Scaffolding Collapse Accidents
Scaffolding accidents are common. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates about 4,500 workers are injured in scaffold-related accidents yearly. Another 60 workers die in scaffolding accidents. About 25% of fatal falls are from scaffolds.
Workers injured in scaffolding collapse accidents should be entitled to benefits and compensation for their injuries. Unfortunately, employers and insurance companies may not treat workers fairly after a workplace accident. If you are injured at work, you need an attorney on your side with a winning track record of fighting for injured workers.
Our founding attorney, J. Michael Parsons, has over 27 years of experience. He has recovered millions of dollars for our clients, which earned membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. He began his legal career working with an employment and insurance defense practice, which gives him unique insight into how these companies handle claims.
Contact Parsons Law Group for a free consultation with our Atlanta & Savannah scaffolding collapse accidents attorney. We fight for the rights of injured workers throughout Georgia.
How Parsons Law Group Can Help You with a Scaffolding Collapse Accident in Georgia
Numerous construction and work sites use scaffolding. Each time a worker steps onto a scaffolding platform, they are at risk of sustaining injuries in a fall or scaffolding collapse. No one expects to be injured in a scaffolding collapse accident. If it happens to you, protect yourself by learning about your legal options.
When you hire our top-rated Atlanta & Savannah workers’ compensation attorneys, you can trust our legal team will:
- Thoroughly investigate your accident to determine how the accident occurred and who is at fault
- Identify all potential claims, including workers’ compensation claims and third party claims
- Gather evidence supporting various claims, including working with expert witnesses as necessary
- Work with your physicians to document your damages and severity of injuries
- Determine how much your claim is worth based on your injuries and damages
- Negotiate insurance settlements and advocate for jury verdicts as necessary
Our work injury attorney at Parsons Law Group has top ratings from numerous organizations, including a perfect 10.0 Rating with Avvo and Justia. He is also a member of prestigious legal organizations, including the Southern Trial Lawyers Association, the Civil Justice PAC, and the Work Injury Network PAC.
Call Parsons Law Group to schedule a free case evaluation with our Atlanta & Savannah scaffolding collapse accidents attorney. We are available 24/7 to speak with you about your case.
Common Causes of Scaffolding Collapse Accidents in Atlanta & Savannah, GA
Scaffolds are temporary, elevated platforms for workers to stand on when working. Workers may stand on supported scaffolds that include load-bearing elements such as legs, frames, poles, etc. Suspended scaffolds hang from overhead by ropes or other supports.
Reasons for scaffolding collapse accidents include:
- Failing to inspect scaffolds
- Inadequate maintenance of scaffolding
- The scaffolding was improperly installed
- Overloading the scaffolding
- Defects in the design or manufacture of the scaffolding or supporting items
- Scaffolding support planks give way
- Falling objects hit the worker and/or the scaffold
- Slips, trips, and falls on the scaffolding
- Noncompliance with OSHA scaffolding standards and regulations
- Electrocution because the scaffolding is too close to power sources
If you are involved in a scaffolding collapse accident, report the accident to your employer immediately. You have 30 days to report a work injury, or you could lose workers’ comp benefits.
Scaffolding Collapse Accident Injuries in Georgia
A scaffolding collapse accident can cause catastrophic injuries. A worker may fall from great heights, increasing the risk of life-threatening injuries. Common injuries caused by scaffolding collapse accidents include:
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Fractured, crushed, and broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injury
- Back and neck injuries
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries. Your employer must post a list of approved medical providers. You can choose one of the providers from the list. However, if you need emergency medical services, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
What Compensation Can I Receive for Injuries Caused by Scaffolding Collapse Accidents in Atlanta & Savannah?
The types of claims you may file depend on the factors of your case. Generally, workers injured in scaffolding collapse accidents may have a workers’ comp claim and/or a personal injury claim.
Workers’ Compensation for Scaffolding Collapse Accidents
Georgia requires most employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees. The no-fault insurance coverage provides benefits when a worker is injured on the job. You could be entitled to:
- Payment for necessary and reasonable medical treatment
- Temporary disability benefits if you cannot work because of your work injuries
- Permanent disability benefits for long-term impairments
The benefits you receive depend on the severity and type of your injury, among other factors. However, workers’ compensation does not reimburse workers for all loss of income. They also do not receive any money for their pain and suffering damages. Our attorneys can help you with a workers’ compensation claim if you are denied benefits or sustained a permanent disability.
Third Party Claims for Scaffolding Collapse Accidents
A benefit of workers’ compensation is that you do not need to prove your employer or another party caused your accident. However, you usually cannot sue your employer for negligence if your injuries are covered by workers’ compensation.
A third party claim is a personal injury case. You can file a workers’ compensation claim and a third party claim. The third party claim is filed against a party who negligently caused the scaffolding collapse accident.
For example, you could have a third party claim against the scaffolding manufacturer if a defect in the scaffolding caused the collapse. Likewise, you could have a claim against the building owner if scaffolding falls because the building is made of inferior materials that could not support the scaffolding.
A third party claim may result in substantially more compensation for a scaffolding collapse accident. Third party claims include economic damages for all financial losses. They also include non-economic damages for pain and suffering, which is not included in workers’ compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Atlanta & Savannah Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
Scaffolding collapse accidents can cause severe injuries. You deserve all the compensation available for your claim. Contact Parsons Law Group to schedule a free case review with our Atlanta & Savannah scaffolding collapse accident attorneys.