Workers’ Compensation for Scaffolding & Ladder Accidents in Florida

Common Ladder and Scaffolding Accidents That Injure Florida Workers

By their very nature, ladders and scaffolding pose risks to those who perform work from heights and to workers near or under these pieces of equipment. Scaffolding and ladder accidents may include:

• Falls from heights
• Falling objects, including tools and debris
• Equipment collapse
• Machinery or motor vehicle accidents with or near work equipment
• Unsafe working conditions or negligence
• Lack of or inadequate safety gear, including PPE and fall arrest systems

No matter who is at fault for such accidents, you are likely eligible for workers’ compensation for scaffolding and ladder accidents in Florida. You may also be able to recover compensation through other means. If you have been hurt in any workplace accident, our workers’ compensation attorneys can teach you about your options.

Injuries That Can Result From Ladder and Scaffolding Accidents

The types of accidents listed above may result in life-altering injuries, including but not limited to:

• Crushed or broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries and brain damage
• Back, spine, and spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Nerve damage
• Muscle damage

If you are unable to work for any period of time after a workplace accident, call us today. The Florida falls from height accident lawyers at Rosenberg & Rosenberg will charge no attorneys’ fees until you get your money.

Why Scaffolding and Ladder Injuries Occur, and How to Prevent Them

While you have the right to workers’ comp benefits regardless of who was at fault, it is still important to figure out how your accident happened and who might be to blame. If a third party’s negligence contributed to your accident, you may have additional ways to recover compensation besides applying for workers’ compensation.

Scaffolding and ladder injuries may occur if:

• The equipment is not set up properly
• The employer deliberately purchases equipment that is not suitable for the task in order to save money
• Workers are not provided with adequate fall protection
• Workers are not trained how to work safely around heights
• A worker is careless and deliberately disregards the rules, resulting in an injury to another worker

Preventing Scaffolding and Ladder Accidents in the Workplace

Your employer is responsible for ensuring that workers are protected as much as possible. They should always comply with state and federal laws to create the safest possible work environment, especially if they are in an industry (construction, manufacturing, etc.) that is known for being dangerous.

If you notice your employer or a third-party contractor has failed to protect worker safety, you have the right to file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You can do so online, by phone, by email, or by visiting one of their offices. OSHA’s Florida offices are located in:

• Fort Lauderdale
• Jacksonville
• Tampa
• Orlando
• Mobile (Alabama)

Taking Precautions Against Fall Accidents Can Save Lives

Falls are among the leading causes of injuries and death among Florida workers. Data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that, in 2022:

• The rate of fall accident fatalities in Florida was much higher than it was in the United States generally
• A quarter of all Florida workplace fatalities were caused by falls, trips, and slips
• Only transportation accidents caused more deaths among Florida workers

This danger is especially prevalent for workers who regularly perform duties from heights using scaffolding and ladders. Rosenberg & Rosenberg is here to advocate for all workers who were injured in a scaffolding or ladder accident, no matter what industry they are in.

Seeking Compensation for Scaffolding and Ladder Accidents in Florida

You may be entitled to more than just workers’ compensation benefits, depending on the circumstances surrounding your case. Our team of Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers can help you evaluate the merits of each type of claim so you can choose the most appropriate path.

You may have the following options:

You Can File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Most employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance, a no-fault form of insurance that allows employees injured on the job to obtain medical, wage replacement, and re-employment benefits regardless of who caused the accident. Death benefits are also available for families whose loved ones pass away, either immediately or after months of unsuccessful treatments, as a result of fatal workplace accidents.

While these benefits are a vital resource for injured workers who need treatment and income to make ends meet, the workers’ compensation process can be complex, confusing, and stringent. You would be required to:

• Report your injury to your employer within 30 days
• Make sure your employer reports the injury to their insurance company (or file the report yourself if they do not)
• Collect enough evidence to show the insurance company that your injury is work-related and that you deserve the benefits you are asking for
• File an appeal if the insurer refuses to approve your claim

The workers’ compensation lawyers at Rosenberg & Rosenberg can help you take the right steps to file a claim for benefits, avoid potential denials, and smooth your path to receiving compensation.

You Can File a Third-Party Personal Injury Accident Claim

While most workplace accidents result in workers’ comp claims, there are some situations where seeking compensation through a personal injury (or wrongful death) lawsuit may be the most appropriate option. This is typically the case when accidents and injuries are caused by the negligence of a third party. Consider these examples:

• If a negligent contractor on the worksite caused a scaffolding accident, our legal team can file a claim or lawsuit against that contractor.
• If a delivery driver ran into an occupied ladder, you could potentially sue both the driver and the company they work for.
• If your employer caused the accident through negligence, you cannot file a lawsuit. As long as they have workers’ compensation insurance, your only option is to file a workers’ comp claim, because this type of insurance protects your employer against legal actions from employees.

Personal injury claims require victims to prove how another’s negligence caused them harm. This is different from workers’ compensation claims, where you only have to prove you were injured on the job. Our attorneys can help you diligently investigate the accident, preserve evidence, and create sound arguments.

Personal injury lawsuits, unlike workers’ comp, can provide compensation for non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. A personal injury settlement is therefore likely to be larger than a workers’ compensation settlement.

Why Depend on Us for Help After a Scaffolding or Ladder Accident?

Over the years, as our firm has fought for victims and families across the state of Florida, we have demonstrated a passion for personalized service and step-by-step legal guidance. Our depth of experience in both workers’ comp and personal injury matters enables us to help clients pursue the maximum compensation possible for their injuries, even in the most challenging and complex cases.

Most importantly, Rosenberg & Rosenberg knows how to get results. In one past case, we won $350,000 for a man who required multiple surgeries after a fall from a ladder.

Our Lawyers Put Everything Into Clients’ Workers’ Compensation Cases

Workplace injuries can seriously disrupt your life. We commit all of our resources to helping you get the benefits you need, including:

• Offering a free case review that can be completed over the phone
• Putting an entire team of lawyers, including one of our partners, to work on every single case
• Managing your entire claim or lawsuit on your behalf, giving you more time to focus on your recovery
• Providing assistance in Spanish or Creole

Our workers’ comp attorneys can guide you through the process of seeking compensation so that you can feel confident in every decision you make.

Personalized Service and Proven Results From Our Florida Workers’ Comp Team

To learn how Rosenberg & Rosenberg can help you after a workplace accident involving a ladder or scaffold, call us today for your free consultation. Our team has recovered millions of dollars for our clients. It is our mission to make sure that everyone who needs workers’ compensation for scaffolding and ladder accidents in Florida gets the chance to pursue those benefits.