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Construction Accidents and Scaffold Collapses

On Behalf of | Nov 12, 2018 | Construction Law, Firm News

With the East Bay booming in terms of development, construction sites and scaffolds are a common sight. While many construction sites and scaffolds are safe, there is the chance of serious accidents occurring. Whenever Whenever construction or industrial workplace accidents happen, contacting a lawyer is a good idea. The Oakland, CA work injury attorneys of Bowles & Verna LLP are here to provide expert counsel into your options.

Let’s take a moment to consider the very real dangers of scaffolding accidents and why they have to be taken seriously. Whether you are a construction worker or a bystander harmed by collapsing scaffolds, our law firm can help.

Facts About Construction Scaffolds

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an estimated 2.3 million construction workers do their work on scaffolds. That’s roughly 65 percent of the entire industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that proper scaffolding protection could prevent 4,500 injuries and 60 fatalities every year.

Types of Scaffolding Incidents

Scaffolding collapse is certainly among the deadliest accidents that can occur. The scaffolding can crush people around and beneath it, and falls from a great height can result in severe injuries. Partial scaffolding collapse and instances of floors giving way can also result in serious harm.

In addition to total and partial collapse of scaffolding, falls and falling objects can also lead to serious injuries. Poor weather can also make these issues more likely.

Causes of Scaffold Collapse

The most common cause of scaffold collapses tend to be poor stability and negligence. If the scaffold is not put together right, the chances of it breaking in some fashion are high. Overloading the scaffold can also contribute to breaking floors or total structural collapse. This is why it’s important that scaffolding be checked for stability and safety as it is being erected.

Harm to Construction Workers and Bystanders

Collapsing scaffolds can lead to severe harm to construction workers as well as bystanders who are simply passing by the construction site.

For construction workers, there is a risk of serious head injuries, broken bones, brain injuries and head/facial trauma, and other kinds of catastrophic harm. Bystanders may have matters worse since they are not wearing any protective gear and simply do not expect such terrible incidents to occur when going about their business.

Legal Help for Construction Workers

Construction workers harmed in scaffolding collapse may need assistance seeking full worker’s compensation benefits, appealing a denied worker’s compensation claim, or even holding their employer accountable for unsafe work conditions. Our lawyers can help with all of these matters, making sure the system works the way it is intended.

Legal Help for Bystanders Injured by Scaffolds

Bystanders who are harmed by collapsing scaffolding can file a lawsuit against the construction company for their negligence. Endangering non-workers is a serious offense, and it’s important that negligent construction companies be held accountable for any sort of harm that they cause.

Contact an Experienced Construction Accident Lawyer

For more information about your legal rights and options following a construction accident, be sure to contact our injury accident lawyers. The legal team at Bowles & Verna LLP is here to help. You can reach our lawyers by phone at (925) 935-3300.