Construction workers face dangers every day, but some of the most serious accidents happen when using ladders and scaffolds. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 52 workers died in scaffolding accidents in 2020, and the Centers for Disease Control reported that one in three workplace deaths were from fatal falls, with most related to ladders.
OSHA estimates that of the 510,500 injuries and illnesses in the construction industry each year, 9,750 are related to scaffolds. Many of these accidents could have been prevented if contractors had followed proper safety rules.
If you’ve been hurt in a ladder or scaffold accident, understanding your rights can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Why Ladder and Scaffold Accidents Happen
Most accidents occur because someone didn’t follow safety rules or cut corners to save time and money. Common causes include:
Improper setup when ladders aren’t level or scaffolds aren’t properly secured to buildings.
Equipment problems like broken ladder rungs, loose bolts, or worn-out scaffold boards that should have been replaced.
Poor training when workers aren’t taught how to use equipment safely or spot dangerous conditions.
Overloading by putting too much weight or too many workers on scaffolds not designed to handle the load.
Unsafe conditions including wet surfaces, strong winds, poor lighting, or obstacles that make falls more likely.
Ignoring OSHA rules when contractors skip required safety measures to finish jobs faster or cheaper.
Serious Injuries Are Common
Falls from ladders and scaffolds often cause severe injuries because of the heights involved:
Broken bones in arms, legs, ribs, and hips that may require multiple surgeries and months of recovery.
Head injuries including concussions and traumatic brain injuries that can cause permanent cognitive problems.
Spinal cord injuries that may result in partial or complete paralysis and lifelong disability.
Internal injuries from hard impacts that can damage organs and cause internal bleeding.
Even falls from relatively low heights can cause serious harm when workers land on hard surfaces or construction materials.
What Contractors Must Do
Contractors have legal duties to protect their workers. These responsibilities include:
- Providing safe, well-maintained ladders and scaffolds
- Training workers on proper setup and use
- Following all OSHA safety standards
- Regularly inspecting equipment and work areas
- Fixing hazards immediately when found
- Providing safety equipment like harnesses and guardrails
When contractors fail to meet these duties, they can be legally responsible for accidents that happen.
Your Legal Options After an Accident
If you’re hurt in a ladder or scaffold accident, you may have several ways to get compensation:
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
New Jersey workers’ compensation covers most job-related injuries, including ladder and scaffold accidents. Benefits can include:
- All medical treatment costs
- Partial wage replacement while you recover
- Permanent disability payments if you can’t return to full work
- Vocational retraining if you need to learn new skills
Workers’ comp doesn’t require proving anyone was at fault, but it may not cover all your losses.
Personal Injury Claims
Sometimes you can also file a lawsuit against contractors or other parties who caused your accident. This might apply when:
- Contractors ignored safety rules
- Equipment was defective or poorly maintained
- Third parties created dangerous conditions
- Safety training was inadequate or missing
Personal injury claims can provide additional compensation beyond workers’ comp, including money for pain and suffering.
Steps to Take After an Accident
Protecting your legal rights starts immediately after an accident:
Get Medical Help
See a doctor right away, even if injuries seem minor. Some problems like concussions don’t show symptoms immediately. Medical records will be crucial evidence.
Report the Accident
Tell your supervisor about the accident and make sure it’s written down officially. Don’t just mention it in passing.
Document Everything
Take photos of:
- The ladder or scaffold that failed
- The accident scene and surroundings
- Any equipment problems
- Your injuries
Collect Information
Get names and contact details from anyone who saw the accident happen. Witness statements can be very important.
Keep All Records
Save medical bills, pay stubs, and any paperwork related to the accident. These documents prove your losses.
Get Legal Help
Ladder and scaffold accident cases can be complex. Insurance companies and contractors often try to avoid responsibility or blame workers for accidents.
When you’re dealing with serious injuries and mounting bills, having experienced legal representation from The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. An attorney can investigate what really happened, gather evidence, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
How Legal Help Makes a Difference
Accident cases involving construction sites often involve multiple parties – general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and insurance companies. Each may try to shift blame to avoid paying compensation.
An experienced lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly
- Identify all responsible parties
- Gather expert testimony about safety violations
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Take your case to court if necessary
Time Limits Apply
New Jersey has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means you have two years from your accident date to file a lawsuit. Workers’ compensation claims also have deadlines, so acting quickly is important.
Don’t Accept Less Than You Deserve
Ladder and scaffold accidents often cause life-changing injuries that affect your ability to work and support your family. You shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden when contractors fail to follow safety rules.
Contact The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation about your ladder or scaffold accident. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Your safety should have been their priority – now let us make your recovery ours.