Philadelphia Scaffold Accident Lawyer

Scaffold accidents can result in devastating injuries and even fatalities for construction workers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a scaffolding accident in Philadelphia, the experienced attorneys at Mattiacci Law Firm are here to help. Our Philadelphia scaffold accident lawyers have nearly 20 years of experience handling these complex cases and fighting for the rights of injured workers.

Common Causes of Scaffold Accidents

Scaffold accidents can occur for many reasons, including:

• Unsecured or loose supports and planking
• Improper assembly of scaffolding
• Insufficient fall protection measures
• Lack of guardrails
• Objects falling from scaffolds
• Defective scaffolding equipment
• Improper training on scaffold use
• Overloading of scaffolds
• Electrocution from nearby power lines

According to OSHA, the most common causes of scaffold accidents are:

1. The planking or support giving way
2. Slipping incidents
3. Being struck by falling objects

Scaffold Accident Statistics

Scaffolding accidents remain a serious safety concern in the construction industry:

• Over 4,500 workers are injured in scaffold-related accidents each year
• About 60 workers are killed annually in scaffold accidents
• 72% of workers injured in scaffold accidents attribute the accident to planking or support giving way, or to slipping, or to being struck by a falling object

These sobering statistics highlight why proper scaffold safety is so critical. Even a fall from a relatively low height can result in severe injuries or death.

Common Scaffold Accident Injuries

Scaffold accidents frequently lead to serious injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Severe lacerations and bruising
• Crush injuries
• Wrongful death

Our Philadelphia scaffold injury lawyers have helped clients who have suffered life-altering injuries in scaffold falls, including brain damage and severe fractures. We understand the devastating impact these accidents can have and are committed to fighting for maximum compensation for our clients.

Reasons For Scaffolding Accident Injuries

The Mattiacci Law Firm has successfully handled many scaffold accident cases. Scaffold accidents happen for a variety of reasons, including unsecured or loose supports or planking, improper assembly, insufficient fall protection, lack of guardrails, or even from objects falling off of scaffolding. Other times, a scaffold may be improperly assembled. Still other times a scaffold may be leased or rented to a user without all necessary safety features, instructions, and warnings.

Regardless of how these scaffold accidents happen, they can be deadly. A Philadelphia scaffold accident attorney can help you navigate your case.

Because they are useful in construction, scaffolds are common fixtures on construction sites. Scaffolding can also a common source of injury and unfortunately, of fatalities. The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) of the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 54 construction fatalities in 2009 involving them.

Scaffold safety is incredibly important, and OSHA 1926.451 lays out various requirements for the implementation and use of scaffolding. Each of its components must be strong enough to support, without failure, its own weight and at least four (4) times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it. (See 1926.451(a)(1)). They must also be fully planked and may require handrails.

Falling object protection is also addressed by OSHA, including the requirement that toeboards, screens, guardrail systems, or debris nets are used to catch or to deflect falling objects and debris and to protect workers. Hard hats are also required. (See 1926.451(h)(1)).

OSHA Scaffold Safety Regulations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established strict safety standards for scaffold use under regulation 1926.451. Key requirements include:

• Scaffolds and scaffold components must support at least 4 times the maximum intended load
• Platforms must be fully planked or decked
• Guardrails, midrails and toeboards are required on scaffolds more than 10 feet above a lower level
• Fall protection like personal fall arrest systems is required
• Falling object protection such as toeboards, screens or debris nets must be provided
• Scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person before each work shift

Unfortunately, construction companies and contractors do not always follow these critical safety regulations. When scaffold safety is compromised, catastrophic accidents can occur.

Liability in Scaffold Accident Cases

Determining liability in scaffold accident cases can be complex. Potentially responsible parties may include:

• Construction site owners
• General contractors
• Subcontractors
• Scaffold manufacturers
• Scaffold rental companies
• Engineers/architects

Our experienced Philadelphia scaffold accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all liable parties. We have the resources and expertise to take on large construction companies and their insurers.

Compensation for Scaffold Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in a scaffold accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death damages (for fatal accidents)

Our scaffold injury lawyers have recovered multi-million dollar settlements for clients, including:

• Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered brain damage in a scaffold fall
• Substantial settlement for a client with severe fractures after falling from a scaffold without railings

Why Choose Mattiacci Law for Your Scaffold Accident Case?

With nearly two decades of experience handling scaffold accident cases in Philadelphia, our firm has the knowledge, skill and resources to take on even the most complex claims. When you choose Mattiacci Law, you can expect:

• Free initial consultations
• No fees unless we win your case
• Personalized attention from experienced attorneys
• Thorough investigation of your accident
• Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
• Willingness to take your case to trial if necessary

Don’t trust your scaffold accident case to just any personal injury lawyer. Our Philadelphia scaffold accident attorneys have the specialized expertise needed to maximize your compensation.

Contact a Philadelphia Scaffold Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a scaffold accident, don’t wait to get legal help. Contact Mattiacci Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Philadelphia scaffold accident lawyer. Call us at 267-819-1753 or toll free at 866-617-0050 to discuss your case.

John Mattiacci has helped represent clients in these devastating cases, including a multi-million dollar settlement for a client that suffered brain damage from a scaffold fall and a client that suffered severe fractures after a fall from a scaffold without railings. Contact our offices today for a free consultation. You don’t pay until we win!