Virginia Scaffolding Accident Lawyer
Ready to Help You Secure Your Entitled Compensation
Scaffolding is essential in construction, allowing workers to access high and hard-to-reach areas safely. However, when scaffolding is poorly constructed, inadequately maintained, or improperly used, it can pose severe risks to workers. If you or a loved one has suffered a scaffolding-related injury in Virginia, you need a dedicated Virginia scaffolding accident lawyer who understands the complexities of these cases and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC, is here to help.
Contact us today at (571) 290-2390 to schedule a free case review.
What is Scaffolding?
Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support workers and materials in construction, maintenance, and repair projects. Typically built from metal or wood, scaffolding provides stability and accessibility for workers who need to reach elevated work areas. There are several types of scaffolding, including:
- Supported Scaffolding: The most common type, supported scaffolding, consists of a series of platforms built from the ground up with metal tubes, braces, and other structural components.
- Suspended Scaffolding: This type hangs from overhead structures and is often used for tasks like window washing or exterior building repairs.
- Rolling Scaffolding: Similar to supported scaffolding but with wheels, rolling scaffolding allows for easy movement across the worksite.
Each type of scaffolding requires proper assembly, inspection, and maintenance to ensure worker safety. Even the smallest oversight can lead to devastating accidents.
Common Types of Scaffolding Accidents
Scaffolding accidents can result in severe injuries or even fatalities. The following are some of the most common types of scaffolding accidents that occur in Virginia:
- Falls from Heights: Falls are the leading cause of scaffolding-related injuries and fatalities. When scaffolding is not equipped with proper guardrails or workers do not have appropriate fall protection equipment, the risk of falling increases significantly.
- Scaffolding Collapses: Structural failure can cause scaffolding to collapse, endangering not only the workers on the scaffolding but also those below it. Collapses often result from faulty assembly, improper materials, or a failure to inspect the structure regularly.
- Falling Objects: Tools, materials, or debris can fall from scaffolding, injuring workers below. When objects fall from scaffolding, they can cause head injuries, broken bones, and other serious injuries for workers and bystanders.
- Electrocutions: When scaffolding is placed too close to power lines, there is a high risk of electrocution. Workers on metal scaffolding are particularly vulnerable, as electricity can easily travel through the metal, causing severe injuries.
- Slips and Trips: Scaffolding surfaces can become slippery due to rain, mud, or other debris. Without proper anti-slip measures, workers may slip or trip, leading to falls and injuries.
Common Causes of Scaffolding Accidents
Common causes of scaffolding accidents include:
- Inadequate Training: When workers do not receive adequate training in scaffolding safety, the risk of accidents increases. Training should cover how to set up, use, and dismantle scaffolding safely.
- Improper Assembly: Scaffolding must be assembled according to specific guidelines to ensure stability. When corners are cut or inexperienced workers assemble scaffolding, structural integrity can be compromised.
- Lack of Safety Inspections: Regular safety inspections are essential to identify and address potential hazards. If scaffolding is not inspected frequently, issues like loose fittings, damaged components, or instability can go unnoticed.
- Failure to Provide Fall Protection: Employers are required by law to provide fall protection equipment for workers at heights. When they fail to do so, workers face a higher risk of falling and suffering serious injuries.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds or heavy rain, can make scaffolding unstable and hazardous. In severe weather, scaffolding work should be suspended to avoid unnecessary risks.
Who is Liable for a Scaffolding Accident?
Determining liability in a scaffolding accident can be complex. Depending on the circumstances, various parties may be held responsible:
- Employers: Employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment, including proper training, safety equipment, and regular inspections. If an employer fails in any of these duties, they may be liable for an accident.
- Property Owners: If a property owner fails to maintain safe conditions on their property or negligently allows unsafe scaffolding practices, they may be held partially responsible for an accident.
- General Contractors and Subcontractors: Contractors must adhere to safety standards and may be held liable if they fail to enforce safe practices on the job site.
- Scaffolding Manufacturers: If a defect in the scaffolding design or manufacturing process causes an accident, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws.
At The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC, we thoroughly investigate each scaffolding accident to identify all liable parties, ensuring that our clients receive the maximum compensation available under Virginia law.
Let us get started on your case by calling (571) 290-2390 or filling out our online contact form today.
