Scaffold Accidents

While British inventor Daniel Palmer Jones is considered the “grandfather of scaffolding, the use of scaffolding-like structures date back to the 5th century BC. Unfortunately, time has not prevented accidents involving these types of structures, and we see serious injuries involving their use on a regular basis. The legal team at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers represents victims of scaffold accidents in Atlanta and across the state of Georgia.

In simple terms, a scaffold is a temporary structure that allows construction workers to climb up on a platform to perform work in high places, rather than standing on a wobbly ladder or dangling from a line. By their nature, scaffolds are only as strong as their weakest link. If one supporting component fails, the entire scaffold can collapse, causing construction workers to fall. Consequently, general contractors are required to properly maintain scaffolding and train workers on how to safely put it together. Guardrails must be used, and scaffolding cannot be overloaded. Factors causing and contributing to scaffold accidents include:

• Unsecure scaffolding
• Poor or careless scaffolding construction
• Use of poor quality or damaged materials
• Missing or malfunctioning fall safety systems
• Insufficient scaffold maintenance
• Lack of training on how to safely use scaffolds
• Lack of or poorly conducted safety inspections
• Makeshift scaffolding structures

Generally, workers are using some type of equipment while on the scaffold, such as hammers, screw guns, drills, paint, and other tools and supplies. In addition to the workers on the collapsed scaffold being injured, those on the ground working or walking near the scaffold may be seriously injured by the falling scaffold itself or other objects.

If you have been injured in a fall from a scaffold, or as the result of a scaffold collapse, there are several different parties who may be considered legally responsible for your injuries. For example, property owners may be held responsible for failing to properly oversee dangerous scaffolding on their property, or hiring negligent companies. Likewise, contractors and subcontractors are liable under personal injury law when their negligence causes injuries to employees of other contractors on the site. Also, scaffold manufacturers and vendors are legally responsible for any defects in the design or manufacture of their equipment.

Following proper safety practices can prevent the vast majority of scaffold accidents, which is why parties responsible for these accidents should be held accountable for putting workers and bystanders in harm’s way. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a scaffold accident in the Atlanta area, or across the state of Georgia, please contact Katz Personal Injury Lawyers at 404-460-0101 or 888-426-2100 for a free initial consultation. We can help you obtain fair compensation for your injuries.