New Jersey Scaffolding Accident Lawyer

Employees that work outside the buildings are more prone to scaffolding accidents.

Scaffolds are an essential part of New Jersey construction sites. According to OSHA, 2.3 million construction workers use scaffolds frequently while on the job. 

Every construction worker deserves a safe working environment. This means that scaffolds should be in good working order, and workers should be properly trained on how to use them. Both state and federal laws are in place to protect workers and site visitors from harm.

After a construction worker suffers a serious injury involving a scaffold, they need help from an experienced attorney. They could be entitled to money from a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party lawsuit if someone else’s negligence caused the injury. At Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., we have experience winning money for claims involving construction site injuries, and we can help you seek the money you deserve.

Why Choose Our NJ Scaffold Accident Attorneys?

If you’re looking for help after a scaffold accident injury, you’ve come to the right place. 

We know how to win construction site accidents. Throughout our 40 years of experience, we’ve helped over 35,000 clients get justice, totaling over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements. Some of our successful results for construction site accidents include:

  • A $1.3 million settlement involving a fall from a ladder on a construction site, resulting in disability and multiple fractures
  • A $3 million settlement (plus workers’ comp benefits) for a New Jersey security officer who tripped and fell on a sidewalk that was under construction. We successfully argued that the property owner and construction manager failed to maintain a safe construction site. 
  • An $850,000 settlement for a construction worker who tripped over loose debris and injured his leg. We represented him in his lawsuit, arguing that the general contractor, the property owner, and his employer failed to provide a safe working environment.

At Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., we have over 100 team members (including 12 certified civil trial attorneys) to help investigate and strengthen your scaffold accident case. We are an aggressive firm that knows how to get results: 98 percent of our clients receive a verdict or settlement in their favor, and we examine every possible avenue when seeking money you could be owed following a scaffold accident.

We understand that trust is earned, and your choice of lawyer is a very important one. We want to make things as easy as possible for you, so we’re happy to meet with you in person or virtually via FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom to discuss your potential case. If English is not your first language, rest assured that we have Spanish speakers on site, and translation services are available for Korean, Polish, Italian, Albanian, Portuguese, and many more. 

There is no charge to meet with us, and we only get paid if we recover money for you. Contact us today to get started.

Common Causes of Scaffolding Accidents in New Jersey

Scaffolding is a critical structure in numerous construction projects, enabling workers to reach heights safely and efficiently if used properly. Despite many strict safety regulations, accidents involving scaffolding are far too common in the construction industry. Here are some common causes:

  • Inadequate scaffold construction or assembly
  • Use of substandard or defective materials
  • Lack of guardrails or fall protection systems
  • Scaffold overload or poorly balanced loads
  • Slips and trips due to debris or tools left on the scaffold
  • Inadequate maintenance or inspection of scaffolding equipment
  • Lack of training or improper use by workers
  • Falling objects hitting the scaffold
  • Electrical accidents due to proximity to power lines

Common Injuries Sustained in Scaffolding Accidents

Scaffolding accidents can result in a range of injuries, from minor wounds to life-altering conditions. Here are some common injuries sustained in New Jersey scaffolding accidents:

Can I Claim Workers’ Comp After a Scaffolding Accident in New Jersey?

Workers’ compensation in New Jersey is designed to protect employees who suffer from injuries or illnesses due to their job duties. New Jersey requires all non-federal employers to carry workers’ comp insurance or qualify as self-insured. This protection extends to all types of employees, regardless of their role, full-time or part-time status, or their employer’s size.

Any injury or illness that occurs in the course of employment, including injuries from scaffolding accidents, can qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation law covers injuries that occur not only on your employer’s premises but also at other locations. 

Remember, eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits is not determined by who was at fault for the injury. As long as you were performing a task related to your job at the time of the incident, you should be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, reach out to our trusted scaffold accident lawyers to discuss the specifics of your case.

What’s Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation benefits in New Jersey offer a safety net for employees who sustain injuries due to their work. It provides several types of benefits aimed at addressing the various impacts an occupational injury could have on your life or your loved ones, such as:

  • Medical benefits – Coverage for all necessary and reasonable medical treatment connected to your scaffold injury. This encompasses immediate care and follow-up appointments, as well as specialist consultations, physical therapy, and rehabilitation services as necessary. 
  • Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits – If you cannot work due to a work-related scaffold injury, you could be entitled to TTD benefits. These benefits amount to approximately 70 percent of your average weekly wage, within certain minimum and maximum limits set by the state. These benefits kick in after a specified waiting period and continue until you can return to work or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).
  • Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits – If a work-related scaffolding accident leads to a permanent partial disability, you could receive PPD benefits. So, if you lose a body part or bodily function but can still work in some capacity, you could claim benefits based on the degree of your loss or disability. PPD benefit amounts are determined by a schedule of disabilities outlined by New Jersey workers’ compensation law.
  • Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits – If you cannot return to any kind of gainful employment, you could qualify for PTD benefits. These benefits apply when an injury completely impairs your ability to work, either due to the loss of a critical physical function or severe cognitive impairment. These benefits are paid for an initial period of 450 weeks but could continue beyond that period in some cases.
  • Death benefits – If a worker dies due to a work-related scaffolding incident, their dependents could be entitled to death benefits from workers’ compensation. These benefits typically include money for funeral expenses and a portion of the deceased worker’s wages.

Third-Party Claims (Claims Against Others Besides Your Employer)

In a scaffolding accident, your employer may not be the only responsible party. You may also be able to pursue additional damages for injuries or death in a scaffolding collapse or fall caused by:

  • Ladder accidents
  • Falling debris or equipment
  • Forklifts, cranes, or construction trucks
  • Unsafe working conditions
  • Scaffolding design defects or manufacturing flaws

Our construction accidents & injuries attorneys can investigate your case and determine whether you have grounds to file a third-party claim in addition to workers’ compensation. 

Some typical Third-Party Defendants other than your employer are:

  • The general contractors
  • The construction site safety engineer
  • Architects and engineers
  • Other sub-contractors
  • Scaffolding erectors and contractors
  • Truck drivers and crane operators

You may also be able to sue your employer if they were grossly negligent in violation of OSHA laws.

Talk to an Experienced Scaffolding Accident Lawyer in New Jersey Today

We have the experience and resources needed to determine the cause of a scaffolding accident. We launch a detailed investigation into events leading up to, during, and following the incident. We consult with product engineers, medical experts, and other specialists to build a case against all potentially negligent parties. Our firm presents your case using cutting-edge courtroom technology that clearly illustrates why you are entitled to money for your injuries, pain and suffering, and changes to your quality of life.

Don’t let the challenges of a workers’ compensation claim overwhelm you. With Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., you have a dedicated team ready to advocate for your rights. Let us put our 40+ years of experience to work for you. Contact us now for a free initial consultation with our NJ scaffolding accident attorneys.

This article was previously published in December 2017 and updated for relevance in April 2025.