two types of victims is how lawsuits can be filed and compensation pursued. 

Injured construction workers typically pursue claims through workers’ compensation, which can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. However, a personal injury lawsuit may also be an option in the event of negligence by one or more parties. These parties can include the construction company, building owner, manufacturer of the scaffolding, and other parties. 

Pedestrians injured by scaffolding-related incidents can file a personal injury lawsuit against many of those parties, depending on who can be proven liable for the injuries and damages. 

Types of Damages That Can Be Collected in a Scaffolding Accident Case 

Victims of scaffolding accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including but not limited to: 

• Medical expenses 
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity 
• Pain and suffering 
• Emotional distress 
• Rehabilitation costs 

Helping Victims of Scaffolding Accidents

At Morelli Law, our expertise in scaffolding injuries and personal injury law uniquely positions us as leaders in scaffolding accident cases. Our comprehensive approach involves: 

• Conducting thorough investigations to identify negligent parties 
• Leveraging our understanding of construction laws and regulations 
• Fighting tirelessly for your rights, including going to court when necessary 
• Maximizing compensation through skilled negotiation 

Scaffolding accidents present significant challenges, not only in the immediate aftermath but also in navigating the complex legal landscape that follows. When accidents occur, knowing your rights and the potential course of action is the best thing you can do; the rest is in the hands of our capable team. Whether you’re a worker injured on the job or a pedestrian affected by a scaffolding mishap, we’re here to guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the compensation and support you deserve. 

Our commitment goes beyond legal representation; we strive to advocate for safer construction practices and regulations to prevent future accidents. If you or a loved one has been affected by a scaffolding accident, contact us for a free case evaluation today. Together, we can navigate the path to recovery and justice.