Expert Representation for Scaffold-Related Injuries and Deaths in California
Scaffolding accidents at construction sites are devastating, often resulting in severe injury or wrongful death. At Hillstone Law, we have specialized experience handling scaffold injury cases across California including falls, collapse incidents, and equipment failures. We offer 24/7 support, free consultations, and work on a contingency‑fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Dangerous Realities of Scaffolding Work
- Scaffolding accidents cause approximately 80 fatalities and over 10,000 injuries per year, representing nearly 10% of all construction deaths nationwide.
- Nearly 30% of all fatal falls in construction involve scaffolding or ladders.
- In California, construction accounts for about 17% of all workplace fatalities approximately 465 deaths annually and scaffolding is a frequent culprit in falls from elevated heights.
Common Scaffolding Accident Situations
Scaffold injuries can stem from various unsafe conditions:
- Falls from unguarded platforms scaffolding lacking guardrails, toe boards, or proper planking
- Structural collapse caused by overloading, improper assembly, or inadequate anchoring
- Unstable footing or base, without sole boards, level ground, or secure foundation
- Worker inexperience or lack of training, particularly around installing, climbing, or moving scaffolding
- Defective or poorly maintained components, such as corroded couplers or loose decking
It’s estimated that up to 70% of scaffold accidents could be prevented with proper safety enforcement.
Typical Injuries from Scaffolding Incidents
Victims commonly experience:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and skull fractures
- Spinal cord injuries, paralysis, or severe back trauma
- Multiple fractures, crush injuries, or amputations
- Internal organ damage or serious hemorrhage
- Soft‑tissue injuries, sprains, whiplash and emotional trauma including PTSD
- In fatal cases, families may pursue wrongful death claims to recover medical costs, funeral expenses, and grief damages
Compensation Options in California
Economic Damages:
- Immediate and long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and surgery
- Lost wages and diminished future income
- Property damage, if personal belongings were affected
Non‑Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering, emotional hardship, diminished quality of life
Wrongful Death Claims:
- Funeral expenses, loss of support, and emotional loss compensation
Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can recover even if partially at fault, your award is simply reduced proportionally.
Identifying Responsible Parties
Potential defendants may include:
- General contractors or subcontractors, for failing to maintain safe scaffolding
- Property owners, where leasing and supervision obligations are applicable
- Equipment providers or installers, when scaffolding components are faulty
- Third-party contractors or manufacturers, especially if assembly errors or design defects contributed
Hillstone Law collaborates with safety analysts, accident reconstructionists, and medical professionals to build cases that hold all negligent parties accountable.
Why Choose Hillstone Law
- Proven success recovering millions for California construction-related injury victims
- Prompt evidence collection, site photos, OSHA logs, incident reports, surveillance video
- Expert collaboration across the fields of site safety, medicine, and financial loss analysis
- Truly contingent representation, you pay nothing unless compensation is secured
- California-wide service: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, and beyond
Act Now, Time Is Critical
- Construction injury and wrongful death claims typically must be filed within two years of the accident date.
- In cases involving government entities, deadlines may be shorter.
- Early legal intervention ensures preservation of evidence that could otherwise be lost or altered.
What to Do If You’re Injured in a Scaffolding Accident
- Get medical attention immediately, even for subtle symptoms
- Document the site, take photos or video of the scaffold, condition, and surroundings
- Seek an incident report from your employer or site management
- Collect witness details, including names and contact information
- Avoid signing documents or giving recorded statements before consulting an attorney
- Contact Hillstone Law promptly, we preserve evidence and defend your legal rights from the start
Scaffolding Accident at a Glance
| Topic | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| Annual Scaffold Deaths | ~80 deaths, ~10,000 injuries nationwide |
| Role in Fatal Falls | ~30% of workplace fall fatalities |
| Leading Causes | Fall from height, collapse, defective assembly |
| Typical Injuries | TBIs, fractures, paralysis, amputations |
| Liability Sources | Contractors, equipment providers, owners, third parties |
| Available Damages | Economic, non-economic, wrongful death |
| Fault Rule (CA) | Pure comparative negligence applies |
| Filing Deadline | Usually 2 years (shorter for government cases) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay anything upfront?
No, our services are on contingency. You only pay if we win compensation for you.
What if I’m partly responsible for the fall?
California law allows you to recover your award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
Can I file a claim if I already received workers’ comp?
Yes. Workers’ comp may cover medical care and partial wage loss, but you may also pursue third-party liability claims for full damages.
How long will it take?
Most scaffold injury claims resolve in 9 to 18 months, depending on complexity and severity.
Contact Hillstone Law Today
If you or a loved one suffered an injury or worse in a scaffolding accident anywhere in California, don’t delay. Contact Hillstone Law for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll gather evidence, assess liability, and fight to secure the maximum compensation you deserve, while you focus on recovery.
