Record Results in Scaffolding & Ladder Cases
When a young man was severely injured while working on scaffolding at a Lake Charles refinery, his family turned to Arnold & Itkin for help. He had been struck in the head by a 20-pound metal bar, which left him paralyzed and barely verbal—even though he was wearing a hard hat.
Our team secured a record $411 million verdict on our client's behalf, helping him and his family get the funds they need for his lifelong care.
Some of our other notable scaffolding and ladder accident results include:
- $5.5 million for a man who was severely injured in a scaffolding collapse.
- $2.7 million for a barge worker injured while crossing a ladder between vessels.
- $1.95 million for a deckhand who was seriously injured in a ladder fall.
- $1.65 million for an offshore worker who was knocked into scaffolding and injured.
- $1.4 million for a worker who fell from scaffolding because the railing buckled.
Scaffolding collapses, ladder falls, and similar incidents have the potential to completely alter the course of a person's life. As Houston scaffolding accident attorneys, we are committed to helping our clients recover the level of compensation that helps them truly rebuild and move forward. The results above are just a few examples of the outcomes we've been able to achieve in this area. If you or someone you love has been injured, we're standing by to help.
What Is Scaffolding?
Scaffolding is a temporary framework that supports workers and materials at elevated heights, allowing for tasks ranging from construction and renovation to maintenance and cleaning. When set up correctly, scaffolding boosts efficiency and safety by offering stable platforms in places that would otherwise be hard to reach. However, hasty assembly, poor planning, or the use of substandard materials can transform this critical safety tool into a life-threatening hazard.
Different worksites—like multi-story buildings, industrial facilities, and even maritime environments—need specialized scaffolds that withstand unique conditions such as high winds, rain, or saltwater exposure. While scaffolding is commonly built with steel or timber, some projects may use leftover scrap materials. Such improvised structures often fall short of safety standards and heighten the risk of collapse.
Common Types of Scaffolding
Factors like the project’s working height, required load capacity, and accessibility concerns all play a role in choosing the right type of scaffolding. Common types include:
Supported Scaffolds
Supported scaffolds use rigid supports like beams, brackets, or poles to hold one or more platforms. Variations include ladder jack and pump jack setups for smaller tasks, frame and tube/coupler scaffolding (used for building exteriors or interior fit-outs, thanks to flexibility in height adjustments), and mobile/rolling scaffolds, which are designed with casters for easy relocation. Pole and specialty systems may be used for unique structures where standard frames won’t fit.
Suspended Scaffolds
Suspended scaffolds hang from overhead supports using ropes or other flexible systems, making them a favorite for tasks such as window washing on high-rise buildings. Two-point adjustable (swing stage) scaffolds are the most common, featuring a platform suspended by two ropes that’s raised and lowered as needed. Multi-point adjustable, needle beam, and boatswain’s chair setups are designed for specific tasks where precise positioning is crucial.
Aerial Lifts
These basket-equipped systems—often called “cherry pickers” or scissor lifts—serve as mobile scaffolding solutions. Workers can maneuver the lift to changing job sites without disassembling a scaffold each time. Aerial lifts are particularly useful in maritime and industrial applications where conditions change rapidly or space is limited.
No matter which type of scaffold is chosen, strict attention to safety can’t be overlooked. That means abiding by weight limits, anchoring platforms correctly, and enforcing proper training for all personnel. Regular inspections must take place to catch issues before they escalate into accidents. When companies fail to follow established guidelines, they put everyone on the job at risk—something we at Arnold & Itkin strongly believe should never be tolerated.
Protection for Workers from Scaffolding Falls
The basic mission of OSHA is to implement regulations to keep workers safe at work. They do this by requiring employers to provide safe working conditions. When employers do not abide by these standards, they are disregarding the safety of their employees and can consequently be held liable if one of their employees falls from scaffolding. Employer negligence is one of the leading causes of workplace accidents.
Employers must provide employees with fall protection equipment. Per OSHA, fall protection must be provided when a worker is expected to work at a height of four feet or greater in regular work environments. Standards differ in certain industries. For example, shipyard workers must be equipped with fall protection at heights of five feet or greater. Construction workers must be equipped with fall protection at six feet or higher.
Employers are also required to provide floor guards in cases where there are holes in the floor. Floor guards are called "toe-boards" or simply "floor hole covers" in the construction industry. Platforms that are open-sided must have guardrails to decrease the risk of scaffolding falls as well. Loose decking is a common cause of accidents in construction. Although OSHA requires construction sites to be equipped with secure decking on scaffolding, many workers frequently operate on scaffolding without decking or with decking that has not been properly installed. Decking is required to ensure secure footing so a worker does not lose their balance and fall. If a worker does fall, they should be wearing a fall harness. Fall harnesses are only required in certain situations, so be sure to check about the necessity of this protective gear.
Under OSHA standards, employers must regularly inspect scaffolding and equipment before they are put to use. Inspections should be carried out by competent and qualified individuals who can identify potential hazards and implement corrective measures immediately. Comprehensive training programs for workers on scaffolding safety procedures can significantly minimize risks of injury and ensure compliance with federal requirements.
Click here to view a complete list of OSHA fall protection standards.
