Scaffold accidents in the construction industry typically cause very serious injuries and can even be deadly. About three-quarters of these incidents are connected with workers slipping and falling, being struck by an object falling from overhead, or the equipment failing. A scaffold accident lawyer in Norwich, CT represents workers and their families who have been harmed because of these episodes.
Scaffolding Equipment Purpose
The equipment allows workers to reach heights so they can complete painting and other projects while standing or sitting on a sturdy, safe surface. The equipment is used to reach the exteriors of buildings with more than a few stories.
Relevant Statistics
More than two million construction workers must spend time on scaffolds, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s about 65 percent of all construction workers. More than 4,500 workers are injured in scaffold-related accidents every year, and more than 60 fatalities occur on average.
Preventive Measures
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, commonly called OSHA, reports that most of these accidents could be prevented with full compliance to the organization’s regulations. Unfortunately, corners are often cut in the interest of convenience, speed, and cost savings. And, unfortunately, the numbers of injuries year by year are increasing instead of decreasing.
Filing a Claim or a Lawsuit
Since so many construction workers are not employees but are paid through a contract arrangement, they are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. To obtain compensation after being injured on the job, they may need a scaffold accident lawyer in Norwich, CT for legal representation to file an insurance claim or file a personal injury lawsuit. The claim may be against the contracting company’s insurer, or a suit might be filed against the equipment manufacturer, depending on the circumstances.
A Dangerous Occupation
Construction is continuously ranked as one of the most dangerous occupations. Anyone who has been injured in a construction accident may contact a lawyer such as Stephen M. Reck for assistance in obtaining compensation. Families who have lost a loved one in one of these terrible incidents should also contact a law firm for assistance. Visit the website for contact details.
