Stephen Hasner | Workplace Accidents | June 7, 2018
Scaffolding is a familiar part of most construction projects. Scaffolding platforms allow workers to access high places outside of buildings for repairs, cleaning, or initial construction. While climbing scaffolding may be second nature for many people in the construction industry, workers are at risk of serious injuries in scaffolding accidents. In some cases, the scaffolding structure can collapse, sending any workers and equipment on the scaffolding tumbling to the ground.
You may not hear about scaffolding collapses on a regular basis, but these accidents happen all too often. Scaffolding collapses in recent months include:
- Three people working on a 1,032-foot TV tower in Miami died when scaffolding collapsed.
- Five people sustained injuries – some severe – when scaffolding collapsed on a busy New York City street.
- Six people fell when scaffolding collapsed in Minneapolis, leaving one of the workers with serious head injuries.
- Four construction workers fell in a San Diego scaffolding collapse – three suffered serious injuries, one life-threatening.
When scaffolding structures collapse, workers on the scaffolding are, of course, in danger of falling. However, workers or bystanders on the ground near the scaffolding are also at a high risk of getting hit by falling platforms, poles, other objects or people. Scaffolding collapses have the potential to cause serious and possibly catastrophic injuries.
Some scaffolds collapse because they were poorly constructed or assembled or because a construction company did not meet safety standards. Others collapse due to high winds or other reasons that are unavoidable. In either situation, anyone injured while working on or near the scaffolding is likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits typically cover:
- Costs of medical treatment.
- Partial wage replacement for time off work.
- Temporary or permanent disability payments.
In addition, if a scaffolding collapse happened due to the negligence of a third party – such as a manufacturer – you may also be able to seek compensation from the negligent party. In these cases, it is always important to have a lawyer evaluate your case who understands your rights under both workers’ compensation and personal injury laws in Georgia.
Dealing with a severe injury from a scaffolding collapse can be a traumatic and stressful experience. You should be able to focus on your physical recovery while your attorney handles your legal claims. We can investigate the cause of your accident, determine whether you are entitled to benefits and compensation, negotiate with your employer’s insurance carrier, and help ensure you recover just compensation for your injuries.
Consult with a Savannah Workers’ Compensation Attorney at Hasner Law PC for Free Today
Hasner Law works with clients injured in a variety of accidents, including construction and work-related accidents. We fully understand the workers’ compensation and construction worksite safety laws in Georgia and work diligently to protect the rights of our clients. If you have been inured in any type of workplace or construction accident, please contact us today to discuss your rights and options.
For more information, please contact the Savannah workers’ compensation law firm of Hasner Law P.C. at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Fulton County, Chatham County, and its surrounding areas:
Hasner Law PC – Atlanta Law Office
2839 Paces Ferry Rd SE #1050
Atlanta, GA 30339
(678) 888-4878
Hasner Law PC – Savannah Law Office
221 W York St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 234-2334
