Louisiana Scaffolding Accident Attorneys

Representing Workers in Scaffolding Accident Claims in Baton Rouge & New Orleans

Construction sites are dangerous places, and workers are at constant risk of injury. A significant number of construction workers have to work at heights on scaffolds, and there are many safety regulations in place to prevent falls from scaffolding and other accidents. When employers and contractors fail to comply with safety rules, workers can suffer severe harm. If you were injured in a scaffolding accident, you should consult the Louisiana scaffolding accident lawyers at Clayton, Frugé & Ward to discuss your case. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Call (225) 209-9943 or contact Clayton, Frugé & Ward online to speak with an experienced scaffolding accident lawyer.

Causes of Scaffolding Accidents

Scaffolding accidents can happen in a number of ways. In some cases, workers fall from the scaffolding due to a lack of guardrails, a lack of fall protection, or a defective ladder. In other cases, the scaffolding itself may collapse, causing workers to fall. In still other cases, debris, tools, or other objects may fall from the scaffolding and strike workers on the ground. When a worker is injured in a scaffolding accident, they can file a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits without needing to prove fault. However, if a third party was responsible for the accident, the worker can also file a personal injury lawsuit against that party.

Who Is Liable for Scaffolding Accidents?

If a worker is injured in a scaffolding accident, they may be able to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for the accident. This is in addition to the workers’ compensation claim they can file against their employer. If a third party contractor was responsible for the accident, the worker can sue that contractor. If a defective product caused the accident, the worker can sue the manufacturer of the product. If the scaffolding was not properly maintained, the worker can sue the company that was responsible for maintenance. In some cases, the worker may be able to sue multiple parties for a scaffolding accident.

What to Do After a Scaffolding Accident

After a scaffolding accident, you should report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. You should also seek medical attention right away, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries may not be apparent right away, and if you wait to see a doctor, the insurance company may argue that you were not seriously injured. You should also take photos of the accident scene and get the names and contact information of any witnesses. This evidence can be helpful in establishing liability for the accident.

What Are Common Injuries from Scaffolding Accidents?

Workers who fall from scaffolding or are struck by objects that fall from scaffolding can suffer severe injuries. Some injuries may even be fatal.

Injuries that are commonly suffered in scaffolding accidents include:

• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Amputations
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Soft tissue injuries
• Deep lacerations
• Burns
• Scarring and disfigurement

Statute of Limitations in Louisiana

After a scaffolding accident, you have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident, if the accident occurred on or after July 1, 2024. For incidents occurring before this date, as well as most product liability cases, you have just one year to file a lawsuit. If you do not file a lawsuit within this time frame, you will lose your right to recover compensation. 

The statute of limitations for a workers’ compensation claim is typically one year from the date of the accident. However, if you are receiving benefits from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company, you have three years from the date of the last payment of benefits to file a lawsuit.

Holding Companies Responsible for Scaffolding Accidents in Louisiana

Employers and contractors are required to follow safety regulations when erecting, maintaining, and dismantling scaffolds. They are also required to provide workers with fall protection equipment, such as harnesses and nets. When employers and contractors fail to follow safety rules, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries. The scaffolding accident attorneys at Clayton, Frugé & Ward can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Call our firm today at (225) 209-9943 to get started with a free case evaluation. We serve clients in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and throughout Louisiana.