Who’s Responsible for a Scaffolding Injury?  

Every day, construction workers rely on scaffolding to complete their tasks. But scaffolding accidents are far too common, causing over 4,500 injuries and 50 tragic deaths each year. Unfortunately, determining who is at fault can be overwhelming for injured workers and their families, leaving many without the compensation they deserve.  

At Brassfield & Krueger, we’ve been fighting for scaffolding accident victims for over 75 years. We’re here to help you get the answers and compensation you need. In this post, we’ll break down common scaffolding injuries, who might be responsible for them, and how to protect your rights.  

The Most Common Scaffolding Injuries

Scaffolding accidents often lead to serious injuries. Here are the most common ones:  

• Broken Bones: A fall or collapse can cause fractures in arms, legs, ribs, or other bones.  
• Spinal Injuries: Falling from heights may lead to spinal cord damage, including paralysis.  
• Brain Injuries: Without proper head protection, falling debris or a fall can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) like concussions.  
• Deep Cuts or Puncture Wounds: Sharp edges, nails, or debris can cause severe lacerations or puncture wounds.  
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a fall may damage internal organs, requiring immediate care.  

These injuries can be life-changing, making it crucial to know who’s responsible and what steps to take.  

Who’s Liable for Scaffolding Accidents?

Several parties may share responsibility for scaffolding accidents. Here’s a closer look at who could be held accountable:  

1. Employers

Employers are required to create a safe work environment. They can be liable for accidents if they:  

• Fail to train workers on scaffold safety.  
• Skip regular safety inspections.  
• Ignore weight limits or other safety standards.  

2. General Contractors

General contractors oversee the construction site and must check that scaffolding is properly assembled, leveled, and secure. They might be responsible if they:  

• Allow rushed or improper scaffold assembly.  
• Fail to enforce safety measures, such as fall protection or preventing overloading.  
• Neglect hazards like nearby power lines.  

3. Property Owners

If property owners have control over the job site, they must maintain its safety. They could be held liable if they:  

• Ignore known hazards.  
• Fail to set up safety measures for construction workers.  

4. Scaffolding Manufacturers

Manufacturers are responsible for creating safe, reliable scaffolding and providing clear safety guidelines. They may be liable if scaffolding fails due to:  

• Design defects.  
• Manufacturing flaws.  
• Inadequate safety warnings or instructions.  

Identifying who’s at fault is key to holding the right parties accountable and securing comprehensive compensation.

Your Legal Options After a Scaffolding Injury

If you’ve been injured in a scaffolding accident, you have two main legal options:  

Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is available to most injured construction workers, regardless of who’s at fault. It typically covers:  

• Medical expenses.  
• Lost wages.  
• Disability payments.  
• Vocational rehabilitation.  

However, workers’ compensation doesn’t cover everything, such as pain and suffering or full loss of income.  

Third-Party Lawsuits

If someone other than your employer contributed to the accident, you may also file a personal injury lawsuit. These claims can target:  

• General contractors.  
• Property owners.  
• Equipment manufacturers.  

Third-party lawsuits allow you to seek compensation beyond workers’ comp, including pain and suffering, full lost income, and long-term earning potential.  

Get Help from Experienced Scaffolding Injury Lawyers

Navigating scaffolding injury claims can get complicated. That’s why you need an experienced legal team on your side.  

At Brassfield & Krueger, we’ve spent over 75 years helping accident victims in Rockford. We’ll investigate your case, identify responsible parties, and fight for what you deserve.

Don’t let confusion stop you from getting the support you need. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.