Maryland Scaffolding Collapse Attorneys

Construction jobs are dangerous because they involve large, fast, tall, and heavy equipment. Scaffolding is a particularly dangerous piece of equipment found at many construction sites. It presents many dangers to construction workers, including the possibility of collapse. Scaffolding is typically constructed in such a way as to allow workers to access areas high off the ground. When one or more pieces of scaffolding collapse, workers on, underneath, or near scaffolding may be seriously injured or killed.

If you or someone you love has sustained serious injuries at a construction site while working on the job, you may be able to seek monetary compensation and benefits through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission. Workers’ compensation may be available to assist you with your medical bills and other expenses that directly result from your on-the-job injuries, and Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers can help you with your claim.

Call 301-381-2655 today for a free consultation with a scaffolding accident lawyer. We serve injured workers across Maryland from offices conveniently located in Bowie, Prince Frederick, Waldorf, Lexington Park, and Frederick.

What Causes Scaffolding Collapses?

Scaffolding collapses can happen for many different reasons, either due to the scaffolding itself or the people responsible for ensuring its safety. Because scaffolding is a temporary structure used to facilitate the work that needs to be done, it is sometimes hastily constructed without adequate regard for the workers’ safety.

Here are some of the most common causes of scaffolding accidents:

• Poorly constructed or installed scaffolding
• Use of broken or damaged scaffolding
• Disregard of weight limitations or other specifications
• Missing or malfunctioning safety equipment
• Unsecured or unstable scaffolding
• Failure to properly maintain the scaffolding
• Use of scaffolding during severe weather or other unsafe conditions

The construction or use of scaffolding in the situations above presents a grave risk of very serious injury to the workers and anyone in the vicinity. In many cases, someone knew that the scaffolding was dangerous but failed to take the necessary precautions.

OSHA Considerations

The Occupations Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) imposes certain regulations which cover scaffolding use, as well as heavy machinery use at construction work sites.

When it comes to scaffolding, OSHA imposes the following requirements:

• Scaffolding used on a job site must be capable of supporting a minimum of four times the anticipated maximum load.
• Damaged scaffolding must be repaired immediately and cannot be used on a job site until after all repairs have been completed.
• All scaffolding platforms or planks must either be tightly secured together – or the planks must be overlapped at least 12 inches.
• Concrete blocks and other movable objects may not be used to weigh down scaffolding.
• Workers may not be on scaffolding during bad weather, especially during high winds.
• The construction company must provide workers with safe access to the scaffolding, such as an access ladder.

Common Injuries Sustained in Scaffolding Accidents

A scaffolding collapse can result in serious injury and even death. Keep in mind, however, that those injuries may not be limited to just those working on the scaffolding at the time it collapsed—workers on the ground and in the vicinity of the scaffolding may also suffer serious injury.

Here are some of the most common injuries that result from a scaffolding collapses:

• Fractures and lacerations—broken bones and deep cuts
• Spinal cord injuries, including those that result in paralysis
• Injury to internal organs
• Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and brain damage

Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims

It’s important to understand the relationship between workers’ compensation and a personal injury lawsuit. Workers’ compensation is designed to protect workers injured on the job by paying their medical bills and a portion of their lost wages. Many employers will tell you that you don’t need a lawyer in order to file a workers’ compensation claim. While this is technically true, you should be aware that the workers’ compensation system is very complicated, and your claim may involve multiple hearings and other proceedings that can be intimidating for the non-lawyer.

Many people ask if they can sue their employer for their injuries as part of a personal injury claim. Workers’ compensation is often your sole remedy for a work-related injury, but there are exceptions. For example, if your injury was caused by a third party or through the intentional conduct of your employer, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, a personal injury claim will result in more compensation than you would receive through workers’ compensation benefits stemming from the same incident, so it is important to explore whether you can pursue a personal injury claim after any workplace injury.

Why You Need a Lawyer

If you’ve read this far, it may be obvious why we recommend that you hire a lawyer to help you with your claim. If you’ve been injured in a scaffolding collapse, you already facing numerous challenges in your everyday life—medical bills, lost income, and an uncertain future. The process for getting the compensation you deserve is not easy. An experienced Maryland scaffolding accident attorney at Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers can help you navigate these difficult times.

The first thing your attorney can do is help you get the relevant facts and information in order to identify the cause of the scaffolding collapse. Your attorney will also help you document your injuries and the treatment you will need. He or she can then help identify who are the responsible parties, and then help you navigate the claims process or pursue a personal injury claim. In short, your lawyer can help you put your life back together.

If you’ve been injured in a scaffolding collapse, we are ready to help. Call us today at 301-381-2655 to schedule your free case evaluation.