Louisiana Scaffolding Accident Lawyer
According to the United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), 65% of construction workers use scaffolds. Naturally, this greatly increases the chances of a construction worker being involved in a scaffold accident.
Scaffold injuries can range from minor to serious, with some accidents leading to significant life changes or even death. If you are suffering from Louisville construction site injuries as a result of a scaffolding accident, you may have the option to receive financial restitution through Workers’ Compensation or additional lawsuits against those responsible for your accident and injuries.
Common Causes of Scaffold Injuries
Scaffold injuries can be caused by a number of factors such as:
- Faulty equipment
- Falling objects
- Faulty installation
- Lack of inspection
- Bearing too much weight
- Not using or improper use of safety equipment
About half of all scaffolding accidents are caused by scaffolds falling or collapsing. Workers slipping or falling are the second leading cause of scaffolding accidents. Only a small percentage of scaffolding accidents are caused by an object knocking a worker off of a scaffold.
Scaffold Injuries and Workers’ Compensation
If you have been seriously hurt by scaffold injuries, it’s important get medical help immediately. In addition, contact your immediate supervisor or employer and inform them of your scaffolding accident as soon as possible. You or a family member should also keep your company informed of any changes in your condition.
Your company should file a request for Workers’ Compensation on your behalf within 30 days. Ask your supervisor for a copy of this report for your records.
After qualifying for Workers’ Compensation, you will be paid for your medical expenses and a portion of your salary. In addition, you may receive rehabilitation or educational expenses. Benefits can cover emotional as well as physical problems.
If you are permanently disabled, you may be entitled to additional benefits. Your family may also receive benefits in the event that you die from your scaffold injuries.
Liability and Scaffold Injuries in Louisiana
In Louisiana, you can request Workers’ Compensation regardless of who was at fault in your scaffolding accident. However, if you think that another party caused your accident, you may be entitled to additional compensation. Although you can’t sue your employer if you accept Workers’ Compensation benefits, you might be able to sue a third party if their negligence contributed to your accident.
A third party is an individual or organization—other than your employer—who is or was involved in the construction project where you worked.
Third parties that might be involved in your construction site accident include:
- The scaffold’s manufacturer
- Your safety equipment’s manufacturer
- Architects on the project
- The general contractor
- Subcontractors
- Outside vendors
