Virginia Scaffolding Injury Lawyer
Scaffolds are present on most construction sites, and they are primarily used by workers to reach the higher floors of buildings while they are being renovated, painted, or built. When properly used, scaffolds allow workers to access difficult-to-reach objects safely.
They can also serve as a durable working platform and a storage area for essential tools. Unfortunately, scaffolds can be dangerous under certain conditions or when they are misused.
Millions of construction and industrial workers use scaffolds regularly, and most remain safe. However, when a scaffold accident does occur, the result can be deadly. Scaffolds can also fall on workers walking beneath it, crushing bones and causing permanent, painful injuries, and in the worst cases, death.
If you were injured in a scaffolding accident, a VA scaffolding injury lawyer might be able to help you obtain compensation for your injuries.
Worker’s Compensation
When a worker is injured in a scaffolding accident, they deserve the worker’s compensation benefits they work so hard for. Worker’s compensation provides workers injured on the job with a portion of their regular monthly income until they are medically cleared to return to work. Construction companies with a certain number of employees are required to have worker’s compensation insurance.
Unfortunately, obtaining worker’s compensation can be difficult for some. It is legal for an employer to dispute the claim of an employee, even when a significant amount of evidence is present. Workers may need to attend a hearing to fight for their benefits and provide additional evidence. Often, employers will attempt to assert a worker is responsible for their injuries which occurred of the clock. If a worker can successfully obtain their benefits, they will not only be awarded their current benefits, but any benefits previously owed to them as well.
Non-Employee and Defective Product Lawsuits
Some individuals, such as those harmed by defective scaffolding and contractors, may need to consider filing a lawsuit. If scaffolding is appropriately used and adequately maintained by the user, the manufacturer may be held liable if their scaffolding causes an injury or death. To obtain compensation, an injured worker may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against a manufacturer with the help of a VA scaffolding injury lawyer.
Since contractors are not actual employees, they are usually not entitled to worker’s compensation benefits. Such individuals may want to consider filing suit against the company they contract for or the manufacturer of a scaffold.
Causes of Scaffolding Accidents
The majority of scaffolding accidents occur in one of several different ways. The majority of scaffolding injuries and deaths are caused in the following ways:
- Falling from great heights
- Improper use of the scaffold
- Falling materials
- Inclement weather conditions
- Inadequate fall protection
A significant number of accidents are also caused by poor employee training and inadequate work rules. Companies must take scaffolding accidents seriously and do everything in their power to educate their employees on the importance of safety and accident prevention. Without such education, workers are far more prone to causing accidents.
Call a Virginia Scaffolding Injury Attorney Today
If you were injured in a scaffolding accident, you might be focused on your recovery. There is no problem with recovering, but if you are having difficulty obtaining your worker’s compensation benefits or you need help filing a personal injury claim against an employer or scaffold manufacturer, an attorney may be able to assist you.
Call a VA scaffolding injury lawyer now to speak with a legal professional.
