What is a scaffolding accident?

Quite simply, a scaffolding accident is an accident involving a scaffold.

What is a scaffold?

A scaffold is an elevated, temporary work platform used by workers to elevate themselves, materials, and equipment. In the United States, roughly 2.3 million construction workers (around 65% of the construction industry) work on scaffolds.

If you haven’t used a scaffold, you’ve probably seen the complicated system of metal or aluminium pipes from a distance and been thankful you weren’t balancing on it. In reality, scaffolds can be safe when used properly.

Unfortunately, they’re not always used properly — and when mistakes are made the consequences can be deadly.

The most common types of injuries

The most common type of work accident is when a worker falls from a ladder or scaffolding which can cause injuries such as

• broken bones,
• fractures,
• back injuries
• and head injuries

How much could I claim for Leg Injury?

If an injury to your leg was caused by another person or a negligent act, you may be entitled to compensation. Money can be rewarded to improve a victim’s quality of life, provide treatment costs or cover loss of earnings.

Claims are judged on the severity of and recovery time of the leg injury:

Loss of use of both legs: £150,000.00	£150,000.00
Loss of use of one leg: £75,000.00	£75,000.00
Injury to one leg depending on the severity, recovery time, age of victim  and residual use/disability: £1,000 to £75,000	£1,000 to £75,000
Typical awards for a broken leg with full recovery: £5,000

 

Unfortunately, many scaffoldings injuries involve Head injuries:

Head and Brain Injury

Minor injuries to the head:

£1,500 – £8,000

Temporary but significant psychiatric damage and/ or distress:

£1,000 – £10,000

Minor brain damage:

£10,000 – £28,000

Permanent and severe psychiatric damage effecting ability to work:

£40,000

Permanent and psychiatric damage:

£75,000

Moderately severe:

£140,000 – £180,000

Severe psychiatric damage:

£180,000 – £250,000

 

Fatal accident claims

Unfortunately, Fatal accidents can result from a scaffolding accident claim.  If your loved one has died following a scaffolding accident, you may be able to make a claim.

How can I make a scaffolding accident claim

Suffering from an injury caused by a scaffolding accident can be both physically and emotionally traumatic- but you don’t have to face it alone. Here, we’ll walk you through the key steps in making a successful claim for compensation.

 

1. Collect Evidence and Document the Accident.

The first step to making a successful claim is to collect evidence and document the accident. If possible, take photos of the scene and any damage that was caused. Make sure you note down details such as potential witnesses, and where the accident took place. You should also contact your employer for a written report of the incident. Finally, speak with your doctor about your injury in order for them to provide an official written medical opinion about the nature of your injuries.

 

2. Seek Medical Attention.

It is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a scaffolding accident. A medical report will help back up your claim and demonstrate the extent of your injuries. Medical documentation will also serve as proof you required treatment following the incident, and that you were in pain due to the injury. Furthermore, it can help identify what type of compensation you should be looking for in your claim.

 

3. Report the Accident to Your Employer or Project Owner.

After suffering a scaffolding accident, it is essential to ensure you report the incident to a project owner or employer. Depending on your state or country, this may need to be done right away, or within 24 hours of the incident taking place. If not reported in time, this could limit your chances of successfully making a claim. In addition to reporting the accident, you should also document your injury with photos if possible and make notes about what happened during the incident. Finally, obtain contact details from any witnesses who saw the incident and provide them to your lawyer for reference if needed.

 

4. Research Your Rights and the Relevant Lawsuit Filing Deadlines.

Before filing a lawsuit for a scaffolding accident, it’s important to make sure you understand your rights and the relevant filing deadlines that may apply. In some jurisdictions, statutes of limitations impose time limits on bringing a claim; e.g., three years in the UK. If you fail to file within this time period, you may be unable to get compensation for your injuries. Therefore, it is important to do your research and find out when you need to submit your case before any deadline passes and results in a possible dismissal due to too much time having lapsed since the injury occurred.

5. Contact an Experienced Scaffolding Accident Solicitor Who Deals with Scaffolding Accidents and Litigation.

After having gathered all of the necessary facts related to your scaffolding accident, you may want to consider speaking with an experienced solicitors who can advise you on your rights and the best course of action. An experienced litigator will be knowledgeable about relevant statutes, case law and court decisions that are relevant to your claim. Additionally, they will be equipped with the experience needed to determine whether it is in your best interest to pursue your case in court or opt for an out-of-court settlement.

Call our Personal Injury Solicitors on 0800 0747 644 to see if we can help you make a claim or just for a no-obligation chat about your claim.