South Carolina Scaffolding Accidents

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Many South Carolina worksites rely on ladders and scaffolding to access high areas. While these tools are essential, they pose major risks of injury or death if not used correctly. That’s why federal and South Carolina state regulations have strict guidelines on how scaffolding and ladders be used in work settings to minimize the danger of falls.

When mistakes happen or when employers ignore safety rules and regulations workers get hurt. Fortunately, South Carolina’s workers’ compensation system offers a crucial lifeline for injured workers in their time of need, regardless of who was at-fault for the injury. Falls can leave injured workers temporarily or permanently disabled, resulting in extended income loss on top of medical expenses. However, receiving medical treatment and compensation is not always straightforward.

If you have been impacted by a scaffolding accident or ladder fall at work, it is crucial to understand your rights. At Joye Law Firm, our experienced scaffold injury lawyers can help determine what compensation you may be due and fight to maximize what you receive.

Call Joye Law Firm now for a free review of your claim and advice about your legal rights.

The Dangers of Scaffolding and Ladder Accidents

Falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities, particularly in construction. In 2021, they caused nearly 1 in 5 workplace deaths in the construction industry. Just over one-third of the construction deaths were due to falls, slips, and trips. Of these, almost all were from falls to a lower level. The construction industry accounted for 46.2 percent of all fatal workplace falls, slips, and trips in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Injuries from scaffold accidents can include:

Real Results for Real Clients

At Joye Law Firm, we are committed to fighting for injured workers and securing the compensation they need to move forward. Workplace accidents can have life-changing consequences, and navigating the workers’ compensation system alone can be overwhelming. Our experienced attorneys understand the challenges injured workers face, and we work tirelessly to ensure they receive the benefits they deserve.

For example, a worker at a metal supply company in Berkeley County tore his meniscus and MCL after slipping off an oily ladder. Despite surgery and therapy, he suffered ongoing hip pain and was left unable to return to work. Attorney Matt Jackson, head of Joye Law Firm’s Workers’ Comp department, took on the case, identifying additional injuries and building a strong argument that the worker was Totally and Permanently Disabled.

Through persistence and legal expertise, Attorney Jackson secured a $300,000 settlement, ensuring the client could support himself and his family despite his career-ending injuries. This case highlights the importance of proper reporting and skilled legal representation to achieve fair compensation for workplace injuries.

Jobs That Commonly Require Ladders and Scaffolding

Many professionals rely on ladders and scaffolding to safely perform their job duties at elevated heights. Workers across various industries frequently use these tools, including:

Construction workers – Build, repair, and maintain structures
Roofers – Install and replace roofing materials on homes and commercial buildings
Painters – Paint high walls, ceilings, and exterior surfaces
Electricians – Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in elevated areas
Window cleaners – Clean windows on multi-story buildings
Maintenance personnel – Perform facility repairs, HVAC work, and other upkeep
Sign and banner installers – Mount signs and billboards on buildings and poles
Tree trimmers and arborists – Prune and remove trees using ladders or bucket lifts
Telecom and cable installers – Set up and repair communication lines, satellite dishes, and cable systems
Firefighters – Use ladders in rescue operations and firefighting efforts
Utility workers – Maintain power lines, transformers, and streetlights
Warehouse workers – Access high shelving units and storage areas
Film and stage crew members – Set up rigging, lighting, and backdrops for performances
Chimney sweeps – Clean and inspect chimneys and fireplaces
Gutter installers and cleaners – Install, repair, and maintain gutter systems
Solar panel installers – Install and maintain rooftop solar energy systems
Bridge and tower inspectors – Conduct safety inspections on bridges, water towers, and cell towers
Aircraft technicians – Service and repair aircraft components at elevated heights
Theme park workers – Inspect and repair rides, attractions, and lighting structures
Flagpole and monument maintenance workers – Install and maintain flagpoles, statues, and large monuments

These are just a few examples of professions where working at heights is a daily necessity. Whether workers depend on ladders and scaffolding every day or only occasionally, proper training and safety precautions are essential.

OSHA’s standards require employers to have a qualified person provide training to all employees who work on a scaffold or use a ladder as part of their job. The training must enable employees to spot the hazards associated with the type of scaffold or ladder being used and to understand the ways to control or minimize those hazards.

Steps to Take After a Scaffolding or Ladder Fall

If you’ve been injured in a scaffolding or ladder fall at a construction site, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and your right to compensation. Here’s what to do:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, injuries like concussions, fractures, or internal damage may not be immediately apparent. A medical evaluation will document your injuries, which is crucial for your claim.
Report the Accident to Your Employer
Notify your supervisor or employer about the incident as soon as possible. Under South Carolina law, workplace injuries must be reported within 90 days to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Provide a written report and keep a copy for your records.
Document the Scene and Your Injuries
If you are able, take photos or videos of the accident site, including the scaffolding or ladder, any hazardous conditions, and visible injuries. Collect witness contact information in case their statements are needed later.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
After you have reported your work injury and received emergency care, you can file a workers’ compensation claim by sending in a completed Form 50 to the S.C. Workers’ Compensation Commission. Typically, your employer will handle filing your workers’ compensation claim, but many workers find themselves in situations where their employer refuses to cooperate. If you’re dealing with a hostile or indifferent employer, do not wait to seek legal representation.
Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan
Adhering to prescribed medical treatments and attending all follow-up appointments will strengthen your case and help demonstrate the severity of your injuries. Failing to follow medical advice can be used against you by insurers. In South Carolina, you must see the medical providers appointed to you by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider. However, if you do not feel you are receiving the care you need, it’s possible to get a second opinion through an Independent Medical Examination, however, you will need permission from the SCWCC to receive an IME.
Consult a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be complex, especially if your claim is disputed or denied. The experienced workers’ comp attorneys at Joye Law Firm can help you pursue the full benefits you are entitled to, from medical expenses to permanent disability compensation, if applicable. We’ve helped tens of thousands of injured South Carolinians, and we’re ready to help you too. If you or someone dear to you has been hurt in a scaffolding or ladder fall, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

Additional Compensation After a Scaffold Accident

Falling from a scaffold or ladder is no small thing. Recovery can be painful, expensive, and drag on for months – or even years. For many injured workers, going back to work just isn’t possible.

Here’s a tough reality: in cases of a serious injury from a fall, workers’ compensation doesn’t cover everything. It helps with some medical bills and a portion of lost income, but pays nothing for pain and suffering.

Workers cannot sue their direct employer for an occupational injury, but you may be able to file a lawsuit if there was a third party responsible for causing or contributing to the accident. If a party other than the employer was responsible for an injury, a workers’ compensation claim combined with a lawsuit against the negligent third party may be an option. A third-party claim could seek compensation for pain and suffering and any additional damages.

Third-Party Claims

Under South Carolina law, workers’ compensation is an “exclusive remedy,” and it bars employees from suing their employers in court over workplace accidents. However, if someone other than your employer contributed to your injury, you may be able to pursue additional personal injury claims against those parties.

For example, if a fall from a scaffold occurred because the scaffold was unsafe or erected improperly, you may be able to sue the scaffold manufacturer.. Or, if a contractor with another company contributed to conditions that led to the worker’s fall and injury, that person’s employer may also be on the hook.

Every aspect of a workplace injury should be investigated by a qualified investigator who has the injured worker’s best interests in mind. Joye Law Firm conducts such investigations for South Carolina workers injured in falls from scaffolds and ladders.

We work hard to evaluate the facts of work site accidents to determine which parties may be potentially liable, and what legal remedies may be pursued to ensure maximum financial benefits for our clients.