Some of the most dangerous workplace accidents are those involving scaffolding. Injuries to workers are often serious and can even be fatal. Scaffolding failures and collapses are also among the most complex cases when it comes to determining liability.
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a scaffolding accident, you should contact the firm that other law firms turn to when they need a workers’ compensation attorney. At The Florida Firm Injury and Accident Lawyers, we have a well-earned reputation for effectively advocating for injured people and achieving outstanding results, and our Orlando scaffolding accident lawyer is here to help.
Why Working on or Around Scaffolding Is Hazardous
Scaffolding is used at construction sites and existing structures, both indoors and outdoors. Federal regulations require that everyone who uses scaffolding to access their work stations receive special training. The training must cover safely accessing the scaffolding, recognizing hazards, and mitigating risk.
There are numerous types of scaffolding accidents. Our Orlando attorneys have represented people who were working on scaffolding when it collapsed, were struck by an object that fell off scaffolding, or were electrocuted due to scaffolding erected too close to power lines.
We also represent people injured in falls off scaffolding and the families of people who suffered fatal injuries in scaffolding accidents.
Catastrophic injuries are common in these incidents. Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic amputations, and compound fractures are typical injuries in people who survive scaffolding accidents.
Who Is Liable for a Scaffolding Accident?
Most scaffolding is leased for a specific project. Some larger construction firms and companies that use scaffolding consistently for ongoing projects own their scaffolding. Many scaffolding rental companies also provide trained personnel to erect the equipment and may even supply someone not involved in the assembly to inspect it before use.
You cannot sue your employer for a work-related accident. Depending on the circumstances, you could have a legal claim against the company that supplied and erected the scaffolding. If a third party inspected the scaffolding, you may also have a claim against the inspection firm. Others who might be liable include the site owner, general contractor, and scaffolding manufacturer.
If you were working on the site where the scaffolding was in use, you can sue any potentially responsible party except your employer, but you can also file a workers’ compensation claim. If you were a bystander or passerby when the accident happened, you may have claims against multiple parties. Our Orlando attorneys could conduct a thorough independent investigation of the scaffolding accident to identify all responsible parties and pursue claims against them.
How a Scaffolding Accident Claim Proceeds
Making a legal claim for damages is necessary to obtain fair compensation, especially when you suffered severe injuries. At The Florida Firm Injury and Accident Lawyers, we begin collecting evidence and identifying potentially responsible parties immediately. Once enough time has passed for your medical team to provide a long-term prognosis, we send a letter to the responsible parties seeking money damages.
Negotiations typically produce a reasonable settlement, although when your losses are high, it might take months to reach a satisfactory conclusion. One factor that can stall negotiations is Florida Statutes § 768.81, which requires a reduction in your damages if your conduct contributed to the incident. Determining whether you are partially responsible and the extent of your responsibility can be contentious.
Support While Your Claim Is Pending
The period between your accident and the resolution of your case can be challenging. Your medical bills will continue to accumulate, and you may not be able to work. You might find it hard to meet your financial obligations.
The members of our team are skilled in helping injured people prepare and submit applications for Social Security disability benefits and could determine whether you qualify for other sources of support. We may negotiate with your creditors and arrange a lien against your eventual settlement or verdict in exchange for a suspension of collection actions. Our Orlando lawyers do not collect legal fees or costs until your scaffolding accident claim resolves, so you can work with us without taking on additional financial obligations.
Consult Our Orlando Attorneys After a Scaffolding Accident
Contact Colling Gilbert Wright when you need aggressive advocacy after a serious injury. Our attorneys have an impressive record of obtaining high-value verdicts and settlements for people injured in serious accidents, including $450,000 from a property owner when a worker was injured after falling from a defective scaffold. Reach out today to learn more about how our Orlando scaffolding accident lawyer could help you.