Scaffolding falls are one of the most common construction accidents that affect New York families. The sad reality is that scaffolding collapses and the like leave these families reeling. The unexpected medical expenses and lost wages can make it difficult to make ends meet, and the physical and emotional pain and suffering felt by the victim can be overwhelming. That’s why those families that have been affected by a scaffolding fall might find themselves asking how the incident occurred and what they can do to find relief.
Common causes of scaffolding falls and collapses
There are a lot of factors that can contribute to a scaffolding and ladder falls and collapses. Each of the following may be a root cause of one of these accidents:
- Poor securement: A lot of scaffolding-related accidents involve falling objects. Here, workers neglect to properly secure tools and other construction equipment, which far too often results in fatal accidents.
- Employer error: In a lot of scaffolding fall cases, an employer fails to provide harnesses and spotters or they fail to provide proper construction equipment. When workers aren’t properly trained or they aren’t provided with the right equipment, then the risk of a scaffolding or trench fall increases significantly.
- Poor construction: Scaffolds should be constructed in accordance with OSHA regulations, but the sad truth of the matter is that they oftentimes aren’t. This means that construction workers can be put at risk of a scaffolding collapse or being struck by a falling object.
There may be other factors contributing to a scaffolding or ladder fall, but the fact is that none of them are acceptable.
Take legal action to protect your family
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a trench collapse, ladder fall, or scaffolding fall, then you shouldn’t just sit there and let the construction accident get the better of you. Instead, now is the time to take action to find accountability for your accident and to fight to recover the compensation you and your family deserve. To learn more about how best to approach your case, consider discussing your situation with an attorney who is experienced in this area of the law.