Scaffolding Accident Claims

What Are The Most Common Types of Scaffolding Accidents?

There are typically two types of scaffolding accident claims, those where a member of the public has been injured, and those where an employee or worker has been harmed.

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Scaffolding Accidents At Work

Falls from Height

Falls from scaffolding are one of the most common types of accidents on construction sites. They may occur due to a lack of fall protection, unstable scaffolding, or human error, such as missteps or slips.

Collapses or Tip-Overs

Scaffolding that is improperly installed, inadequately secured, or overloaded can collapse or tip over, leading to serious injuries for workers on or around the structure.

Struck by Falling Objects

Construction sites involve numerous tools and materials, and workers below scaffolding are at risk of being struck by objects accidentally dropped or knocked off from the scaffolding above.

Electrocution

If scaffolding comes into contact with live electrical wires or equipment, workers may suffer electric shocks or electrocution accidents.

Trips and Slips

Uneven surfaces, debris, or poorly maintained scaffolding can cause workers to trip or slip, leading to injuries.

Scaffolding Accidents As a Member of the Public

Falling Objects

Pedestrians or bystanders passing by a construction site may be injured by falling tools, materials, or debris from scaffolding.

Collapses

Scaffolding collapses can also pose a danger to the public, especially if scaffolding is adjacent to public walkways or buildings.

Impact with Scaffolding

A member of the public may accidentally collide with scaffolding structures if they are poorly marked or placed in high-traffic areas without adequate safety measures.

Trip Hazards

Scaffolding equipment and supports can create trip hazards for the public if not properly secured or marked.

Beyond the responsibility of the company in charge of the scaffolding structure, it is crucial for both workers and the public to exercise caution around scaffolding areas and adhere to any safety standards or signage in place. For workers, proper training, regular inspections, and a solid understanding of safety standards can significantly reduce the risk of scaffolding accidents and protect the well-being of both workers and the public.

Can You Claim Compensation For Scaffolding Accidents At Work?  

Yes, you can claim compensation for scaffolding accidents that occur at work, provided that the accident resulted from negligence on the part of your employer or another party responsible for the scaffolding. 

Scaffolding accidents can lead to severe and life changing injuries, including neck and spinal injuries, and if you have been injured in such an incident while working on a construction site, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages and losses.

The Process For Making A Scaffolding Accident Claim

• Seek Medical Attention

Your health and well-being should always be the immediate priority. Seek medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident. Prompt medical treatment not only ensures you recover as quickly and as fully as possible, but it also creates a record of your injuries, which can be essential for your claim when you are feeling well enough to start it.

• Report the Accident

Report the accident to your employer or supervisor as soon as possible. This official record is crucial when filing your compensation claim. It may also help to ensure that there are no further accidents caused by the same problem.

• Gather Evidence

Gather relevant evidence as soon as possible. This can include scaffolding photos, witness statements, and any documentation relevant to the accident. This evidence can support your claim and help to establish liability.

• Consult an Experienced Solicitor

Seek legal advice from solicitors experienced in handling scaffolding accident claims. We can assess your case, guide you through the legal process, and help you to better understand your rights and options.

• Proving Negligence

To succeed in being awarded the compensation you deserve, you will need to prove that the accident occurred due to negligence or a failure to meet safety standards. Your solicitor will help gather evidence and build a strong case to establish liability.  

• Negotiation or Litigation

Your solicitor will negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company to seek a fair settlement for your injuries and losses. If necessary, they may proceed to litigation to ensure you receive just compensation. Remember, compensation is designed to help you cope with the consequences of the accident or injury long-term. This can include covering lost wages and medical expenses during your recovery.

Remember, time limits apply to scaffolding accident claims, so act promptly. Seeking legal advice early strengthens your case, increasing your chances of receiving compensation for the suffering and losses caused by the scaffolding accident you have experienced.

Who Is Liable For A Scaffolding Accident?

Various parties may be held responsible for the accident involving scaffolding, depending on their actions or negligence during the construction project.

Employers: Employers have a legal duty to ensure a safe working environment, including proper scaffolding installation, maintenance, and inspections. If an employer fails in meeting safety standards or providing adequate training, they may be held liable.

Manufacturers: It is possible that the scaffolding equipment itself was defective. If these defects are found to be the cause of the accident, it is possible that the manufacturer of the equipment could be held liable for supplying a faulty product.  

Contractors and Subcontractors: Those responsible for the construction project may also be liable if they were negligent in supervising, planning, or executing the project, leading to unsafe scaffolding.

Scaffolding Companies: Companies providing or erecting scaffolding must ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. If their negligence contributes to the accident, they may share liability.

Other Workers On or Off Site: If the accident results from the negligence of another worker, it is possible that the individual may be personally liable for their actions.

Site Owners: The owner (or owners) of the construction site may bear some responsibility if they were aware of hazards or failed to address safety concerns.

Compensation For Scaffolding Accidents

When individuals suffer injuries in scaffolding accidents, they have the right to claim compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial losses they have suffered. Compensation in scaffolding accident claims is designed to help victims recover and rebuild their lives after the accident. This includes compensation for living with the long-term effects of injuries sustained.

Can Family Members Claim for Scaffolding Accidents?

In tragic cases where a scaffolding accident leads to a fatality, the family members of the deceased may also be entitled to claim compensation. These claims are known as fatal accident claims, and they seek to provide financial support to the surviving family members who have lost a loved one they were financially dependent upon due to an accident.

Contact Us Today

For more information about making an accident at work claim, you can call us on 01642 843 669; alternatively, complete our online contact form and one of our accident at work solicitors will be in touch.