Millions of workers rely on scaffolds every day to reach elevated work areas and complete tasks safely and efficiently. Yet despite their widespread use, scaffolds remain one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment on a job site. A single loose board, missing guardrail, or faulty connection can lead to a serious accident with long-lasting consequences. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), reports consistently show that preventable factors are responsible for many worksite accidents. This makes proper training, routine inspections, and strict adherence to safety guidelines critical. Attorney Matthew Breen, an experienced scaffold injury attorney, can help you understand how scaffold injuries occur and how he can support your recovery.
How Scaffold Injuries Happen
Scaffold accidents stem from a wide range of hazards. Some relate to the equipment itself, while others involve human error or unsafe job-site conditions. Identifying the cause is essential because it often determines whether workers’ compensation, a third-party claim, or both may apply. The most frequent causes include:
- Unsecured or unstable scaffolds
- Improper assembly or missing components
- Malfunctioning brakes or support mechanisms
- Lack of fall-protection gear
- Objects such as tools or materials falling from above
- Failure to perform regular safety inspections
- Inadequate training for workers and supervisors
- Exceeding the scaffold’s weight limit
Many workers also carry tools while on scaffolds, including drills, hammers, or cleaning equipment. These can contribute to imbalance, increase overall weight, or cause additional injuries if dropped. When several risk factors overlap, the likelihood of a severe accident rises immediately.
With the causes understood, the next step is to examine the injuries that result from these incidents.
Common Injuries Resulting from Scaffold Accidents
The nature and severity of scaffold injuries vary widely based on the height of the fall, the structure’s stability, and the type of equipment involved. Some injuries heal with time, while others create permanent limitations.
Common injuries include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Head and neck trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
Falls from height can generate extreme force, and even a short fall can lead to major medical complications. In the most serious cases, victims face long-term disabilities that affect mobility, cognition, and the ability to work. Because of this, injured workers need a clear understanding of their legal options.
Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Lawsuits: What a Scaffold Injury Attorney Wants You to Know
Most scaffold injuries occur on the job, especially at construction sites. When a worker is injured on the job, workers’ compensation is typically the first source of financial support. This system pays for medical treatment and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault. You do not have to prove that your employer caused the accident to receive benefits.
When Third-Party Claims May Apply
While workers’ compensation provides important protection, it does not cover every loss. It excludes compensation for pain and suffering and several other damages. If someone outside your employer contributed to the accident, such as an equipment manufacturer, subcontractor, or property owner, you may have the right to file a third-party lawsuit.
A scaffold injury attorney can evaluate whether a third party played a role and, if necessary, pursue additional compensation. This approach is often invaluable for workers facing long recoveries, permanent impairment, or significant financial strain. Even if you have already filed a workers’ compensation claim, speaking to a scaffold injury attorney ensures that no potential source of recovery is overlooked.
After understanding your legal options, the next step is choosing an experienced law firm that protects your rights and well-being.
Speak With a Qualified Scaffold Injury Attorney
A scaffold accident can derail your health, your finances, and your future. Attorney Matthew Breen understands these challenges and provides focused, results-driven representation for injured workers. He investigates the cause of your accident, identifies all responsible parties, and builds a strategy designed to maximize your recovery.
With offices in Mount Pleasant and Myrtle Beach, our firm serves workers throughout South Carolina. Contact Lowcountry Law, LLC, today for a complimentary case review so we can help you move forward with confidence.
