Scaffolding Accident Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA

At some point, nearly every worker involved in the construction industry will be required to use scaffolding to work from a higher elevation. In fact, OSHA estimates that nearly two-thirds of construction workers use scaffolding on a daily basis to complete building-related work. Unfortunately, working from heights always creates the risk that you will suffer a fall—especially in cases where the scaffolding used is not properly installed or maintained—and injuries sustained in a scaffolding accident can be severe, if not catastrophic. At Matzus Law, LLC, our skilled Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer understands that recovering from injuries sustained in a scaffolding accident can be a long, painful process. Our firm has over two decades’ worth of experience helping victims of scaffolding accidents and other construction site accidents recover full compensation for their injuries, often outside of the workers’ compensation system. Regardless of whether you fell from the scaffolding or were injured from below, our firm has the knowledge and resources necessary to go to battle and protect your right to be fully compensated for your injuries. We offer a free initial consultation so that we can provide possible options in your case at no risk to you, so call or contact an experienced Pittsburgh scaffolding accident lawyer at our office today.

Common Causes of Scaffolding Accidents in PA

Unfortunately, many scaffolding accidents are entirely preventable and are caused by the negligent or careless actions of someone else—often, the negligence of someone who was not required to climb the scaffolding at all is the root cause of a scaffolding accident. Scaffolding accidents can occur for a number of reasons, including:

• The scaffolding was improperly constructed, such as when inadequate load-bearing planks were used
• Workers were improperly trained as to the proper use of scaffolding, including the proper following of all relevant safety rules
• Defective components in the scaffolding itself
• Falls from the scaffolding because of failure to use proper safety tools, such as guardrails
• Overloading the scaffolding, potentially causing a collapse
• Circumstances where equipment or tools are not properly secured, and so slide off the scaffolding to injure someone below

Federal regulations provide detailed safety requirements that must be followed strictly when using scaffolding, such as rules regarding the use of fall protection for workers using scaffolding that is more than 10 feet above a lower level.  Unfortunately, contractors and property owners often cut corners in order to get the job done faster or increase their own profit margins.

Dedicated Personal Injury Lawyers Fight to Hold Negligent Parties Financially Accountable for Scaffolding Accidents in Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, and Throughout PA

At Matzus Law, LLC, our personal injury lawyer has spent years cultivating the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively represent victims of scaffolding accidents. Importantly, we understand all of the ways in which your injury might impact your life or create additional expenses, and we fight to recover compensation not only for your current pain and suffering but for all the ways the injury will impact your life in the future. Serious injuries that commonly result from scaffolding accidents include:

• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Neck and back injuries
• Broken bones
• Burn injuries
• Death

In some cases, workers’ compensation may be inadequate to provide for the expenses related to your injuries and does not provide any compensation for your pain and suffering. Pursuing an outside claim for additional compensation can become especially important in cases where your scaffolding accident injury results in long-term disability or catastrophic injuries where you are rendered unable to work even once your injury has technically healed to the extent possible.

To recover additional compensation in your case, we may be able to establish liability on the part of third parties who are not your employer, including:

• The property owner
• General contractors or subcontractors
• Equipment manufacturer
• The scaffolding supplier
• And more

Contact Matzus Law Today

If you or a loved one have been injured in a scaffolding accident in the Pittsburgh area, our firm is here to fight on your behalf to get the compensation you need to move forward. We work tirelessly to determine the root cause of your scaffolding accident and advocate aggressively on your behalf to hold all negligent parties liable for their actions. To discuss your options, call our office or fill out this online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation with our experienced Pittsburgh scaffolding accident lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scaffolding Accident Claims in Pennsylvania

How much compensation can I recover if I was injured in a scaffolding accident?

The amount of compensation available depends upon the type of injuries you sustained, the medical treatment plan, and your likelihood of recovery. More serious injuries that require more extensive and ongoing medical treatment will result in higher compensation awards. The amount of compensation available can also be influenced by how your scaffolding accident was caused—situations where someone’s egregious disregard for your safety caused the accident may give rise to larger compensation packages. We will fight to recover compensation for all unreimbursed medical expenses, physical therapy, long-term disability, lost wages, lost future earnings, pain and suffering, and more.

What safety regulations are in place to prevent scaffolding accidents from occurring in the first place?

The regulations governing safety with respect to the use of scaffolding are detailed and specific. For example, the scaffolding in question must be designed to hold at least four times the anticipated load that it will carry to prevent collapse. Additionally, netting or screens may be required to prevent objects from falling off the scaffolding and causing injury. The planks used to form the scaffolding platforms are required to extend at least six inches over the scaffolding supports but no more than 18 inches. These safety standards have been developed based on experience and over time, and when they are not carefully followed, the responsible party may be held financially accountable for any resulting accidents.