Common Injuries in Columbia Scaffolding Accidents
Outside of toolboxes, scaffolding may be the most common piece of equipment found on construction job sites across the country. It is used for a variety of tasks, and according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 65% of all construction workers – about 2.3 million individuals nationwide – work on scaffolds. Unfortunately, its ubiquity on construction sites also leads to approximately 4,500 injuries and 60 deaths every year.
Understanding common injuries in Columbia scaffolding accidents is the first step to preventing them. And if you are injured, it is important to know your rights and how a dedicated scaffolding accident lawyer can help you.
Reasons for Scaffolding Injuries
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies some of the most common causes of scaffolding accidents in Columbia as:
- Defective equipment or improper assembly
- Lack of guardrails or slippery surfaces leading to slips and falls
- Falling objects hitting workers
These factors make up 70% of all scaffolding accidents. The remaining causes include electrocution due to scaffolding coming into contact with power lines, weather and environmental conditions, and misuse of scaffolding, such as overloading, and inadequate fall protection.
Common Columbia Scaffolding Accident Injuries
There is a multitude of injuries incurred because of scaffolding accidents and can range from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious, life-altering disabilities. Some of the more common injury types are as follows:
Sprains and Strains
Strains and sprains are common in scaffolding accidents due to the physical nature of working with scaffolding.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Workers may suffer fractures when they fall from a significant height or if an object lands on them while they’re working on a scaffold.
Spinal Cord Damage or Paralysis
The sudden impact of falling from a height may severely damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in paralysis and permanent disability.
Head Trauma or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A common injury in falls, TBI is especially dangerous due to its potentially lasting effects.
Nerve Damage
Injuries to the nerves that control movement can often result from scaffolding accidents. These may cause permanent disability or loss of sensation.
Lacerations, Cuts, or Scars
Bruises, scrapes, and punctures are common when a worker falls from scaffolding. In some cases, the injuries may result in permanent scarring.
Amputations
In rare cases, scaffolding accidents may result in a limb being severed.
In addition to the physical injuries and their long-term effects, scaffolding accidents in Columbia can also lead to psychological trauma and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by a fall from heights.
How Does a Scaffolding Injury Lawyer Help?
If you’ve suffered any type of injury from a scaffolding accident, you will likely have some recourse to compensate for your injuries. If the accident occurred at work, you may have a claim for workers’ compensation benefits from your employer or their insurance provider. Alternatively, if your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or reckless actions, you may also be eligible to receive compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
After getting your injuries treated, the next course of action you should take is to speak with a knowledgeable lawyer in Columbia, who will provide sound advice on the best course of action to take in your case. An experienced workers’ compensation or personal injury lawyer will take the time to reconstruct exactly how the accident occurred, and review and investigate any potential negligence or recklessness on the part of your employer or another party. They will also interview witnesses and review medical records and any other relevant evidence, negotiate a settlement that is fair to you and your family, and aggressively litigate your case in court if necessary.
Contact Our Columbia Attorneys to Learn More About Common Injuries in Scaffolding Accidents
The Law Office of Chris Miller is experienced in handling scaffolding accident cases in Columbia, MO. We understand how devastating a scaffolding accident can be for victims and their families, and we are committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and to find out more about common injuries in Columbia scaffolding accidents.