Scaffolding and ladder accidents can be deadly, and those who survive can be permanently injured. People who are on the ladder or scaffolding and people nearby can be hurt. These accidents can be the result of safety violations on the jobsite as well as defective products. If you or someone you love has been injured in a ladder or scaffolding accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income and more. The experienced Austin construction accident attorneys of Shaw Cowart, LLP, will thoroughly investigate your accident to determine all avenues of compensation.
Common Causes of Ladder and Scaffolding Accidents
Shortcuts on safety, as well as defective ladders and scaffolding, are typically behind ladder and scaffolding accidents. Common causes of ladder and scaffolding accidents on the job include:
- Ladder or scaffold placed too close to electric lines
- Ladder or scaffold placed on uneven, unstable, or slippery surfaces
- Improperly assembled scaffold
- Ladder which is not properly secured
- The wrong type, size, or strength ladder or scaffolding for the job
- Improper use or poor practices while using ladder or scaffolding
- Dangerous behavior such as jumping on scaffold
- Overextended ladder
- Unsafe practices by others around ladder or scaffolding
- Inexperienced or undertrained workers using ladder or scaffolding unsupervised
- Failure to inspect ladder or scaffolding before use
- Old, worn-out, damaged, or poorly maintained scaffolding
- Messy or slippery scaffold or ladder surfaces
- Defective ladder, scaffold or parts
Types of Ladder and Scaffolding Accidents
Although falling from a height is the biggest worry when considering ladder and scaffolding safety, there are other ways in which very serious injuries can occur. People under ladders and scaffolding can be injured by falling tools and materials. Scaffolds can collapse on workers below and other passersby. Electric shock and electrocution are not uncommon. Types of ladder and scaffolding accidents include:
- Slip and fall or trip and fall from ladder or scaffolding
- Total or partial collapse of scaffolding
- Ladder collapse
- Broken ladder rung
- Scaffolding or ladder tipping over
- Scaffolding or ladder sinking
- Falls when trying to enter ladder or scaffolding from a building or equipment
- Tools, materials, or debris falling from ladder or scaffolding and hitting people below
- Electrocution or electric shock
- Vehicle or heavy equipment or vehicle colliding with ladder or scaffolding
- Falls into toxic substances or filthy areas resulting in chemical burns or severe infection
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a ladder or scaffolding accident in Austin or anywhere in Texas, you may be able to recover substantial compensation. To learn more about your legal rights and how we can help you recover the compensation you need and deserve, please call Shaw Cowart, LLP, at 512-499-8900 or email us today.