Scaffolding is a temporary structure that is built outside of a building to provide an area for construction workers to use to access areas that are above ground. Scaffolding is usually made of wooden planks and various metal poles for support. Scaffolding is used to support the workers themselves as well as their tools and equipment. If a scaffold is poorly built, this can cause accidents in which workers are seriously injured or even killed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 4,500 injuries and 60 deaths every year from accidents involving scaffolding. If you’ve been injured in a scaffolding accident, it is wise to consult with an expert New York construction accident attorney.
Types of Scaffolding Accidents
There are many ways in which the use of scaffolding at a construction site can go wrong. During poor weather conditions, scaffolding may become slippery or wet, contributing to one of the most common scaffolding accidents which is a worker falling. Scaffolding may also fail at one of its attachment points or can fail from being overloaded with workers or equipment. Workers who are poorly or inadequately trained may use the scaffolding improperly, causing an accident. Falling equipment may hit and injure another worker. There may also be inadequate railing or protection on the scaffolding that creates a safety issue.
Scaffolding Accident Injuries
Because they frequently involve a fall from a high place, scaffolding accident are often serious. Head injuries can lead to traumatic brain syndrome, which can jeopardize a victim’s cognition for the rest of his/her life. Lacerations and fractures are also common and may become infected or take many months to heal. Various internal organs may be injured, or even the spinal cord itself, leading to partial or total paralysis. Serious injuries like this are life-altering and require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Call to Schedule a Free Consultation With a New York Construction Accident Attorney Today
Personal injury and construction accident attorneys at Littman & Babiarz Law Office have been helping those injured at work in central New York for over 30 years. We have Law offices in Auburn and Ithaca NY, and look forward to supporting clients throughout Lansing, Watkins Glen, Owego, Elmira and surrounding Tomkins County, Seneca County, Cayuga County, Cortland County, Schuyler County, Chemung County, Tioga County, Yates County, Onondaga County and Broome County communities. If you need legal advice regarding a scaffolding accident at a construction site, we will evaluate your case to find you the compensation you need. Get in touch with us online or call us at 607-277-7527 regarding your free initial consultation today.