Scaffolding Accidents

Scaffolds are temporary platforms which allow workers to perform tasks high above the ground. On construction sites in Miami and across Florida, scaffolds are an important way for workers to access top floors of buildings and other heights. Unfortunately, due to their heights, scaffolds can also be extremely dangerous. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2009 alone there were 54 fatalities and thousands of injuries resulting from falls from scaffolds. In over 72% of cases, the falls occurred because an employee slipped, was struck by a falling out object, or because the support or planking gave way.

If you have been injured in a scaffold fall or other construction site accident in Miami or anywhere in South Florida, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney in Miami or your community in order to get legal advice about your case. It is important to get the fairest compensation possible in your situation so that you can afford the best resources possible for your injuries. Speaking with an attorney can help you determine what your best options are in order to secure the fairest compensation. The Flaxman Law Group legal team has worked for more than two decades helping South Florida personal injury victims get the compensation that they deserve. They have already recovered more than $25 million on behalf of victims. Contact the Flaxman Law Group legal team today to discuss your case in a free accident consultation.

Scaffold accidents in Miami and Florida communities cause a number of injuries, including:

• fractures
• cuts and lacerations
• spinal cord injuries
• head injury
• amputation
• fatalities

In some cases, scaffold accidents can also lead to secondary accidents in cases where a victim falls from the scaffold onto a sharp object and sustains puncture wounds, or falls into chemicals or irritants that cause chemical burns. Scaffold accidents tend to be serious and are likely to cause fatalities, simply due to the height from which most victims fall. For those victims who do survive, the healing process can be long and expensive. It can result in thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills, home care costs, and other expenses. In addition, recovering victims will often not be able to work and will need to replace lost income. Pursuing a legal claim and getting legal advice can help ensure that you get compensation so that you do not have to pay for these costs out-of-pocket.

There are many reasons why scaffold falls occur in Miami and across Florida:

• Incorrect installation and assembly of scaffolds
• Incorrect use or set up of guardrails
• Lack of personal fall protection or protective gear
• Ignoring scaffold manufacturer’s instructions
• Incorrect training or supervision

OSHA publishes a number of standards and regulations for construction sites in order to help prevent scaffolding accidents. Under these regulations, scaffolds must be constructed and set up so that they have strong anchorage and sound footing so that they can carry the maximum intended weight without risk to those using the scaffolding. Objects that can move easily – such as bricks, boxes, and other movable objects -- cannot be used to support planks or scaffolds. Under OSHA regulations, scaffolds must be correctly maintained. They cannot be moved horizontally or changed while they are occupied or in use. When construction site supervisors or owners violate these rules, they may be liable for any scaffold accidents and injuries that occur.

If you have been injured in a scaffold accident or other construction site accident in Miami or anywhere in South Florida, contact the Flaxman Law Group today to arrange for a free case evaluation.