Working on scaffolding should not be more dangerous than working at ground level, provided it is installed correctly and you are given appropriate safety equipment. Unfortunately, employers—and sometimes even employees—fail to act responsibly around these structures and cause life-altering accidents as a result.
You may be able to seek workers’ compensation benefits through your employer’s coverage if you have been seriously hurt due to an incident like this. However, this may be difficult without a skilled workers’ compensation attorney’s help. Contact a Waukegan scaffolding accident injury lawyer for legal assistance after an accident of this nature.
Falls from heights are among the most common and dangerous types of accidents affecting those who work on scaffolding. Many factors related to employer and employee negligence could increase the risk of a scaffolding injury occurring, including:
Regardless of exactly how a scaffolding accident occurs or what injuries are sustained, workers’ comp benefits may only be available to injured workers who are considered employees of the company and were injured while performing work-related tasks. In other words, injuries caused by horseplay or other negligent behaviors may not be covered. A seasoned attorney could help establish your eligibility with evidence after you have been hurt in a scaffolding accident on a Waukegan worksite.
If a qualifying employee, you could seek full reimbursement for all scaffolding injury-related medical expenses through workers’ compensation. To do so, you may have to prove the expenses were reasonably necessary to reach “maximum medical improvement” as determined by your doctors. Maximum medical improvement refers to the point at which injuries caused by a work-related accident cannot be expected to heal any further, and any lingering effects are reasonably considered permanent.
In addition, you could seek temporary—or, if you have suffered an irreversible and debilitating injury, permanent—disability benefits through workers’ comp. These are typically valued at two-thirds of your average weekly wage prior to the scaffolding accident, but a Waukegan attorney could further explain potential changes to this formula.
Every work task involving scaffolding has the potential to result in serious physical harm. This does not mean you have to accept that risk without the possibility of recovery after an accident. Depending on your employment status and who was involved in your accident, you may have multiple options for seeking financial restitution.
Representation from a Waukegan scaffolding accident injury lawyer could be vital in getting paid fairly for the damages you have sustained. Call today to learn how our team of bilingual legal professionals could help with your unique claim.
