Explore your legal options for injured construction workers
Scaffolding is the backbone of Brooklyn’s construction industry, supporting workers as they build, repair, and maintain the city’s skyline. But when scaffolding accidents happen, they don’t just disrupt the project – they can change lives.
Falls, head trauma, crushing accidents, and even amputations often leave construction workers with serious, long-lasting injuries. If you’ve been injured in a scaffolding accident, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of dealing with a workers’ compensation claim.
That’s where an experienced Brooklyn workers’ compensation attorney comes in. They can handle every aspect of your claim and protect your rights every step of the way. Take action today by scheduling your free consultation.
What are the most common scaffolding accidents in Brooklyn?
Many scaffolding accidents in Brooklyn are preventable with the right precautions. However, they continue to occur due to lack of training, cutting corners, and unfavorable conditions. The most common accidents include:
Scaffolding collapses
Scaffolding collapses represent one of the most dangerous types of accidents on construction sites in Brooklyn. These are often the result of:
- Improper assembly: When scaffolding is not set up according to manufacturer instructions, it can become unstable. This may be due to inadequate training, rushing to complete a job, or simply neglecting proper procedures.
- Overloading: Exceeding the weight limit of scaffolding is a common cause of collapses. Workers may stack heavy materials or equipment on the scaffolding without realizing they’re surpassing its capacity. Over time, this overloading can compromise a scaffold’s structural integrity.
- Poor maintenance: Regular wear and tear, combined with exposure to weather conditions, can weaken scaffolding components. Without proper maintenance and regular inspections, these issues may go unnoticed until it’s too late.
- Inadequate support: Scaffolding that isn’t properly anchored or supported can become unstable, especially in high winds or when subjected to uneven loads.
Falling objects
Objects can fall from scaffolds suddenly and without warning. This can potentially cause severe injuries to workers at all levels of the scaffolding structure and even to those on the ground. These objects might include tools, bricks, lumber, pipes, waste materials, and unused personal protective equipment.
Several factors contribute to the risk of falling objects on scaffolding sites:
- Lack of proper securing mechanisms: Failure to use tool lanyards, toeboards, or debris nets can allow objects to fall freely.
- Overloaded platforms: Excessive materials or equipment on scaffolding increase the likelihood of items being knocked off.
- Wind and weather conditions: Strong winds can dislodge unsecured items, especially on high-rise construction sites.
Falls from scaffolding
Falls from scaffolding are among the most frequent and dangerous types of work accidents on construction sites. Workers often rely on scaffolding to access areas that are high above the ground. However, the very structure that allows them to work at heights can pose a serious danger if not properly secured.
Several factors contribute to falls from scaffolding, including:
- Missing or improperly installed guardrails: Guardrails act as barriers to prevent workers from accidentally stepping off scaffolding. When they are absent or incorrectly installed, the risk of falls increases.
- Slippery surfaces: Rain, snow, or ice can create wet and hazardous scaffolding platforms. Workers are more likely to lose their footing if they aren’t wearing non-slip footwear or if platforms are not properly maintained to prevent water buildup.
- Improper assembly: Scaffolding that isn’t set up according to manufacturer instructions can become unstable. Workers may not be aware of the danger until it’s too late.
What are the most common injuries from Brooklyn scaffolding accidents?
Brooklyn scaffolding accidents often result in a variety of serious injuries, with some of the most common being:
Head injuries
Falling tools, debris, or materials from upper scaffolding levels can strike workers below, leading to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries can cause long-term cognitive or physical disabilities.
Common TBIs from scaffolding accidents include:
- Concussions: This is the most common type of TBI, caused by a blow or jolt to the head. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory issues.
- Contusions: This is a bruise on the brain resulting from direct impact. It can cause localized bleeding and swelling, and it can lead to neurological issues.
- Diffuse axonal injury (DAI): This type of injury occurs when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull and causes tearing of brain tissues. A DAI often results in loss of consciousness and long-term damage.
- Skull fractures: When the skull breaks, severe damage can be inflicted to the brain.
- Hematomas: Blood clots can form, put pressure on the brain, and cause life-threatening complications.
- Penetrating brain injuries: These occur when an object pierces the skull and damages brain tissue. This can result in severe cognitive and physical impairments.
Crushing injuries
When scaffolding collapses or materials shift unexpectedly, workers may become trapped between heavy objects or structures, resulting in crushing injuries. These often involve multiple broken bones, internal damage, or severe trauma. It often requires extensive recovery and rehabilitation.
Amputations
While less common, amputations can occur when workers’ limbs become caught in machinery or between falling scaffolding components. These types of injuries are life-altering and may require permanent lifestyle adjustments.
Spinal injuries
Along with falls, spinal cord injuries can occur when workers suffer a jarring impact to the back or neck. These injuries can cause anything from temporary discomfort to paralysis, depending on the severity of the trauma.
Sprains and strains
Workers frequently suffer sprains and strains from slips, trips, or awkward movements while navigating scaffolding platforms. Though less severe than fractures or spinal injuries, soft tissue damage can still limit mobility and cause ongoing pain.
What are my compensation options for a scaffold accident in Brooklyn?
If you’re injured in a scaffolding accident in Brooklyn, several compensation options may be available to help cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses.
Workers’ compensation in New York
New York’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide injured workers with financial support regardless of fault. These benefits include:
- Medical expenses related to your injury, including hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and medication.
- A portion of your lost wages up to a certain limit set by New York state.
- Permanent disability benefits if your injury results in a permanent disability that prevents you from returning to work.
- Death benefits, including funeral costs and financial support for dependents.
Third-party claims
In addition to workers’ compensation, you may be able to file a third-party claim if someone other than your employer was responsible for the scaffolding accident. For example, if a scaffolding manufacturer provided defective equipment, or a subcontractor’s negligence contributed to your injury, you could pursue compensation from those responsible.
A third-party claim allows you to seek damages beyond what workers’ comp provides, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Full wage loss
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
Get the Compensation You Deserve After a Scaffolding Accident
If you’ve been injured in a scaffolding accident, you deserve more than just medical care. You deserve fair compensation for your pain, suffering, and time away from work. Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to focus on your recovery.
A skilled workers’ compensation attorney can take the burden off your shoulders by handling every step of the claim process. From ensuring your paperwork is properly completed to meeting strict deadlines, your attorney will make sure your case is on track from day one.
The best part? Workers’ compensation lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay a dime unless they win your case. Don’t wait to get the help you need. Reach out to a knowledgeable Brooklyn attorney today to explore your legal options and take the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve.
