Liability In Scaffolding Accidents

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 65 percent of the construction work is done on scaffolds. Unfortunately, scaffolding that is defective or not built to code can cause serious scaffolding collapse accidents. Anyone who is harmed in a New York scaffolding accident would be well advised to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney to determine if they should file a claim seeking compensation.
OSHA reports that approximately 50 people are killed and 4,500 people are injured every year in scaffolding related accidents. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in the year 2007, 88 people were killed in scaffolding accidents nationwide. BLS also reports that 72 percent of scaffolding accidents involve either a support or planking giving way or a worker falling off scaffolding. Many of these construction site accidents are entirely preventable. In fact, a majority of scaffolding accidents happen due to a lack of adherence to federal or state construction safety standards.
New York has adopted state specific regulations concerning scaffolding construction and use. Whether the type of scaffolding is suspended or supported, it is important that these regulations are followed. Employers must ensure that workers are properly trained and that adequate safety equipment is provided. Employers are also responsible for supervising employees throughout the process of constructing and utilizing scaffolding.
New York construction companies that fail to provide safe work conditions may face severe penalties including hefty fines from the OSHA. Workers who are injured as a result of loose or defective scaffolding can seek compensation for all medical expenses, loss of earnings and other related damages. Filing for New York workers compensation benefits is not always an easy process and many claims are wrongfully denied. In such cases, an experienced New York personal injury attorney will help fight for the injured worker’s rights and help him or her obtain fair and full compensation for all injuries, damages and losses.
The knowledgeable New York personal injury attorneys with the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm know how to get victims of scaffolding accidents the compensation they need and rightfully deserve. Call our law offices today at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496) to find out how we can help. We can also help you with claims in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida.
Other phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit our website: www.work4youlaw.com
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration