In construction, scaffolding is a common sight. It allows construction workers to reach heights of hundreds of feet while working on a structure or building. OHSA estimates that scaffolding is used by more than 2 million construction site workers each year. While there are protocols and regulations surrounding the safety of scaffolding, accidents occurring on New Jersey construction sites are not uncommon.

Furthermore, scaffold accidents are not exclusive to construction workers. These types of accidents are hazards to NJ pedestrians as well.

More on NJ scaffold accidents below. However, if you've been injured in a scaffolding accident, please consult with an NJ construction accident lawyer for legal advice. You have options to recover damages.

Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is one of top law firms in NJ, with decades of experience in personal injury cases of all types. Consultations are free.

What Is Scaffolding?

A scaffold is a temporary, raised work platform that construction workers use to raise tools, supplies, and themselves. They allow them to reach heights to build, clean, perform maintenance or other tasks.

If you haven't utilized a scaffold, you've likely looked at them and were relieved that you weren't trying to balance on them. But, when scaffolds are utilized correctly, they can be safe. Sadly, they're not always used correctly, and when errors are made, serious injuries can occur. In some cases, the injuries can be fatal.

Scaffolding Accident Stats

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that every year, incidents involving scaffolds cause about 4,500 injuries and 60 fatalities. Roughly 25% of all working surface fatal falls originate from scaffolds.

Scaffold accidents and injuries result in the loss of $90 million in revenue annually from lost workdays. This is why it's important to hold workplace safety high on the priority list.

Common Reasons Why NJ Scaffold Accidents Happen

In New Jersey, scaffolding accidents continue to rank among the leading causes of workplace fatalities for construction workers. Below are some of the most common reasons they occur.

• Scaffold planks deteriorating
• Slip and fall
• Insufficient safety precautions and fall protection gear
• Falling object striking a worker, a pedestrian, or a bystander
• Electrocution

Injuries sustained during a NJ scaffold accident might be severe due to its high elevation. A scaffold accident can result in burns, severe fractures, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury, and even death.

What To Do After An NJ Scaffold Accident

Whether you were a worker or a pedestrian just walking by, you could file a claim if you were hurt in an NJ scaffold accident. A claim will cover your losses associated with the claim. These are the two main options available:

Workers Comp Claim

Benefits for employees hurt while working are provided by workers' compensation insurance. Most employers are mandated to maintain workers' compensation insurance, which is the most common way an injured construction worker will recover losses. The primary advantage of pursuing a workers' compensation claim over a personal injury lawsuit is that you may receive benefits whether you are at fault or not. New Jersey's no fault laws apply to workers' comp as well.

Personal Injury Claim

You might be able to file a lawsuit against the equipment manufacturer if the scaffold you were using had a flaw that led to the construction site accident. This type of action is called a product liability lawsuit -- a form of personal injury. You would need to provide proof that the scaffold was faulty and this negligence resulted in your injuries.

NJ Construction Accident Lawyers Are Here To Help

Construction sites can be a dangerous place when accidents happen. Unfortunately, accidents in a construction can lead to a worker being hurt or killed, especially during a scaffolding collapse or fall.

If you have suffered injuries like this, contact our construction accident lawyers in New Jersey for help. We will assess your case and provide options for pursuing the highest possible settlement.

To explore your case, call us today to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.