New Jersey Scaffolding Accidents Lawyers
Sussex County injury attorneys pursue full compensation
When properly erected and maintained, scaffolding allows workers to perform tasks from elevated positions. However, when the structure fails, workers can suffer devastating injuries and even death. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a scaffolding accident, Hollander, Strelzik, Pasculli, Vandenberg, Hontz & Associates LLC can evaluate your right to workers’ compensation and additional legal claims. Our New Jersey scaffolding accident lawyers will help you understand your options and aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve.
Common causes of scaffolding accidents in Newton
Scaffolding accidents often occur because of preventable safety failures. Leading causes include:
- Improper assembly — If scaffolds are not correctly constructed, leveled or secured, they can collapse or tip.
- Falls from heights — Missing guardrails, unstable planking or inadequate fall protection expose workers to risk of dangerous or deadly falls.
- Overloading — Excess stress can cause structural failure.
- Weather conditions — Ice, snow or rain make surfaces slippery and unstable.
- Falling objects — Tools or construction materials can strike workers below.
- Poor supervision — Inadequate training and failure to inspect equipment puts workers at high risk.
Identifying the root cause of the accident is critical to determining who may be liable.
Injuries caused by scaffold-related incidents
Scaffold workers operate at significant heights. Thus, falls can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal injuries and permanent disability. Falling debris or collapsing structures can cause head injuries, crush injuries or fractures to workers on the ground.
Some victims suffer long-term complications, including chronic pain, mobility limitations or cognitive impairment. The severity of these injuries often means extensive medical treatment, time away from work and significant economic loss. In the most tragic cases, scaffold accidents inflict fatal injuries.
OSHA regulations and scaffold safety violations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has established strict regulations governing scaffold design, construction and use. These rules require proper guardrails, secure platforms, adequate load capacity, safe access points and regular inspections. Employers are responsible for ensuring scaffolds meet OSHA standards and that workers receive proper safety training. Violations can significantly increase the risk of injury.
While OSHA citations do not establish civil liability, evidence of safety violations can strengthen a legal claim. Inspection reports, safety records and witness statements can establish whether regulatory failures contributed to the accident.
Workers’ compensation claims after a scaffolding accident
New Jersey workers’ compensation covers most construction site injuries. It provides medical treatment, partial wage replacement and permanent disability benefits in serious cases. Injured employees need not prove negligence to receive workers’ comp benefits. However, disputes can arise regarding the extent of injuries, the need for ongoing treatment or eligibility for disability payments.
If your claim is denied or reduced, a NJ workers’ compensation lawyer can help you appeal through the NJ Division of Workers’ Compensation.
Third-party liability in scaffolding accident cases
If a third party contributed to the accident, an injured worker can file a personal injury lawsuit. Such claims can arise when a subcontractor improperly erects scaffolding, a property owner creates unsafe conditions or a manufacturer supplies defective scaffold components. A third-party lawsuit allows full wage recovery as well as other damages, including pain and suffering. Our knowledgeable lawyers can investigate your accident to determine whether grounds exist for a third-party lawsuit, in addition to filing for workers’ compensation.
Contact our NJ workers’ compensation lawyers to discuss your scaffold accident
Hollander, Strelzik, Pasculli, Vandenberg, Hontz & Associates LLC, with offices in Newton and Succasunna, represents clients injured in scaffold accidents throughout northern New Jersey. Please call 973-737-1023 or contact us online to set up a consultation.
