There are few things more frightening than falling from a scaffold. Unfortunately, these are among the most common construction site accidents. If you are someone who recently fell from a scaffold and you have been hurt, you are most likely looking into filing a personal injury claim. Please continue reading and speak with our Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys to learn more about construction accidents and how we can help you through the claims process ahead. Here are some of the questions you may have:
How do scaffolding accidents happen?
Scaffolding accidents happen for a wide range of reasons, though they usually occur either when job sites fail to abide by the various safety regulations set out by OSHA, or when scaffolds are defective (product liability). If you were injured on a scaffold due to no fault of your own, there is a very good chance that you will qualify for compensation.
What should I do if I am injured in a scaffolding accident?
If you are injured in a scaffolding accident, you should take several steps to document the incident, as long as you are physically capable. Those steps are as follows:
- Notify your supervisor that you have been hurt.
- Ask any witnesses of the accident for their name and phone number.
- Take pictures of the cause of your injuries.
- Receive medical attention immediately and ask your doctor for all documentation/bills associated with your injuries.
- Retain the services of an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney who can gather all additional evidence needed to satisfy the burden of proof. Keep in mind that in most cases, when someone is injured in a construction accident, we will sue a liable third party. So, for example, if you were injured because of a negligent scaffold designer or manufacturer, we will sue them, instead of your employer, so that you can recover the compensation you need without losing your job over it.
What is the statute of limitations for third-party claims in Pennsylvania?
As with any other state, there is a statute of limitations in Pennsylvania regarding personal injury claims. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Pennsylvania is, under most circumstances, two years, which will give you two years from the date of your accident to sue a third party. That being said, you should understand that if you choose to wait to see if your injuries heal on their own and you pass the two-year mark, you will most likely be permanently barred from suing. We can begin fighting for the compensation you deserve today.
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Friedman Schuman is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We proudly serve clients facing a wide range of legal matters. If you require the services of an effective attorney, please contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
