A scaffolding accident, an unfortunate event that happens while utilizing or working on scaffolding structures, can lead to severe injuries or even death. Such accidents may arise from factors such as structural failure, instability, falls from height, falling objects, or human error. Strict adherence to safety regulations, thorough inspections, quality training, and proper maintenance of scaffolding are necessary to prevent these accidents. If you’ve experienced a scaffolding accident, reach out to our law firm, Phillips Law Offices, today and get a free consultation with a Chicago Scaffolding Accident Lawyer.

Based on data from the Illinois Department of Labor, from 2015 to 2021, Illinois reported 1,024 scaffolding accidents. Of these incidents, 105 ended in fatalities, and 819 resulted in injuries. The most common cause of scaffolding accidents was falls from elevation, accounting for 62% of all reported accidents. Other frequent causes include collapses (17%), tipping (12%), and contact with power lines (7%).

Types of Scaffolding Injuries

Falls from Elevation: These are the most common types of injuries from scaffolding accidents. Such falls can cause serious harm, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and head injuries.

Collapses: Collapses can also lead to significant injuries. Factors like improper construction, overloading, and wind could cause scaffolding to collapse.

Tipping: Scaffolding tipping over could cause grave harm to those working on it. Improper construction, overloading, and wind are common causes of scaffolding tipping.

Contact with Power Lines: If scaffolding comes into contact with power lines, it could lead to severe injuries, including electric shock and fatalities.

Improper Use of Scaffolding: Misuse of scaffolding can also cause serious harm. This could include using scaffolding that is not properly designed or installed or not maintained appropriately.

If you’ve been injured in a scaffolding accident, seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, report the accident to your employer and the Illinois Department of Labor. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. A Chicago Scaffolding Accident Lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Scaffolding Accidents in The Construction Industry

Scaffolding accidents are unfortunately all too common in the construction industry, often leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. These incidents can arise from a multitude of factors, many of which can be mitigated with stringent safety measures. Here are some common causes of scaffolding accidents:

Improper Assembly or Installation: Inadequate or incorrect assembly can lead to structural instability, making the scaffolding prone to collapses or falls. This issue emphasizes the importance of hiring skilled workers familiar with the appropriate assembly techniques for scaffolding.

Lack of Training and Supervision: Workers who lack the proper training in scaffold usage are at higher risk of accidents. Inadequate supervision can also lead to unsafe practices going unnoticed until it’s too late.

Failure to Conduct Regular Inspections: Regular inspections help identify potential issues before they become hazards. Neglecting this important step can lead to unnoticed problems, increasing the risk of accidents.

Poorly Maintained Equipment: Scaffolding components that aren’t well maintained can fail under stress. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring scaffolding remains safe and secure.

Insufficient Fall Protection Measures: Lack of adequate fall protection, like guardrails or personal fall arrest systems, can lead to serious fall accidents.

Adverse Weather Conditions: Wind, rain, snow, and icy conditions can all make scaffolding more dangerous, increasing the risk of falls or structural instability.

Falling Objects: Objects falling from scaffolding can cause injuries to workers both on the scaffolding and below it. Protective measures should be in place to prevent these incidents.

Overloading of Scaffolding: Overloading scaffolding with too much weight can lead to structural failure. Safe load limits should always be adhered to.

Prevention of scaffolding accidents necessitates strict adherence to safety regulations, comprehensive training for all workers, regular scaffolding inspections, diligent maintenance, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment. Both employers and workers should place safety at the forefront of their duties to reduce the risk of scaffolding accidents in the construction industry.

Benefits Available for Scaffolding Accident Victims in Chicago

There are a number of benefits available to scaffolding accident victims in Illinois. These benefits can help to cover the costs of medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Here are some benefits that you can get according to your circumstances:

Workers’ compensation: Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that is paid for by employers. It provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. Workers’ compensation benefits can include medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits.

Third-party liability: If the scaffolding accident was caused by the negligence of someone other than your employer, you may be able to file a third-party liability lawsuit. This type of lawsuit can seek damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Personal injury protection (PIP): PIP is a type of insurance that is often purchased by individuals. It provides benefits to you and your passengers if you are injured in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. In some cases, PIP may also be available to cover the costs of injuries sustained in a scaffolding accident.

Medicaid: If you do not have health insurance, you may be eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid is a government program that provides health insurance to low-income individuals and families.

Medicare: If you are 65 years of age or older, you may be eligible for Medicare. Medicare is a government program that provides health insurance to seniors and people with disabilities.

If you have been injured in a scaffolding accident, it is important to speak with an attorney to discuss your legal options. An attorney can help you to understand your rights and to pursue the compensation that you deserve.

The amount of benefits that you may be entitled to will depend on the specific facts of your case. An Chicago scaffolding accident lawyer can help you to determine the value of your claim and to pursue the compensation that you deserve.

Who pays after a Chicago scaffolding accident?

In scaffolding accident cases, the party responsible for paying for your injury will depend on various factors, including the specific circumstances of the accident and applicable laws. Potential parties who may be held responsible for paying compensation in a scaffolding accident can include:

Employer: If you were injured while working as an employee, your employer may be liable for your injuries through workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation benefits typically cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages.

Third Parties: If a third party, such as a property owner, contractor, or equipment manufacturer, contributed to the accident through negligence, they may be held responsible. In such cases, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party to seek compensation for damages not covered by workers’ compensation.

Product Manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a defect in the scaffolding equipment or components, such as faulty platforms or connectors, the manufacturer or distributor of the equipment may be held liable. In this situation, you may be able to pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer for compensation.

Determining liability and the party responsible for paying for your injury requires a thorough examination of the facts and applicable laws. It is crucial to consult with a qualified personal injury lawyer who specializes in scaffolding accidents to assess your case and provide you with proper legal guidance.

When the Injury Victim Is Partially Responsible for the scaffolding Accident

When the injury victim is partially responsible for a scaffolding accident, it may impact their ability to recover full compensation for their injuries. The legal concept of comparative negligence or contributory negligence comes into play in such situations.

Comparative negligence

In some jurisdictions, including Illinois, the concept of comparative negligence is followed. Comparative negligence means that the injured party’s compensation may be reduced based on their degree of fault in the accident. For example, if the injured party is found to be 20% at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced by 20%.

Contributory negligence

In a few jurisdictions, a contributory negligence standard is followed. Under contributory negligence, if the injured party is found to have contributed in any way to the accident, even if it’s a small percentage, they may be barred from recovering any compensation.

It’s essential to consult with a personal injury attorney who is familiar with the laws of the specific jurisdiction where the accident occurred. They can evaluate the circumstances of the case, assess liability, and determine how comparative negligence or contributory negligence laws may impact the injured party’s ability to recover compensation.

Speak with a Chicago Scaffolding Accident Lawyer

Upon realizing that you have suffered injuries in a scaffolding accident, it is crucial to take prompt action to preserve vital evidence and testimony. This also ensures compliance with Illinois’s statute of limitations.

When you engage the services of Phillips Law Office law firm, our team will proactively pursue your compensation claim within the required timeframe. We recommend initiating the process by scheduling a free initial consultation with a skilled Chicago scaffolding accident lawyer at Phillips Law Office without delay.

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Table of Contents

Types of Scaffolding Injuries

Common Causes of Scaffolding Accidents in The Construction Industry

Benefits Available for Scaffolding Accident Victims in Chicago

Who pays after a Chicago scaffolding accident?

When the Injury Victim Is Partially Responsible for the scaffolding Accident

Comparative negligence

Contributory negligence

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