Accidents on a construction site generally lead to devastating injuries that might take a lifetime to heal. Unfortunately, officials often attribute numerous types of accidents to the negligence of a third party. For example, when a scaffold collapses, it could be due to defective materials selected by the manufacturing company or shoddy workmanship on the part of the subcontractor tasked with erecting the structure.
Issues that can ultimately lead to a scaffolding failing on a construction site include:
- Poor design
- Lack of safety features
- Faulty welds
- Fatigued materials
- Substandard materials
- Materials that do not meet industry safety regulations
- Improper assembly
- Poorly presented training materials
Unfortunately, even when a construction worker takes all the necessary precautions and the worker outfits himself or herself with the required safety gear, accidents happen. It is not uncommon for experts to trace those accidents to a third party.
Third party liability is a phrase used when an individual or company other than the employer is the cause of the accident. The manufacturer of a power tool that misfires, for example, is a third party to any injuries suffered. Similarly, negligent design or assembly of critical structures can lead to devastating injuries.
It can be challenging to prove third party liability in a serious construction accident. Officials generally consider construction work an “at risk” occupation meaning that workers face hazards on nearly every shift. Ladder falls and scaffolding collapse, however, can lead to catastrophic, life-altering injuries.
Construction workers can suffer severe injuries and deadly conditions as a result of mishaps. Falls from height can lead to broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord damage and amputation. Serious consequences can include paralysis or death.