Scaffolding Collapse in Houston: Legal Considerations
In Houston, scaffolding collapses often come under scrutiny due to the high volume of construction and expansion throughout the city. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) governs safety for scaffolding and similar activities, complementing OSHA regulations. Comprehending these rules is essential for employers to avoid legal repercussions and protect their workers. The selection of scaffolding materials suitable for Houston's unique climate, characterized by high humidity and heat, is also crucial to prevent deterioration and ensure structural integrity. Failure to adhere to these standards can result in significant legal liabilities.
For those involved in scaffolding collapses, understanding the legal ramifications is critical. Affected parties may have grounds to pursue claims against negligent parties, including employers, contractors, or equipment manufacturers, if it can be demonstrated that safety regulations were not followed. Legal representation can aid in navigating these complex issues. At Arnold & Itkin, we ensure our clients in Houston understand their rights and options following such incidents, providing thorough legal support to secure rightful compensation for injuries and damages sustained.
Choosing the Right Legal Partner in Houston
Choosing a lawyer after a scaffolding accident is a critical decision. Houston's construction scene demands that legal partners understand not only the law but also the local construction environment. A firm like Arnold & Itkin, with extensive experience and a commitment to treating clients like family, stands out as an ideal choice. We offer experienced counsel and guidance through the maze of paper trails, evidence gathering, and negotiations involved in these cases.
Our track record of successful outcomes emphasizes our dedication to each client. Through a personalized approach, we provide not just advocacy, but also compassion and understanding during difficult times. If you or a loved one is facing the aftermath of a scaffolding accident in Houston, let us walk beside you, ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are protected, no matter the complexity of the situation you face.
Common Scaffolding Accident Injuries
In a Bureau of Labor and Statistics study, 72% of workers injured in scaffold accidents were hurt when planking or support gave way, or when they slipped or were struck by a falling object. These events can be prevented if construction sites comply with OSHA standards for scaffolds, yet all too many employers ignore these rules. When safety is not the employers' top priority, construction accidents are bound to occur. When the employees involved in construction are working at great heights, injuries sustained are usually catastrophic or even fatal.
- Falling from scaffolding due to lack of guardrails
- Scaffolding collapse due to improper construction or too much weight
- Falling objects hitting employees because the scaffolding zone was not restricted
- Electrocution due to scaffold construction in close proximity to power sources
- Pinched or crushed limbs sustained from improperly assembled scaffolding
Helping Victims of Ladder Falls in Texas & Nationwide
For many people, a ladder is just another tool for tasks like painting or installing fixtures. Yet, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, more than 500,000 people in the U.S. require treatment for ladder-related injuries each year—300 of whom lose their lives. Many of these tragedies occur at job sites, and many could be prevented if employers and product manufacturers followed proper safety guidelines. OSHA imposes rules to protect workers from faulty equipment and unsafe working conditions, but too often, these protections are ignored—with devastating results.
Common Causes & Hazards in Ladder Accidents
While an individual might take basic steps to stay safe, employers still bear primary responsibility for ensuring that ladders are stable, regularly inspected, and suitable for the job at hand. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen.
Unsafe conditions can include:
- Overloading: Using a ladder beyond its weight limit, often because the employer fails to provide equipment rated for necessary loads. Ladders must also have clear guidelines regarding weight limits.
- Wrong Ladder for the Job: Relying on lightweight or non-conductive ladders in the wrong environments—especially where electrical hazards are present—can put workers in danger.
- Improper Setup: Failing to secure the ladder on stable ground or mark off the surrounding area, allowing passersby, vehicles, or other equipment to collide with it.
- Lack of Inspection & Maintenance: Loose screws, bent supports, or slippery surfaces caused by oil or grease should prompt immediate repair or replacement, but these safety checks are often skipped.
Consequences of Negligence & Your Right to Compensation
Injuries from ladder and scaffolding falls can range from broken bones and concussions to severe spinal cord damage or even death. In addition to the physical and emotional toll, victims often face steep medical bills, lost wages, and long-term disability. The good news is that Texas law allows injured workers—or their families, in wrongful death cases—to pursue legal action against negligent parties.
Possible defendants include:
- Employers who fail to provide safe working conditions or adequate training.
- Manufacturers that produce defective ladders or components.
- Property owners who create hazards or don’t maintain safe premises for workers and visitors.
By holding these entities accountable, injured workers can secure compensation for medical care, ongoing rehabilitation, lost earnings, and more. Victims should document every aspect of their accident—photograph the scene, gather witness statements, and seek legal counsel as soon as possible.
A Houston Ladder Accident Lawyer Can Help
When employers or manufacturers cut corners, it’s workers who suffer the consequences. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a ladder accident, you deserve an advocate who will fight relentlessly to secure the compensation you need to move forward. Arnold & Itkin has a long track record of standing up to major corporations and insurance companies—even when they try to shift blame onto the injured.
Injured in a Ladder or Scaffolding Accident? Contact Arnold & Itkin Today!
If you were injured in a scaffolding accident while working at a construction job site or in a related field, then please do not hesitate to contact the Houston construction accident lawyers at Arnold & Itkin. Our firm has a history of representing numerous types of workers that are injured by employer or third-party negligence. We are passionate about securing workers' rights and benefits after accidents leading to serious injury or wrongful death. You deserve the best results, and we will fight to secure them. No matter what.
To learn more about getting nationally renowned representation, contact our firm at (888) 493-1629.
