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Scaffolding Accidents at Work: Scaffolding Injury Compensation Claims
Have you, or a loved one been involved in a Scaffolding Accident as a result of someone else’s negligence?
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured as a result of a scaffolding accident and you believe poor construction, poor maintenance, negligence or misuse was to blame, then you should seek legal advice regarding Injury compensation. Contact one of our expert Accidents at Work Solicitors in Manchester today for a free, initial consultation.
We will advise you with a high degree of certainty whether there is a legal case to be answered and whether your specific case has a high chance of success.
At Sheldon Davidson Solicitors, we pride ourselves first and foremost on our personal and compassionate approach. We recognise that sometimes even making that first call can be extremely daunting, for some, making an injury claim can be their first-ever experience of engaging a law firm to act on their behalf. Rest assured that we are experts in our field and from the outset, we will make you feel at ease.
Sheldon Davidson will take control of the claims process and the workload, leaving you to concentrate on making the best recovery possible. We work hard for all those we represent we will act decisively to ensure your voice is heard and justice is done.
For many tradespeople, we are the go-to personal injury experts for the Greater Manchester area and we have many years of experience and a track record of success that speaks for itself. Make that call today and let us fight your corner all the way.
Why is scaffolding related to so many accidents?
Scaffolding is an integral aspect of most construction projects, residential or commercial. It is used in the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings and bridges and if constructed properly is much safer and more effective than a ladder. Unsafe scaffolding, however, is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or even death.
In fact, the majority of workplace deaths are due to falls from height, which makes working on scaffolding one of the most dangerous work activities in the country.
Scaffolding does not just pose a risk to those people working on it though. It can also pose a danger to others working, or walking underneath it, especially if poorly constructed.
Under the Health & Safety at work Act 1974 Employers have a legal obligation to ensure any scaffolding structure they are responsible for is properly constructed and that it is inspected regularly to make sure it has not been altered or weakened by bad weather.
Types of injury sustained in Scaffolding Accidents
Due to the fact that scaffolding involves working at height, the tiniest mistake can have grave consequences. For this reason, employers and contractors do take the risks very seriously and every step is taken to safeguard against accidents and injury.
However, mistakes do happen and unfortunately, accidents also happen. The most common types of injuries sustained as a result of a scaffolding accident include:
- Slips, trips and falls on the scaffolding board
- Fractures to arms, legs, back and neck as a result of a fall from height
- Being struck by falling objects, such as tools or debris
- Electrocution and burns from powerlines running overhead
- Being crushed when scaffolding partially or completely collapses
The above list is not exhaustive, but it provides an indication of the varied types of accidents and resulting injuries that can be sustained during scaffolding accidents.
Making a claim for a Scaffolding Accident
Obviously, to build a solid compensation claim for any type of workplace accident there needs to be evidence that someone acted negligently i.e. a liable party. This will eventually be the party deemed liable to pay the damages by the court.
In terms of scaffolding accidents, it is necessary to prove that either the structure was defective when it was erected, or that the structure was not properly maintained or inspected as per safety regulations, or that working practices were not adequate so as to ensure the safety of all workers at all times.
The types of evidence that could be used in building and strengthening such a claim could be:
- Photographic evidence of the accident site
- Photographic evidence of the scaffolding structure
- Photographic evidence of the injuries sustained
- Any CCTV evidence if available
- Witness testimony
- Testimonies from workers regarding:
- common working practices
- approach to Health and Safety regulations
- proper training provision
- working at height regulations
- whether PPE regulations were enforced on the site
The above list is for guidance only and is in no way exhaustive. Our team of experts will work closely with you to build the evidence required to maximise the chances of success and also the resulting financial compensation award.
How much can I claim for a Scaffolding Accident?
Since the circumstances of every accident are unique it is not possible to provide a definitive figure upfront, but our expert team will be able to provide some guidance on the sums awarded for similar cases. When awarding financial compensation, the court considers two types of damages:
General Damages: this sum is awarded for pain, suffering and the impact on the injured person’s everyday life looking into the future, such as being unable to pursue hobbies once enjoyed, or being able to return to a career they have worked hard to build.
Special Damages: this sum is awarded for out of pocket expenses and is therefore much easier to calculate. It is intended to reimburse the injured person for things such as medical costs, loss of earnings, adaptations to the home etc. It is largely intended to put the injured person and their family back in the financial position they would have been in, had the accident not occurred.
In choosing Sheldon Davidson to act on your behalf you can be confident that we will fight with all our legal might to secure the highest sum possible for the injuries and suffering sustained.
Call us today for that free, initial consultation and start the process to get the justice you deserve.
Why choose us?
Established Manchester in 1997, we are a leading specialist personal injury, accident and medical negligence law firm acting for claimants who are victims of non-fault incidents.
Our team of Accident at Work Claims Solicitors in Manchester, act regularly for clients across Greater Manchester including Ashton, Bury, Bolton, Radcliffe, Prestwich, Middleton, Failsworth, Rochdale, Oldham and Whitefield.
Our Injury at Work Lawyers, experienced in scaffolding accident claims, can support your needs wherever you live in Wales, England & Northern Ireland.
We specialise in no win no fee personal injury compensation claims, which means if you don't win, you won't have to pay.
Call us for free now using the number at the top of the page or complete the online contact form and a member of our team will get back to you.
Sheldon Davidson Solicitors are a Lexcel accredited law firm. The Lexcel standard is only awarded by the Law Society to firms who meet the highest standards of practice management and customer service. With Sheldon Davidson Solicitors in Whitefield, Manchester you can be confident that your claim is in safe hands.
