Scaffolding collapse accidents and falls from work site scaffolding are significant causes of deaths and severe injuries in the United States and South Carolina every year.
If you were injured in a scaffolding accident in Myrtle Beach, depending on the circumstances, you may have several options for pursuing compensation, including through a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit. The Myrtle Beach scaffold accident lawyers at Jebaily Law Firm are ready to evaluate your case and options for seeking maximum compensation.
Contact us today to set up a free consultation with our Myrtle Beach scaffold accident attorneys.
Why You Should Choose Our Myrtle Beach Scaffolding Accident Lawyers
Jebaily Law Firm’s team of personal injury lawyers is committed to helping construction workers and others injured in scaffolding accidents pursue the benefits they need following an injury. We can handle your case if you were injured as a pedestrian from objects falling off a scaffolding system or if you were working and were hurt in a scaffolding collapse.
As a scaffolding accident law firm in Myrtle Beach, we are well-equipped to assist injured workers in seeking maximum compensation for their injuries, whether through a third-party claim or a workers’ compensation case.
Jebaily Law Firm has been fighting for injured people in South Carolina for over 50 years. During that time, we’ve built an impressive track record of results for the individuals we represent. For example, we have secured numerous six-figure workers’ compensation awards, including $288,981.50 for a client who sustained a workplace head injury that led to paraplegia.
Because scaffold accidents require the legal skills and knowledge of a construction accident lawyer with experience in workers’ compensation and personal injury law, you will be in good hands with the attorneys at our firm.
Don’t just take our word for it. See what our former clients have to say about their experience at our law firm. For example, BJ Keith writes in a testimonial, “The team over at Jebaily Law Firm are without a doubt, the most reliable, the most dependable, and the most outstanding team you could ever want who’s going to have your back, and make things happen for you. They certainly did for me, and I will forever be grateful for them, and for their help throughout this particular time in my life.”
OSHA Regulations and Standards for Scaffolding
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established worker safety and fall-protection standards specifically for scaffolding. Each scaffold or scaffolding component must support its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load applied to it. Further, each scaffolding platform must be “fully planked or decked between the front uprights and the guardrail supports.”
In addition to these structural safeguards, OSHA requires employers to have a qualified trainer instruct all employees who work on a scaffold concerning safety. The training must allow employees to spot hazards associated with the kind of scaffold they will be working on so they better understand how to control or minimize the hazards of working on scaffolding. In addition to these federal regulations, the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health likewise has specific safety rules and regulations to promote safety and prevent accidents involving scaffolding.
Despite the extensive training and efforts to prevent injuries, construction accidents still happen that warrant retaining a scaffolding accident attorney as soon as possible. By quickly hiring our attorneys, we can be involved from the start of your case and can gather crucial evidence to support your claim that might not be available later.
Common Causes and Types of Scaffold Accidents in Myrtle Beach
Although every case is different and a scaffold accident can happen for many reasons, some common causes and types of scaffolding accidents in Myrtle Beach include:
- Negligent construction of the scaffolding
- Manufacturing defects in the scaffolding components
- Poor or inadequate maintenance of the scaffolding
- Insufficient safety training or a general disregard for minimum safety standards
- Lack of fall protection
- Failure to use safety equipment
- Failure to replace worn planking
- Working on scaffolding in inclement weather
- Failure to secure equipment and materials on the scaffolding
Types of Injuries from Scaffold Accidents in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The types and severity of injuries sustained in scaffolding accidents depend on how the accident occurred. For example, construction workers can fall from scaffolding, the scaffolding can collapse, or objects or equipment can fall from scaffolding, causing injuries to pedestrians below. These accidents can lead to a variety of life-altering injuries, including the following:
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back injuries
- Nerve damage
- Crush injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
Workers’ Comp and Third-Party Claims for Scaffold Injuries
If you were injured in a construction accident involving scaffolding at work and you’re covered by workers’ compensation insurance, you do not have to prove anyone was at fault for the accident when you file a claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC). Your lawyer will advise you concerning what workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to in your claim, including:
- Medical benefits – Workers’ compensation will cover the medical bills for necessary treatment for your workplace injuries.
- Partial wage-replacement benefits – Workers’ comp can replace some of your lost wages if you must miss work due to construction accident injuries. If you cannot work in any capacity, you can receive wage-replacement benefits at a rate of two-thirds of your average weekly wage. However, your benefits cannot exceed the maximum weekly compensation rate set by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. Total disability benefits can be paid for a maximum of 500 weeks.
- Disability benefits – If you suffer injuries in the scaffolding accident that result in permanent impairment, you can receive benefits based on the extent of your injuries.
While you do not have to prove your employer was responsible for your workplace accident to file a workers’ comp claim, your employer is protected from further liability in exchange for providing workers’ compensation insurance coverage. In other words, you cannot sue your employer for a workplace scaffolding accident.
If a third party other than your employer or a co-worker was at fault for the injuries you sustained on the job, you could be entitled to file a personal injury claim against them. The scaffolding accident attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm will review your case to determine whether a third party contributed to the accident that injured you and identify the best course of action. Successful third-party lawsuits can provide financial compensation beyond what is available from workers’ compensation, including full replacement of lost income and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Individuals who suffer injuries related to scaffolding but were not working on the equipment may also be eligible to file personal injury lawsuits, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
How Our Myrtle Beach Scaffolding Accident Lawyers Can Help
If you were hurt in a scaffolding accident in Myrtle Beach, you need legal support to pursue the compensation you deserve. At Jebaily Law Firm, we understand how difficult recovering from scaffolding injuries can be. Let our experienced Myrtle Beach construction accident lawyers help you.
Contact us today to get started with a free case evaluation to discuss your best legal options.
