Maumee Scaffolding Accident Lawyers

Scaffolding accidents account for an alarming percentage of all construction-related workplace injuries. These types of accidents tend to have especially serious consequences, which makes it particularly important for injured employees to file workers’ compensation claims as soon as possible after an accident. Unfortunately, this can be a difficult and time-consuming process, so if you were hurt at work in a scaffolding accident, you may want to consider contacting an experienced Toledo workers’ compensation lawyer who can ensure that your interests are protected.

Types of Scaffolds

Scaffolds are temporary, elevated work platforms, of which there are two main types:

• Supported scaffolds, which are made up of one or more platforms and are supported by rigid, load bearing frames; and
• Suspended scaffolds, which are also made up of more than one platform, although each is suspended by ropes or another type of non-rigid support.

Because workers who use scaffolding are often required to perform their job duties at great heights, they are at a much higher risk of falls than are other types of employees in the construction industry.

At-Risk Employees

Although a variety of individuals may use scaffolding for work purposes, most employees who use scaffolds can be divided into three categories:

• Erectors and dismantlers, who assemble and disassemble scaffolding before and after work has been completed;
• Users, who are required to utilize scaffolds in order to access parts of a structure where work is being performed; and
• Scaffold designers, who are enlisted to plan and design scaffolding for a particular project.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), 72 percent of workers who are injured in scaffolding accidents attribute their accident to one of the following causes:

• Scaffolding collapses due to improper planking or support set up;
• Electrocution;
• Falling from a great height; and
• Being struck by a falling object, including a piece of the scaffold itself.

The injuries sustained as a result of these types of accidents tend to be severe, especially if they occur at a great height, and often include:

• Broken or crushed bones;
• Spinal cord injuries;
• Head trauma;
• Lacerations;
• Organ damage and internal bleeding; and
• Burns.

These types of injuries are both painful and expensive and often leave employees permanently disabled or forced to go through grueling rehab. Paying for treatment can be prohibitively expensive, a problem that is only made worse by the fact that most injured employees must take a significant amount of time off from work in order to heal. Fortunately, employees who are injured in scaffolding accidents may be able to collect compensation for medical expenses and lost wages through Ohio’s workers’ compensation program, which provides eligible employees with medical benefits and a weekly wage replacement check.

Call Today to Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workplace accidents can leave injured parties feeling confused and overwhelmed, so having the advice of an attorney is important, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the claims filing process. Please contact Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC at 419-241-5500 today to speak with a member of our workers’ compensation legal team who can evaluate your case for free.