While falls can happen at any workplace, construction workers are most at risk of scaffolding / ladder accidents. Construction workers have the highest-risk job in Florida and most construction site accidents involve a fall, usually from a ladder or scaffolding. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of construction fatalities and were responsible for 320 fall deaths out of 1,008 construction fatalities in 2018.
Have you been injured in a scaffolding or ladder accident in Florida? At Work Injury Rights, we represent injured construction workers across Florida. We will help you with your claim from beginning to end to seek the full compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with a Florida workers’ compensation lawyer today.
Common Causes of Ladder and Scaffolding Accidents in Florida
Scaffolding and ladders are designed to offer temporary stability and flexibility while working at heights and to ensure equipment and tools are within reach. About 65% of the 2.3 million construction workers in the United States use scaffolding or a ladder on a regular basis.
Ladders and scaffolding pose a very real risk for workers who perform tasks at a great height and other workers who are nearby. Scaffolding and ladder accidents can happen in many ways including falls from a height or falling objects such as tools or construction materials that hurt a worker nearby.
These accidents usually occur due to negligence, human error, or defective equipment. One of the key means of preventing scaffolding and ladder accidents is a workplace that follows OSHA standards. Unfortunately, fall protection and ladder and scaffolding safety frequently top the list of OSHA violations.
Common reasons why scaffolding / ladder accidents happen include:
- Lack of supervision
- Faulty or defective scaffolding or ladder
- Exceeding the equipment weight load
- Failing to secure the scaffold or ladder
- Inadequate safety features such as fall protection harnesses and guardrails
Scaffolding / ladder accidents or falls can happen for many reasons such as:
- Ladder or scaffolding collapse
- Fall from a ladder or scaffolding
- Fall from a roof or a great height
- Slip and fall accident on scaffolding planks
While most scaffolding / ladder accident falls happen from 10-15 feet from the ground, this is a great enough height to cause severe injuries or even death. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of construction fatalities and were responsible for 320 fall deaths out of 1,008 construction fatalities in 2018.
Scaffolding / Ladder Accidents and Florida Workers’ Compensation
After a work-related ladder / scaffolding accident, you typically have the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits for your medical bills, lost wages, and disability. Workers’ compensation is a crucial resource for injured construction workers, but the claims process can be strict, complicated, and confusing.
Unfortunately, recovering the benefits you deserve isn’t always easy. The insurance company and your employer can choose the physician who decides if you are disabled, the severity of your injuries, an appropriate course of treatment, and when you can return to work. The insurance company may downplay the severity of your injuries and try to undervalue or even deny your claim.
A workers’ compensation lawyer in Florida can help you assert your rights to benefits and help you document the extent of your injury and any permanent effects to maximize your benefits. Your lawyer will also help you appeal the decision if your claim is denied.
Scaffolding / Ladder Accidents FAQS
Here are some of the most common questions about scaffolding / ladder accidents:
I Was Seriously Injured While on a Construction Site When Planking from the Scaffolding Gave Way. Am I Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
If you were seriously injured due to a scaffolding injury, then you are likely eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits. Everyone has a different case, but this is a clear-cut injury that occurred at your job. In order to protect your rights, be sure that you report the accident and seek medical help as soon as possible, then contact a lawyer.
To get personalized information about your case and see what you are really facing, reach out to our team of scaffolding / ladder accidents lawyers today. We will be able to look over your case and give you answers that are relevant to your specific situation.
Who Is Liable for My Ladder Injury?
There are many reasons and causes of ladder accidents. It depends on the specific details around your injury and accident. It could have been caused by the negligence of a co-worker, the cheapness of the company, or even your improper usage. There are specific details about your case that will determine the liable party.
These are the types of questions that usually get answered in court. You will need to work with a lawyer to help you determine liability. Companies will always try to fight for their own best interests, so you need to do the same thing. They will try to prove that you were in the wrong.
If you are looking for one of the best scaffolding / ladder accident lawyers, contact Work Injury Rights today for a free case overview.
Why Do Scaffolding/Ladder Accidents Happen?
There are so many reasons why these injuries can occur, including defective equipment, negligence, and human error. One of the most important tools we have to keep us safe at work is the set of standards put forward by OSHA. However, scaffolding and ladder accidents are almost always among the top OSHA violations. Some of the most common reasons why these scaffolding / ladder accidents occur include:
- Faulty or defective equipment
- Lack of training
- Lack of supervision
- Failure to properly secure equipment
- Inadequate safety features
Some of the most common accidents include:
- Falls from a ladder or scaffolding
- Collapse
- Slip and fall accidents
If you need a top-rated scaffolding / ladder accident lawyer, contact Work Injury Rights today for more information about how we can talk about your case and even get you a free case review.
What Benefits Can I Recover from a Scaffolding / Ladder Accident?
After an accident, you can receive compensation and benefits for your medical bills, lost wages, and disability. Workers’ Compensation is one of the most important resources available for injured parties, but it can be difficult to obtain those benefits. The process is difficult and confusing for most people. Insurance companies and your employer will try to work against you, so they do not have to pay you what you truly deserve. If you want to maximize your benefits, it is best to work with a lawyer.
To get personalized information about your case, including information about the benefits you may be able to recover, contact our team of scaffolding and ladder accident lawyers today. We will be able to look over your case and give you answers that are relevant to your situation.
Schedule a Free Case Review Today Regarding Your Work Related Scaffolding / Ladder Accidents
The last thing you should be worried about as you struggle to recover from your scaffolding / ladder accident injuries is a complicated claims process and an uncaring insurance company. At Work Injury Rights, we are here to fight for you and protect your rights. We will help you throughout your claims process and serve as your legal advocate to seek the full benefits you deserve.
Contact our Florida workers’ compensation law firm today to schedule your free case review with a Florida workers’ compensation lawyer who can help.
